Name: Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Telephone: (310) 458-8900
Rating: 4.6

Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.

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The Santa Monica Pier opened its doors to the public on September 9, 1909, marking the beginning of a long and beloved history.

Opening Year

Believe it or not, the pier was initially built to carry sewage pipes beyond the breakers, serving a purely utilitarian purpose.

Original Purpose

The famous Santa Monica Yacht Harbor was constructed in 1934, transforming the pier into a bustling hub for maritime activities.

Yacht Harbor Addition

The historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel, a timeless attraction, was installed in 1947, delighting visitors with its ornately adorned horses and vibrant carnival atmosphere.

Carousel Installation

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium opened its doors in 1996, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

Aquarium Opening

The Santa Monica Pier boasts the first solar-powered Ferris wheel, a testament to the city's commitment to sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Ferris Wheel

Santa Monica is home to Silicon Beach, a thriving tech hub where companies like YouTube, Hulu, Tinder, and Headspace have set up shop.

Tech Hub

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a vibrant destination that offers breathtaking coastal views. As you stroll along the pier, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean unfolds before you, stretching to the horizon. The iconic Ferris wheel, a symbol of the pier, provides panoramic vistas of the coastline, the city skyline, and the distant Santa Monica Mountains.

The pier's location at the end of Route 66 adds to its allure. From here, you can watch the waves crash against the pier's pilings, creating a mesmerizing symphony of sound. The pier's webcams offer a live stream of these captivating views, allowing you to experience the pier's coastal charm from anywhere in the world.

As the sun begins to set, the pier transforms into a magical realm. The Ferris wheel's 174,000 LED lights illuminate the coastline, casting a warm glow over the ocean and the pier. The pier's restaurants and bars offer outdoor seating, allowing you to savor delicious cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking stunning coastal views. Its unique location, iconic Ferris wheel, and vibrant atmosphere make it a place where memories are made and cherished.

Coastal Views

Nestled beneath the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant marine ecosystem of Southern California. This award-winning facility showcases over 100 local species, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the diverse marine life that thrives in the Santa Monica Bay.

Interactive touch tanks allow visitors to get up close with sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea urchins, while the Rocky Reef exhibit features mesmerizing moray eels. The Kelp Forest recreates the vital habitat for rockfish, wolf eel, and spiny lobsters, highlighting the importance of kelp in the marine ecosystem.

The Shark Nursery provides a glimpse into the early stages of shark development, with developing swell sharks visible inside their egg cases. Visitors can also witness the graceful movements of moon jellies in the Sea Jellies exhibit, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling pier.

Beyond the exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs, field trips, and volunteer opportunities. Visitors can learn about marine conservation, pollution prevention, and environmental education, fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. The Aquarium's mission to protect and preserve the local marine environment extends beyond its walls, inspiring visitors to become advocates for ocean health.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Nestled beneath the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers a unique marine experience that immerses visitors in the wonders of the local ecosystem. This private-public aquarium, previously known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, boasts over 100 species of marine life, including starfish, hermit crabs, and sea urchins, showcased in interactive touch tanks.

Beyond its exhibits, Heal the Bay Aquarium serves as a hub for marine education and conservation. Its educational programs and activities engage visitors of all ages, fostering an understanding of the importance of protecting coastal waters and watersheds. The aquarium's mission extends beyond its walls, as it actively participates in beach cleanups and environmental advocacy initiatives.

For those seeking a deeper connection, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers volunteer opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute to its daily operations and special events. The Aquadoption program provides a unique way to support the aquarium's marine animals, while professional development programs empower teachers to enhance their marine science curriculum.

Heal the Bay Aquarium is not just an aquarium; it's a gateway to understanding and preserving the delicate balance of the Santa Monica Bay ecosystem. Its hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and community involvement make it an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about marine life and environmental stewardship.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

The Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, United States, is a vibrant hub for street performers, offering a unique platform for artistic expression and audience engagement. With no auditions or applications required, performers simply need to follow the guidelines set by the Santa Monica Pier Corporation.

