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Santa Monica Pier Searching for concerts at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles? Check out Party Earth for the Pier's schedule & experience this cool live music spot for yourself! Los Angeles United States 34.009471 -118.497322

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Santa Monica Pier - Event Space | Landmark | Live Music Venue | Outdoor Activity in Los Angeles.

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40 User Reviews

User Reviews (40)
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INFO The Santa Monica Pier is a 100-year-old SoCal landmark and popular destination for tourists, locals, and beach-goers of all ages. The pier is located on Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica and is comprised of two separate... ... read more

Neighborhood:

Santa Monica / Westside
Address:

200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, 90401

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Links:
Official Website
Tags:

All Ages, Arcade Games, Casual, Club Kids, Family, Food, Free, Great View, Outdoor, Tourists

First to review Daniel H.

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Santa Monica Pier Schedule of Events

June 2013

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Jun08Sat Jun 8, 07:00AM		4th Annual SM Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival Festival / Outdoor Event / Concerts / Food / Surfers 7:00 am	Add to Calendar
Jun23Sun Jun 23, 17:00PM		Drink:Eat:Play Wine Festival Wine Festival / Wine Tasting / Wine / Wine Lovers 5:00 pm	Add to Calendar

Santa Monica Pier Videos

Santa Monica Pier

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Santa Monica Pier

56,543 views

Santa Monica West Coaster Front Seat on-ride POV Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

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Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel w/Fireworks

19,247 views

Glow @ Santa Monica Pier 2008

3,794 views

Exploring the beauty of Santa Monica Pier 2009

3,946 views

Santa Monica Pier Pinkapalooza, Fall Out Boy Akon Cover

2,419 views

Santa Monica Pier Information

The Santa Monica Pier is a 100-year-old SoCal landmark and popular destination for tourists, locals, and beach-goers of all ages. The pier is located on Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica and is comprised of two separate bridges: the Municipal Pier and Pleasure Pier.

The Santa Monica Pier offers attractions for both daytime and nighttime adventure-seekers. Attractions at the Santa Monica Pier include an amusement park, a carousel from the 1920s, an aquarium, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The pier’s most notable attraction is its humongous Ferris wheel that looks amazing when lit up at night.

The Santa Monica Pier has been used in a number of major films including Forrest Gump, Titanic, and Iron Man. The Pier has also made appearances in television shows such as South Park, Gilmore Girls, and 24.

Santa Monica Pier is the quintessential Southern California beach destination that offers a fun, laidback atmosphere for everyone to enjoy!

Santa Monica Pier User Reviews

Lauren Nguyen May 23, 2013 3.0 stars Good for Any Time I've been to Santa Monica Pier during the day and during the night. During the day, you'll see a lot of tourists roaming around. They have rides and restaurants. While I haven't actually tried any of the rides or the restaurants on the pier, it's nice to just walk around and take in what it really means to live in Southern California. With LA weather, there's no way you could go wrong with going onto the pier. I've also been here in the middle of the night when I needed just to relax and have a late-night talk with my friend, but I found that a lot of people come here to fish at night, which is pretty cool to just watch. If you're a fan of people-watching, come enjoy the pier!

Maggie Huang May 18, 2013 3.0 stars Pretty but crowded Where else to go other than the beach on a warm sunny day in Souther California? There's so much to do around here! There's restaurants, a carousel, and the beach. With LA weather, you really can't go wrong coming here. The sand and water can be a little dirty, but it's still relaxing. It can get a little crowded especially on a really hot day. Everyone is just laying on their towels tanning. The pier bathrooms are pretty gross. Park at the temporary lot if you're only going for a few hours but park at the all day lot if you plan to spend the entire day there. Bring your friends and family!

Maria Pitsoulakis Mar 27, 2013 4.0 stars Amazing and Gorgeous This was one of the most beautiful spots in the Los Angeles that I've visited. It was completely perfect just to walk along the shoreline with my family, and taking in the beautiful Californian sun and water I lack here in the East coast. The stores and restaurants nearby were not at all a disappointment, as any restaurant we walked by looked appetizing and interesting. The only thing is, if you are on a serious budget, I suggest you do not venture to this area thinking you will save a couple of dollars. You will be spending money and you will have fun.

