Santa Monica Pier Reviews

Tomaurea, was Attentive, engaging,and,entertaining. The food was delicious.
Our server, Tomaurea was fabulous. His MGR is Lyn.

Beautiful pier full of life, shouts and colors, fascinating after years of watching it from TV in movies and TV shows see it live. Recommended

It was one of the places I wanted to go because it was used on location in the movie.
It was the first time I'd ever seen a restaurant or an amusement park on a pier that you don't see in Japan.

Overrated. Basically an amusement park with lots of unhealthy fast food. The water was filthy. It looked like sewage sludge. Swimming in it would likely have been hazardous.

Came to see Kooza and spent the morning on the pier and along the beach. I highly recommend coming early (before 10am) so you have some space, you pretty much have the place to yourself.

While in Los Angeles we took a day trip to Santa Monica. Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed locations in the world. You can enjoy a walk down the Pier and experience the breathtaking views amid the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze. The Santa Monica Pier offers many activities for the whole family. You can enjoy rides like the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, carnival games, and food at Pacific Park. Purchase a souvenir or catch a show from one of the many street performers. We came here right after breakfast, so we enjoyed the Santa Monica Pier in a peaceful atmosphere. Later, the pier was very quickly filled with a lot of people. This pier is also the last stop on Route 66. You can enjoy lunch or coffee in iconic Bubba Gump restaurant. More on Instagram @larmarluxury.

There are really a lot of people. The walk wasn't very pleasant but I think it's still something to do if you have time: the beach and the lifeguard huts, the sunset and the entertainment

Beautiful day, we were able to enjoy the views. Walk on the beach. Touch the sand. Definitely enjoyable since we are from the east coast.

Decent amount of things to do but very pricy. Cost us $45 to go around the ferris wheel with myself and two kids. Not sure how the food was because we didn't eat there.

The pier is one od the landmarks of the Amrerican westcoast. Probably no other area give you the chance, to feel the "Californian Spirit" better. Loud ans colorful, the place offer entertainment and all kinds of intersting visual explorations.

Who hasn't dreamed of walking in this place, made famous by countless American movies like Baywatch, full of shops, street artists and people from all over the world, also famous for being the end of Route 66.
We saw it early in the morning still shrouded in fog caused by the ocean and then with the Californian sun, very suggestive.

Beautiful impressions and it is best to visit the beach in the afternoon and then go to the pier to watch the sunset, unforgettable impressions....

Beautiful place full of life beautiful beach.. Surely it is to be seen at least once... The walk on the pier is very characteristic .. full of shops for shopping and tasting specialties especially sea .. Unique is the original bubba Gump that is narrated in the film Forrest Gump

Visited 16/06/23: Santa Monica Beach and Pier are lovely attractions for a couple of hours fun on the coast. The pier was very busy but very vibrant with lots of attractions and games for all ages. The ride token system is a little annoying instead of just paying for each attraction individually in USD. We enjoyed a nice milkshake at the ice cream parlour bar by the indoor Carousel. This place had a wonderful nostalgic feeling that was very well preserved. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the area!

Our hotel was nearby and so late in the afternoon we went for a walk down to see the faux end of Route 66 (the actual end is just a few blocks away in front of Mel's Diner). Amazing photo opportunities and an international tourist crowd. We didn't eat on the actual pier itself as we felt the food choices, of course, were too touristy. There is a Bubba Gump in half the airports in the United States. It's a little too commercial here. The rides are a romantic view of the world with the giant ferris wheel. Everybody wants a picture of the "End-of-the-Trail-Route 66" sign. It's a little difficult to get that good shot as people walk into your picture from both sides of the sign. Consider having a plan and pose before you walk up; some people are really creative. Other great photo ops is the sunset, although the sunrise is usually overcast in fog. We decided to eat at Brunos which has better ratings than the Pier restaurants themselves. Brunos is at the beginning of the pier about 200 feet to the south (you can see it from the Pier). You will see some stairs as you are heading off the Pier, it's down there. Very reasonable and just plain 'ol food like club sandwiches and tacos. We visited the Bob Waldamire shop at the end of the pier and found it touristy and overpriced (stamps are $1). Santa Monica has lost a little of its shine as the city is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, much of the Third Street Promenade is closed and the people-without-shelter are sleeping everywhere just like the rest of Los Angeles. The Pier itself is clean and seemed crime free.

