Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is an amusement park on a wooden boardwalk extending from Ocean Avenue into the ocean, containing rides, game arcades, and dining spots. The structure consists of two sections, with the larger portion housing a traditional fairground that includes a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and carousel.

The city opened the structure in 1909 to carry sewer pipes into the sea, while the amusement section arrived in 1916. During the Great Depression, this spot remained one of the few accessible entertainment venues along the coast.

The Route 66 end marker stands at the entrance and draws travelers who want to capture this milestone of American road history on camera. Locals come to fish from the tip or gather on the beach beneath the pilings, while street performers appear along the walkway.

The park opens daily, usually around midday and into the evening hours, with longer hours during summer months. Those wanting to avoid large crowds should visit on weekday mornings.

The Ferris wheel runs entirely on solar panels and displays evening light shows using over 170,000 LEDs. Beneath it, an old carousel from the 1920s continues to operate on some days with hand-painted wooden horses.

Location: Santa Monica

Official opening: September 9, 1909

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Website: https://santamonicapier.org

GPS coordinates: 34.00861,-118.49861

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03