Santa Monica Pier

At the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, partake in year-round fun at the waterfront. The Pier features an amusement park, an arcade, restaurants and shops, as well as a live concert series held annually during the summer. It is a popular spot among anglers, who enjoy casting their lines amidst the fun-seeking crowds. The pier is open 365 days a year and admission is free, so come on down and have some fun!

The Santa Monica Pier is actually composed of two adjoining piers that long had separate owners. Today, nearly 3 million visitors a year come to this historic spot, first built in 1916. Many flock to the pier to take part in a 23-year-old tradition, the Twilight Dance Series. This ten-week live concert series held annually in the summer attracts more than 100,000 residents and visitors every year, to listen to a variety of artists reflecting the diverse musical tastes of the community.

Kids will love the pier, and a ride on the beautiful vintage carousel located in a Historical landmark building. The little ones can ride the pelican kiddie ride or 3-passenger merry-go-round, while kids and adults of all ages can have riotous fun trying the more than 200 games at the Playland Arcade. Have a blast at Pacific Park, the pier's amusement park, with a dozen rides including a Ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park has a moderate speed roller coaster, fast enough to boost your adrenalin, but gentle enough to give you very beautiful views of Santa Monica Bay and the ocean. At Kids Cove, children will have endless fun on rides sized especially for them.

In addition to classic theme-park food, there are also a number of full and self-service restaurants on the pier, including the family favorite Bubba Gump Shrimp. Shops include souvenir shops, beach equipment, toys and bike rentals. There are vendor carts selling Churros, beads and shells.

Just beneath the carousel is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, home to dozens of species of marine animals and plants. Exhibits include interactive displays, touch tanks filled with animals found in tide pools and several large habitat tanks representing the marine habitat of the Santa Monica Bay. The aquarium offers public programs for families.

The Pier is located in Santa Monica, California, two blocks south of Santa Monica Blvd. at the corner of Ocean Ave. and Colorado Ave. Parking is available on both the Pier Deck and the Beachfront nearby. Limited short-term parking is also available. With all this fun to be had and plenty of parking, stop reading and come on down!