Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic and must-visit places in LA. It is located right on the Santa Monica State Beach in the Santa Monica Pier Area and Ocean Avenue neighborhood.
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The history
Santa Monica Pier was constructed in 1909 and it was the first concrete pier on the West Coast. Soon, it became the best fishing spot in Santa Monica. The Looff Hippodrome which is now a National Historic Landmark and a home to a beautiful carousel opened in 1916.
1939 was the year when the iconic wooden carousel with colorful hand-carved horses opened and then in 1941, Santa Monica Yacht Harbor neon sign was unveiled.
Pacific Park
Probably your first association of Santa Monica is red and yellow Ferris Wheel which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the area. Fun fact – it is powered by solar energy. Other big attraction is the roller coaster, the West Coaster running at speeds of over 50 kilometres per hour. Don’t forget to play games at Playland Arcade which has over 200 games for the whole family. From pinball to skee-ball to newer video games, there are games for everyone.
Recently, Pacific Park was named “California’s Best Amusement Park” by Yahoo Travel.
Other fun things to check out
You can fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Trapeze School New York (TSNY) Los Angeles. It’s a great exercise and even greater fun and no prior experience is necessary for the two-hour Flying Trapeze class or the one-hour Aerial Silks class.
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Check out amazing street performers and concerts
Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium (formerly the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium) to learn more about the inhabitants of our oceans. You’ll see more than 100 species of fish and lots of family-friendly educational displays.
Visit souvenir shops where you can grab souvenirs for friends and family or just treat yourself (Park and Rec fans, where you at?) Check out this shops: Pier Shop & Visitor Center, 66-to-Cali, Marlene’s Beachcomber and Pier Gear.
Where to eat?
A day full of adventure will definitely leave you hungry, but don’t worry, you won’t starve thanks to these restaurants:
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co – for seafood lovers
Mariasol Cocina Mexicana – for Mexican cuisine lovers
Pier Burger – for burger lovers
Soda Jerks – for ice cream lovers
The Albright – for seafood and beer/wine lovers
Seaside on the Pier – for salad and seafood lovers
At the end of the day, don’t forget the beach. You can rent chairs, umbrellas, and gear such as bicycles and SUP paddleboards from Perry’s on the Beach. Our advice is to enjoy a beautiful sunset or maybe, if you’re morning person, sunrise at the beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen. If you do, you can always order a VIP-style “butler” service from Perry’s on the Beach; to set up your spot in the beach and bring you food, drinks, and sunscreen.
Take deep a breath and say a little thank you to the Universe, you’re finally at Santa Monica Pier.
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Nearby places:
- Santa Monica Beach (283 m)
- Venice Beach (4 km)
- Getty Villa (7.3 km)
- Getty Center (8 km)
- Beverly Hills (10.2 km)
Contact: 310-393-6149
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