Santa Monica Pier

A bustling boardwalk whose huge Ferris Wheel is the city's icon, with terrific coastline views of Malibu and the Southbay. The long pier holds Pacific Park, an old-fashioned amusement park with reasonable by-the-ride pricing, including a small roller coaster and the Ferris wheel. The Pier has restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and some street performers. At almost all hours you'll find at least a few people fishing as well. The Pier is within easy walking distance to the Promenade.

outdoors

Getting there: Ocean Front Walk At Seaside Terrace
Website: santamonicapier.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Santa Monica, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Do
Trapeze School New York
TSNY
Trapeze School New York at Santa Monica Pier is a school of flying trapeze and aerial arts open to the public and for all skill levels and ages. Also offered are corporate workshops, events and parties, birthday parties and performance workshops.
7 days a week$47-65
Eat
The Lobster
One of the few restaurants in Santa Monica that has a view of the Pacific Ocean. The Lobster provides good seafood dishes, great cocktails and a little bit of a scene. While a little noisy and on the expensive side (from $120 for two with alcohol), the food, fun and view can make it worthwhile.
Do
Santa Monica Beach
A large, wide, beautiful beach on either side of the pier. Perry's rents bikes and roller blades or bring your own for use on the world famous strand that links all of the Westside beach cities. For some of the best people watching in the world, follow the strand south a couple of miles to Venice Beach. Hire a bike or skates and travel along the cycle path (there are a number of shops to hire from around and on the pier).
Drink
Ye Olde Kings Head
Kings Head
British style pub that is a notable hangout for tourists, celebrities and locals. Favorite amongst local Brits to watch football and play pub quiz on Tuesdays. Has excellent fish and chips.