The pier is a cool place to go. They have all kinds of food, carnival rides, street musicians and entertainment. The each was clean for the most part. There were tons of people there enjoying themselves. It’s different looking because there is a cliff with homes on it right by the beach. We don’t see that in TX or any of the beaches on the east coast. You could see the light smog hovering around the mountain areas.

We think that behind this ruin of wood pulsates a city of over 4 million inhabitants... it will certainly be an icon of many films but basically it is the cosmic nothingness, a bit like all of Los Angeles. In fact, all of Venice Beach and Santa Monica are almost insignificant. Take a long sea like that of Barcelona and the latter quietly wins 50 to zero.

Amazing, American landmark. When people think of California, they usually think of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Santa Monica Pier, two icons that represent the North and South of the Great state of California.

A place with lots of life, beach, games, food, to enjoy and to watch sunsets walking and accompanied by family. Highly recommended.

A tourist spot, ridiculous prices, and a view that's still worth it. But the reason I went to the pier was, of course, to photograph the sign marking the end of Route 66... ​​:-D

Had fantastic time the weather perfect, the whole atmosphere was fantastic. So much happening. I would highly recommend coming to see the Pier and Santa Monica itself a pretty place.

A great place with absolutely everything to offer. Great food, great souvenirs, great games and acts, and a great atmosphere around. This is an amazing place to spend some hours.

A great atmosphere! The sea, the funfair! We absolutely loved spending time there! We even took a photo with the police 👍
We have adored !

I really like this pier. Not so much for the rides and cheap tourist shops, but for the character of the pier. It’s kind of hard to find a quiet place to sit back and appreciate it, but it can be done.
Start with the beach underneath. Sit there and admire the pillars holding up this structure, and think of all the storms that smash the coast.
The observation verandah up top is often empty, but somehow sounds of the ocean echo all the way up there. I like to sit on the timber floor and listen. It’s quite mesmerising.
Then there’s the locals navigating the crowds with their fishing rods and crab nets, meandering through to their favourite spots.
On the left side up top you’ll see the winches and cranes that pulled boats up and now let rescue boats down. It’s usually quiet there too.
Ok, I’m seeing things from a different angle, but the rides, ice cream and fridge magnets are all there too. Just enjoy it all ❤️

You know those movies you watch that take place in California? Well, being on this pier is basically experiencing this scene, unforgettable

There are a lot of people on the beach on weekends, and the wind is a bit strong, so I mainly wear less clothes, haha, I’m not as physically fit as foreigners, but there are some people wearing hoodies. Soak up the sun on the beach or take a dip in the sea. A very comfortable afternoon. The performances on the plank road are very lively!

The place and surroundings are nice, and the sunset is magnificent. There are friendly squirrels. The beach is huge, but it was not so warm as to try to swim. We felt safe, but like in other parts of Los Angelos, there will be marihuana smokers and that made it a bit less attractive.

Went the the pier because it was so iconic. The sunset on the beach with dinner afterward was quite romantic. It is more of a kids place, but fun to get the views.

It is a quite vibrant place and it should be on the list to go. The pier is historic and the most popular pier on Los Angeles beaches, so it is relatively the most crowded one.

A must see when visiting LA! Lovely pier and a bucket list moment ticked off. From spending lots of time here on grand theft auto as a child to walking down here as an adult was a great moment!

Unmissable tour if you visit Santa Monica. We went to Venice and then to the park where you find different souvenir options.

