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Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier · Santa Monica, CA

Why you should go…

Opened in 1909, the pier anchors Pacific Park, a small seaside amusement park with rides, midway games, and an aquarium tucked underneath. Street performers, souvenir shops, and a wide public beach make it one of the busiest free stops on the Westside.

  • #pier
  • #beach
  • #amusement park
  • #route 66
  • #free

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Santa Monica Pier, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Santa Monica

    Free

    Official visitor info for Santa Monica, from the pier and beach to Third Street Promenade shopping.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Aqua Surf School

    $50+

    Surf lessons, camps, and board rentals for all skill levels on Santa Monica Beach.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Quirky Fun

    Venice Beach Boardwalk

    Free

    A freewheeling beachfront strip of muscle-beach bodybuilders, street artists, and skate parks.

    2.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Ripley's Believe It or Not Hollywood

    Under $25

    Walk through oddities, illusions and strange artifacts at Ripley's museum on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Universal Studios Hollywood

    $50+

    A working movie studio turned theme park, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Studio Tour.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Golf N' Stuff

    Under $25

    Family entertainment center with miniature golf, go-karts, a video arcade and a kiddie train.

    23 mi awayMore like this