Anthony James Beightol Mar 26, 2013 3.0 stars Fun but expensive If you want to have fun on a budget this may not be the place for you. Everything here is completely over priced. From the food, to the games, to the rides, expect to pay for anything and everything. If you're planning to just come here and relax/tan/go in the water, then this really is a fun place to be. One of my favorite things about the SM Pier/Beach is I often see a lot of advertisements for weekly events during the summers. They offer a lot of free concerts and movie screenings, which I think is a really cool and fun idea. Though I've never been to any of these events, I have had a ton of friends who have gone any they've all said it was an enjoyable experience. Now that summer is approaching I hope to get to check out one of these events!

anmolrandhawa Mar 26, 2013 4.0 stars A day by the beach Santa Monica Pier is an amazing place to visit and enjoy. I have gone biking along the ocean shoreline and it was an amazing experience and a beautiful bike ride. The Pier is a wonderful place to take some beautiful pictures. Not only that but just relaxing on the beach is super fun too. In the summertime it is so much fun to go in the water and just chill with your friends. It is a very relaxing place and super beautiful. The Pier has really nice place to eat at and shop. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day at.

John Ingram Mar 22, 2013 2.0 stars Visit once or twice, and that will suffice The pier is historic. It is one of those places where if you are in the area, you might as well visit it. It is fun if you have never been before. It is like a carnival over the ocean. It offers acrobatic lessons, small carnival rides, and concession stand food. If you’re with kids, the merry-go-round is worth it. The ferris wheel and roller coaster are expensive, but it is worth splurging just for those two. The views are impressive, and the fact that the roller coaster is above water makes it that much more exciting. I wouldn’t bother eating on the pier. It is always crowded and loud. Go back to Santa Monica, plenty of food options there. In short, it is a very crowded tourist site.

Kimberly Alcorn Mar 18, 2013 2.0 stars Another fun tourist Site Definitely someplace you have to go if you are visiting Los Angeles. It is a little pricey to go on the rides but I had fun going on the roller coaster. The ferris wheel is also pretty romantic. Make sure to walk all the way to the end of the pier and watch the waves for a while. The best time to go is during the day when the sun is out. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! There is also a fun aquarium where you can look at starfish and things. But if you really love the beach I would say try to go up the coast a bit because it is a pretty dirty beach and it is usually packed.

Valerie Younan Mar 3, 2013 4.0 stars Beautiful Place The pier is a beautiful place to walk around. There are sometimes some side shows put on by entrepreneurs trying to make money off of donations. Their shows are pretty entertaining, so it is worth giving them a dollar or two for their efforts. The view is gorgeous. The weather is kind of chilly most days, but still lovely. Great picture spot. There are many aspects of it to check out, whether it is the street venders, arcade, food, or rides, they are all totally worth checking out! It’s a nice change of entertainment from the typical source of entertainment of movies, TV, and your average food source.

Boss_Hoss89 Feb 28, 2013 4.0 stars Never been to LA and need an escape? Why not here? The Santa Monica Pier is one of the world's famous locations. This is a place to just chill and walk around while enjoying the Southern Cal sunshine. The pier is small yes, but it is a good place to just mellow out. There is shopping in the outlet malls surrounding the pier if you want to work around more. Also, the Santa Monica Pier houses one of the best southern seafood and shrimp restaurant chains around, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. A place to enjoy the weekend and get some sun and relaxing night life, the Santa Monica Pier is where you should check out.

Ashley Ahn Feb 22, 2013 3.0 stars A NIce Place to Walk Around The Santa Monica Pier is just like the ones you see in the movies. A boardwalk that leads towards a mini amusement park, a fantastic, energetic place to walk around, and a plethora of interesting people to watch. It isn't somewhere that can kill a whole day, but as it is conveniently located next to the beach, it's a wonderful place to take a break from all the sand and surf. The pier isn't as busy during the winter months, for obvious reasons, but it's an exciting place to walk around during the summer. The pier offers a variety of different restaurants, little vendors selling trinkets, and beautiful views. It's definitely worth a visit!

Jocelyn Kupets Feb 19, 2013 3.0 stars Great Atmosphere I have been to the pier a few times and I loved it every time! The atmosphere is great and there is so much to do. From the shops along the sides of the walkway to the many restaurants, you will find something that draws you in, no doubt! I particularly enjoy the personalized trinkets. With a name that's not so common, I always love finding places that can put my name on souvenirs! The view of the ocean is spectacular. I love seeing the waves come in and if you get the chance to go by the beach and the pier towards the end of the day, the sunset is a can't-miss!