The official end of the road for roue 66 ers so a must have selfie and there is a dedicated place on the pier for anyone who has done 66. Been to the pier a few times before and its pretty good with all the usual attractions of west coast pier with rides, attractions and plenty of food options. Parking can be difficult so if you cant get on the meters on the roads there are a few multi storey car parks very close by. Dont leave any valuables in your car though either way

After a long subway ride of almost an hour, we finally arrived in Santa Monica, the place is very nice and characteristic. The pier is lovely, full of restaurants of all kinds, and above all from here you can admire the beach and the Pacific Ocean, the view is enchanting. I absolutely recommend a visit to this pier, to savor the true American atmosphere, seen in numerous films.

We spent a beautiful afternoon in Santa Monica, a walk or bike ride in this wonderful town until you reach Venice Beach is unmissable. Its Pier is characteristic and crowded with many typical shops and excellent restaurants.

The iconic pier is well worth a visit. There are loads of places to eat - avoid Bubba Gump it is dreadful! - and lots to see and do. The sheer size of the pier is also amazing to behold.

Beautiful and suggestive, it does not disappoint but it confirms a unique place to see. Breathtaking panorama and stunning Ferris wheel

Well the pier has definitively seen better days, it’s rundown dirty and definitively ready for a major facelift. what happened here?? Would not recommend this place to anybody, it was quite disappointing

It's a lovely place and a must do if visiting LA for the first time. We took the metro from East Hollywood - travel time was a little over 90 minutes. It's very touristy but what do you expect. Rides, fast food and souvenirs. It was a great way to spend a few hours

Go to say you’ve been there and done it but it definitely feeds on tourists with pricing for everything. Parking isn’t that bad and it’s fairly cheap but everything else on the pier is tourist priced. It can also get super crowded.

Santa Monica Pier is an absolute highlight! Especially the famous Route 66 sign is a great photo subject and a classic not to be missed. The pier itself offers beautiful walks, restaurants, small shops and a relaxed atmosphere right by the sea. Perfect for enjoying a sunny day and experiencing the typical Santa Monica flair.

Very dirty in general, the place looks quite old and it seems that it lacks maintenance to be an attraction of much interest, they should preserve it better

Santa Monique Pierce! Start of Route 66! A great place for relaxation, entertainment, souvenir shopping. You can watch the very first carousel! Small water park, amusement park. Lots of places to eat. Huge beach. Great views of the Pacific Ocean and the city. It's hard to park a car on weekends. But parking lots are close enough.

We chose to stay at Santa Monica to be close to the pier, however we were disappointed with the stench of urine and the numerous homeless people in the area.

The pier is no as big as we’d imagined and it’s full of cheap souvenirs & unappealing food venues, we chose not to eat at. Water is beautiful and clear and beach looked beautiful.

The theme park is small and aging, rides expensive. Unless you have other activities planned in this area I would not specificity plan your trip around staying near the pier.

Good pier to visit with the family. Some rides and carnival games. Plenty of places to eat.
If you a Brit reading this, Brighton palace Pier is a lot better.

Santa Monica pier is iconic and well worth spending some time there. Especially if you have a long layover at LAX. We had some 12 hours to kill on the way back to Australia and it was easy to come out of LAX and get an uber over to the pier. The streets around are also very nice and we had an excellent modern mexican meal looking out over the beach and the pier. The pier is a classic old style amusement park - perfect for killing a bit of time and having fun. And then it's also easy access to the beach where you can have a nice walk, take a swim or go to a playground.

Overproduction like most in the United States…
Lots of people. A lot of fuss.
Lots of junk food.
If you don't want some of the services or shops on the jetty, it's better to go elsewhere for swimming.

We had a great time at the Santa Monica Pier.
Although I have been to the pier countless times, it seems like every visit brings something new.
There is no better place to relax and enjoy some fantastic food.
The pier offers great views of the ocean and the beach.
You will love the photos that you will take, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Enjoy the pier and all that Santa Monica has to offer.
George Vreeland Hill

I don't get it. I've heard about The Santa Monica Pier my entire life (49 years), even as someone who has only lived in the Eastern Time Zone. That being said, I was expecting some West Coast version of the boardwalks along the Jersey Shore.
I couldn't get over how small it was. You can experience the entire thing in two minutes. The food options were lame. Again, I just don't get it. The beach adjacent to it was filthy, so you can't even just turn it into a beach day.

