Hey there! Have you ever been to the Santa Monica Pier? In this blog post, you’ll find details about how and why you should visit this iconic landmark when you visit LA. You’ll learn about the main attractions and things to do when you visit. Plus, you’ll get travel tips that will hopefully make your visit that much easier!
WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
Enjoy the rides and games at the famous Pacific Park. Pacific Park is filled with rides, games, and carnival foods like Dippin’ Dots, popcorn, hot dogs, and more! One of my favorite parts about this iconic park is how bright and colorful it is! Plus, there are rides for everyone (kids and adults) to enjoy!
I also noticed a wide array of fun photo booths that can help capture even more memories with your friends, family, or significant others.
Attractions are priced individually anywhere from $6-$12 a ride. Or, you can save money by purchasing the unlimited day pass for $42 (ages 8 & over) or $22 (ages 7 & below).
Check out the park’s official website here for more information.
Food options. There are casual sit-down options, snacks to eat on the go, and places where you can get a nice drink with an amazing ocean view. There’s something for every price point! You can find everything from clam chowder, burgers, Dippin’ Dots to hot dogs! The world is your oyster here.
Wave watch. The pier is huge, so there are many different views of the water – whether it be crashing into the dock, near the beach, or if you go further out onto the pier, you get to see an endless ocean. It’s beautiful!
Play arcade games at Playland Arcade! This arcade is packed with 200 games ranging from the new games (like Minecraft, Halo, Guitar Hero) and the classics (Pac-Man, Super Mario)! It’s worth checking out and spending time there if you’re into games. You can learn more about Playland Arcade here.
Visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium below the pier (1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401) to learn more about the over 100 local species, experience hands-on learning, and visit the gift shop. Learn more about the aquarium here.
Ride the carousel. This merry-go-round has been around for over 100 years! With rides priced at $2 for adults, $1 for children, and free for children 2 and under with adults, the carousel offers very affordable entertainment.
Take a photo by the Route 66 “End of Trail” sign which marks the western end of the legendary American US Highway 66. (Route 66 is significant because it is the first all-weather highway linking Chicago and Los Angeles.)
WHERE DO I PARK?
There’s a parking lot below the pier or lots of parking garages nearby. I prefer parking in Structure 8 at Santa Monica Place (1571 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401).
WHAT DOES IT COST?
The pier is open to the public, meaning it is free to enter. However, you will need to pay for rides, games, food, etc., depending on what you plan to do.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Outfit choices will, of course, depend on the weather, but here are some factors to keep in mind:
- It can get very windy!
- Avoid heels — you don’t want to get stuck in a crack, and you’ll need to cross a short, slightly sloped bridge to get to the pier.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL I SPEND THERE?
How much time you spend at the pier will depend on whether you eat, go on rides, or play games —but you likely won’t spend a full day there.
SUMMARY
Overall, Santa Monica Pier should be on your list of places to visit when you come to LA. It’s worth going at least once. Additionally, the part of Santa Monica that the pier is located in has a lot of other shops and restaurants worth checking out. Venice Beach is also close by, so you can hit both in one day if you want!
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