Olivia Poglianich-Soria Feb 19, 2013 4.0 stars Just Like The Movies As seen in countless romcoms, the pier at the end of the Santa Monica beach is a must see to any LA tourists. I can see why the locals are unamused; beyond the standard carnival games and rides, the pier is just another piece of home. I've visited the pier every time I've been in LA and each time I find something new to enjoy. Whether it's the breathtaking views of one of LA's most beautiful beaches or a cool new surf shop at the edge of the pier, this place is a staple to any visitor's LA tour. Buy a lifeguard sweatshirt from the novelty shop, grab some icecream and listen to one of the local bands preform or take a ride on the giant ferris wheel!

MC2013 Feb 1, 2013 1.0 stars A Tourist Trap Best to Avoid Don’t go out of your way to visit the Santa Monica Pier. The pier is known for its classic carousal and a Ferris wheel that lights up at night. Built in the early years of the 20th century, it has earned landmark status. Aside from that, visitors will find little more than rickety rides, carnival games and unimaginative food. Unlimited rides for those seven and under costs $13. For anyone older it's $20 for an all-day pass. I was offered a single snapshot of myself and a pal on the roller coaster for $18. No thanks. Along with the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stands near the rides, the pier features seafood-themed restaurants like the over-franchised Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and the overpriced Santa Monica Pier Seafood. If you find yourself hungry at the pier, your best dining option is Pier Burger. Nothing on the menu tops $8 and the frozen custard is better than any soft serve around. The silver lining at the Santa Monica Pier may be the aquarium. Kids get in for free, a deal that can offset an otherwise costly family outing. All marine life at the aquarium comes from the Santa Monica Bay.

Allie Hawes Jan 31, 2013 4.0 stars Santa Monica Pier Fun, a Day in the Sun! The Santa Monica Pier is a must stop when traveling along the West Coast. Full with street vendors, rides, and a beautiful view, this place is always hopping. If you’re a beach lover it is the perfect place to lie out and get a tan while being able to grab lunch right on the pier. It’s not uncommon to come across a Frisbee tournament or casual pickup games of beach volleyball while strolling around. This place is great for kids who love rollercoasters and arcade games, and the Ferris wheel provides a romantic place to take that crush of yours. Located between Colorado Ave and Santa Monica Blvd., it is in the perfect location between the shops and the beach front. It offers a fun, laid back atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this hip beach front for a fun and exciting day at the beach.

lesliesnewemail@gmail.com Jan 16, 2013 3.0 stars Beauty and a the Band: Why I like the Santa Monica Pier After we've hit a few bars and had our fill of shopping and people watching on the Third Street Promenade, my friends and I like to wander over to the Pier to gaze at Malibu for a while. To be honest, I've never been on a ride at the Santa Monica Pier, but it's a nice change of pace if you've been hoofing it through the streets of Santa Monica all afternoon. My favorite thing about the Pier is Rusty's Beach Shack, where the Red Elvises, one of my favorite touring groups, plays on a regular basis. My friends and I always find reasonable parking for the show and I always meet cool people at Rusty's. Yeah, some of the people can be weird, but it really is one of the more beautiful places to hang out in Los Angeles. And if you're there with your boyfriend/girlfriend or first date, the end of the pier is a great romantic spot.

Craig Becker Dec 12, 2012 2.0 stars Pretty but not worth the trouble to actually wander My experience with Santa Monica was that anything and everything goes, so it was no surprise that the Pier was filled with some pretty wacky people. Street performers, kids running around everywhere, even a BDSM couple (one of whom was on a leash). And of course, there's the blatant disregard for the law in the form of open drinking. Nobody got caught or written up, but maybe it was just because the police were baffled and didn't know what to do about the massive influx of ultimate frisbee players for Lei Out, a beach tournament. Anyway, the Santa Monica Pier is a great part of the beach skyline, but I wouldn't waste your time wandering it. Stick to the beach.

ChristinaW Dec 11, 2012 2.0 stars Pretty nice This is definitely a tourist destination. I think the main reason to go would be to say that you did, because the pier is one of those "iconic" piers that has appeared in so many movies and is just famous for having "the look." Despite that, it's actually pretty nice. I think I was there in the off-season, so it wasn't as crowded as I would expect a pier or beach boardwalk to be. I went in January and spent some time just chilling on the beer, hit up one of the bars, and enjoyed the nice Southern California weather. (I am from Seattle, so SoCal in January is like heaven!) Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to ride the Ferris wheel, but I think it's probably cooler to look out from below anyways.

jtzeng Dec 8, 2012 3.0 stars Great The pier is one of the big tourist attractions and classic images of Los Angeles. It's always in backgrounds of movie sets and photo shoots. I am a local on the west side and despite this place being a tourist attraction (I don't like huge crowds) I still really love going to the pier. I love the promenade and tanning at the beaches adjacent to the pier as well! The pier has some interesting street performers and acrobatics which are fun to watch. There is a small amusement park, which is overpriced, but fun to go to once in a while for a stress relief and to feel like a kid again.