This is a place to see during your stay in LA. Enjoy the surrounding beaches and visit Santa Monica Pier. More for having seen it than for the interest of shops or snacks.

A nice place to visit, it is a must-see for any trip to L.A. The pier and amusements are nothing special, but the vibe is cool and the views are incredible. There was ample parking nearby. The pier is near Muscle Beach and public restrooms.

For one of L.A's iconic places we found it a run down place, really in need of a lick of paint, what made it worse was it was a dismal morning when we visited and probably made it look worse

Came here to see the pier and the ocean and the goings on we ended up having a fun time in the arcade playing games and messing around

This review is about the Pier only and not the surrounding area which we did not visit. The Pier is basically all of the worst parts of the NJ boardwalk scene converged into a relatively small space. People with megaphones yelling that Jesus is coming back and apparently isn't happy, overpriced rides, and throngs of shady characters. Santa Barbara is MUCH nicer. We went to the Grove for dinner afterwards and when the manager visited our table I asked for areas that he recommended. He immediately said to avoid the Pier as it has gone downhill. I could only laugh.

A busy iconic place to be seen, so much going on. Plenty of places to eat drink and just hang-out. So many people so just be careful of your wallets and purses. Santa Monica Pier from off the beach by car or otherwise is a FAB place to watch the sun go down.

This was my second visit to the Santa Monica Pier. Compared to my first visit, where I went at night, this time I was there early in the morning. It was nice to walk around before it became super crowded, and many of the shops were just opening up for the day. Seeing it all in the daylight changed my perspective a bit, and I would say overall the whole experience feels a little over-hyped. The pier has the nostalgic souvenir shops, amusement park rides, arcade, and performers and artists doing their thing along the boardwalk. There is an entrance down onto the beach itself so you can walk down to the water. There are even little showers to be able to wash the sand off of your feet before heading back up to the pier. As the morning turned into the afternoon, it eventually became more crowded and I was ready to leave. After my second trip, I can say I don’t need to visit again.

Santa Monica Pier is Los Angles' version of New York's Coney Island. In fact, the southern of today's pier was constructed in 1916 by amusement entrepreneur Charles Looff, who installed his first carousel at Coney Island in 1875. Located at the foot of Colorado Avenue inn Santa Monica, jutting into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, Santa Monica Pier consists of two side-by-side piers with different origins. The north side was built in 1909 to provide a conduit for the city's sewage to be pumped into the bay. The southern portion was designed to be a pleasure pier featuring dance halls, theaters, restaurants and thrill rides. Today, Looff's vision of a wonderland-of-fun remains. Santa Monica Pier offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays, it offers something for everybody. Want to go fishing? Start at Pier Bait & Tackle. Enjoy a ride on the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel and play carnival games at the Pacific Park amusement park. There's the historic merry go-round and Playland Arcade. And the Santa Monica Trapeze School. Be entertained by the many street performers. Visit the aquarium. Or just walk along the pier and experience the breathtaking views amid the crashing waves and salt sea breeze. Browse the vendors. Buy a seashell necklace or beachwear. Shop at Hats Amazing, Marlene's Beach Comber or Rock Shop. Hungry? You'll find everything from fish and chips to pizza to Japanese-style hot dogs to Mexican-style fresh fruit to tamales to Dixie-style baby back ribs to margaritas. Among the restaurants are Seaside on the Pier, The Albright, Pier Tamales, Japadog, Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Pier Burgers, Snackville at Pacific Park, Soda Jerks and Candy Carousel. It's not a coincidence that Santa Monica Pier was designed a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Iconic landmark. Great experience. Sea breeze and sea gulls and all the usual tourist games to win stuffed toys. Really brings back memories

We visited Santa Monica Pier in January 2024. It was nice to wander around and take in the sights of this old structure. We went back at sundown and rode the Ferris wheel from which we saw a beautiful sunset. The roller coaster was also fun.