Designated performance spaces, marked by white stars on the pier deck, provide performers with ample room to showcase their talents. These spaces run the length of the pier boardwalk, ensuring maximum visibility. Performers can expect to find a diverse crowd, eager to appreciate their artistry.

The variety of performances is astounding, ranging from musicians playing everything from acoustic guitar to hip-hop, to artists creating original paintings and clay face carvings. Visitors can also witness the intricate art of etching names on grains of rice or having their names painted in elaborate letters.

While street performers do not receive payment, they rely on tips and contributions from appreciative audiences. It is customary to tip a few dollars for photographs or videos, and artists often have CDs or other merchandise available for purchase.

The Santa Monica Pier has been a haven for street performers for over 20 years, and many have become regulars, returning time and again to share their talents with the world. The pier's unique atmosphere, with its blend of ocean breezes, salty air, and enthusiastic crowds, provides an unforgettable backdrop for these captivating performances.

Street Performers

Nestled on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Looff Hippodrome stands as a testament to the golden age of seaside entertainment. Built in 1916 by master carousel builder Charles I.D. Looff, this architectural marvel is a whimsical blend of Byzantine arches, Spanish Colonial turrets, and Moorish windows.

Inside the hippodrome, the historic carousel captivates visitors with its 44 hand-carved horses, 2 sleighs, 1 rabbit, and 1 goat, all illuminated by 1,100 electric lights. Originally crafted by the renowned Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922, this merry-go-round was meticulously restored in 1990, preserving its intricate details and vibrant colors.

The Looff Hippodrome has played a pivotal role in Santa Monica's history. It was featured prominently in the classic 1973 film "The Sting," where Paul Newman's character operates the carousel. The building has also served as a gathering place for artists, activists, and even Marilyn Monroe, who spent countless hours watching the horses spin.

Today, the Looff Hippodrome and its historic carousel remain beloved landmarks, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past while continuing to enchant generations of visitors.

Historic Carousel

Original Muscle Beach, located just south of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, holds a special place in the history of physical fitness. In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) installed exercise equipment on the beach, attracting gymnasts, acrobats, and bodybuilders alike. This outdoor playground quickly became a hub for fitness enthusiasts, fostering a community that celebrated physical prowess and athleticism.

Over the years, Original Muscle Beach has witnessed countless feats of strength and agility. Famous bodybuilders like Vic Tanny, Jack LaLanne, and Joe Gold honed their physiques on its equipment, while gymnasts and acrobats showcased their skills to the delight of spectators. The beach's unique atmosphere, with the sound of crashing waves and the salty ocean breeze, provided an unparalleled backdrop for these athletic endeavors.

Today, Original Muscle Beach remains a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike. Visitors can still witness gymnasts and acrobats practicing their routines, while the adjacent weightlifting area attracts bodybuilders and weightlifters. The beach's legacy as the birthplace of the physical fitness movement continues to inspire and motivate those who seek to push their physical limits.

Original Muscle Beach

The iconic Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier is a breathtaking sight, standing as a symbol of California's vibrant coastal culture. Its solar-powered design, a testament to the pier's commitment to sustainability, sets it apart from ordinary amusement rides. The wheel's 160,000 energy-efficient LED lights illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that can be seen from miles around.

Originally installed in 1996, the Ferris wheel underwent a significant upgrade in 2008, incorporating the latest energy-saving technology. Its 18 gondolas offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the bustling pier below. The ride's gentle ascent and descent provide ample time to soak in the breathtaking scenery and capture unforgettable moments.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Ferris wheel holds historical significance. The original wheel, installed in 1996, was the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Its replacement in 2008 maintained this eco-friendly legacy while enhancing the ride experience with modern amenities. Today, the Ferris wheel remains a beloved landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe who seek a unique and memorable experience.

Santa Monica Pier

Did You Know?

Opening Year

Original Purpose

Yacht Harbor Addition

Carousel Installation

Highlights from Reviews

Location