Erica Demitroff Dec 3, 2012 3.0 stars love it! On my first trip to California with my family, one of our first stops was the Santa Monica Pier. Although yes, it is very touristy i loved it! It was extremely fun and exciting. I went on the ferris wheel and the view of the beach was amazing! If you are coming to LA for the first time, or on vacation you must visit the santa monica pier. The ferris wheel, roller coaster, and different games are really entertaining.There are different restaurants surrounding the pier. There is also great shopping right around the corner on third street. From the different activities on the pier, the beach, restaurants, and shopping, i would definitely recommend this spot!

Lauren Black Dec 3, 2012 3.0 stars Can be really fun! Such a classic tourist attraction in LA but its genuinely a good time! Despite the fact I'm terrified of Ferris Wheels I admit I enjoyed the amazing view of the ocean and the California Coast. The roller coasters are a ton of fun to plus its all above a great beach! Though it gets crowded the beach is pretty big and you can always find a spot to lounge and play in the waves. Sometimes the crowd of people it attracts can be a little sketch but the security is friendly and helpful. Would honestly be a good time for a date or an outing with friends. And they do birthday parties! You’re provided with a special room, pizza and drinks, rides, and some special activities all in one package.

Zoë Carvel Nov 29, 2012 4.0 stars Love! Santa Monica Pier is so much fun and should definitely be worked into your schedule if you are visiting L.A. There are restaurants as well as vendors selling carnival type food along the pier. Bubba Gumps restaurant is a big draw, but expect to have a wait. The atmosphere in the restaurant is neat, but the food is mainly just deep fried entrees and French fries – not the healthiest choices. There is a small roller coaster and other carnival rides, but the focal point is the grand ferris wheel which projects out over the water when you are on the top half. The view from up there is not to be missed if you can endure the height. It's definitely a must-see!

Nicole Baqai Nov 28, 2012 4.0 stars Shopping filled, great restaurants, so fun and possibly romantic! This is such a great place to go if you're visiting or even a local! It's so much fun to go tan at the beach, go shopping on 3rd street promenade, grab a bite to eat at the millions of restaurants around, or even go on the rides offered by the beach. I love going here because I always want to go shopping, then tanning and then go ride the ship that sways back and forth! I went there on a date and we went on the ferris wheel together while the sun was setting and it was so beautiful and romantic, I could 100% go by myself (I think). There's so much to do and on the dock they have the best fries and churros so make sure you go and experience it during the day or night!

Lauren Egan Nov 28, 2012 4.0 stars Must see especially if you're not from the area Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you absolutely must go to at least once in your lifetime if you're ever in the Los Angeles area. If is great for all ages, so if you're with young children I would definitely recommend going here, especially if its at nighttime. Lots of carnival style games and rides, complete with a ferris wheel and a couple smaller roller coasters. Carnival food is sold up and down the pier, such as ice cream, etc. It can get kind of crowded especially on weekends just because so many tourists and families go there but if you make an effort to go during the daytime on a weekday or early in the morning on a weekend it would be less crowded and more pleasant!

Keira Rogers Nov 25, 2012 3.0 stars Tourist Hotspot Santa Monica Pier is a great place to take anyone who is visiting you in LA. It is in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, so really close to 3rd street promenade. On a sunny day it is beautiful. The pier has a ferris wheel, roller coaster and other smaller rides. At the end of the pier is a restaurant but you can find carnival food all along the pier. There are also a few other sit down restaurants along the pier. It can be very crowded on a weekend day so parking near the pier can be a hassle. I suggest parking in one of the public garages a few blocks up from the beach and then just walking.

Jackie DeJesse Nov 25, 2012 2.0 stars Go Once The Santa Monica Pier is somewhere you go once or twice, but after that, there really aren't any reasons to go back. The food that is sold there is mediocre, mass produced, fried and sugary and the only decent restaurant there is on the pier is Bubba Gumps. If you want to dine at Bubba Gumps, however, expect to wait in line. There are cute rides that are fun to go on with kids or if you're visiting, but I wouldn't come back for them. The pier would also be a lot nicer if it wasn't so crowded all the time. There are so many tourists and families pushing their way around the pier that it's almost impossible to enjoy a leisurely stroll.