Super fun place to get food or ice cream and watch the waves, so pretty! The rides are fun, but we went in a Monday and Tuesday and were surprised it was still quite busy. Lots of people, beautiful view!

The Santa Monica Pier holds a special place in my heart, whether it’s the height of summer or the calm of early December. In the summertime, this historic landmark bursts with energy. Picture this: me busking with my guitar, strumming everything from classic folk to Space Country Trap, while children laugh and the Ferris wheel spins in the background. There’s no better way to soak up the vibrant L.A. vibe!

Fishing off the pier is another must-do—catch-and-release, of course. The thrill of the tug on the line followed by the satisfaction of watching the fish swim away is priceless. Add a shady retreat under the pier to escape the heat, and it’s a perfect summer day.

December brings a different charm, with fewer crowds and a tranquil energy. I love walking the pier with a warm drink in hand, the ocean breeze refreshing my spirit. The holiday season makes the experience even cozier, with lights twinkling and the sound of gentle waves creating a meditative rhythm.

Pro tip: whether you’re here to fish, perform, or simply bask in the beauty, carve out time to catch the sunset from the end of the pier. It’s nothing short of breathtaking.

With All My Love
Jade Ann Byrne

We visited Santa Monica Pier as this really is a mandatory place to visit when in the Los Angeles area. We rode on the roller coaster and our children rode on the Ferris Wheel. The prices for the rides were a rip off to be honest, but then so are the goldolas in Venice, but they're things you just have to do.

There were alot of very interesting people on the pier.

When I got to the end of the pier and looked back, the view of Santa Monica Beach and the hotels was amazing. It made me feel like I was in LA.
As my wife and I were relaxing on a bench, a small old lady who was clearly a pickpocket sat down next to us. As the guidebook says, be careful of that.
There are toilets in the building on the right hand side towards the entrance to the amusement park halfway up the pier.

It was really busy the night we went and also quite chilly. The sunset was beautiful, though. There is not much to do on the pier, although there are a few rides, including the iconic wheel. Not in a hurry to go back!

We had an amazing time visiting for the first time!! Great vendors, beach, and restaurants close by! City parking also close by. I was happy to see how clean it was!

Sometimes when you stay in a major city there are tourist attractions and locations you go to simply to know you've been and to know what it looks like in person. Santa Monica Pier was one of those locations for me. It was exactly like I thought it would be - busy with tourists (like us), fairly tacky souvenir stalls, stores and food venues but fun people watching and seeing different people trying to earn money with various performances on the pier. I'm glad to know I've now been but I wouldn't ever feel the need to return when traveling again to LA. We enjoyed the direct beach area, Venice Beach side, of the pier the most and watching people working out on the beach equipment particularly the acrobatic style ropes - that was a good way to spend some time before starting our walk to Venice Beach!

Honestly, not that impressive. Exactly what I thought it was, not actually that exciting but we stayed for the views at sunset snd it was BEAUTIFUL!

We went to flame restaurant in Santa Monica it was group gathering
Restaurant was not organised and food was not good I will not going again

The Santa Monica Pier which dates back to 1909 is an iconic spot in Los Angeles. There is a small amusement park and an aquarium located at the pier along with carnival games, souvenir stores, overpriced places to eat, street performers and great people watching. You will find locals fishing off the end of the pier and it's a great place to watch the sunset. However, the pier is also always packed with tourists. Despite the crowds, it is a fun place to visit both during the day and after dark.

Wasn’t the worse but definitely wasn’t pleasant
Went walking along the pier and there is people doing meth on the benches broad daylight
Walk the trail with friends stop to use the bathroom at far north end come out to a needle loaded with drugs in it try to do the right thing being there is kids there that play so I take it to a firefighter, who tells me there’s nothing that he can do. I asked him where a local police officer is and he told me all they’re gonna do is tell me to throw it in the trash. They’re not even gonna touch it themselves mind you I didn’t expect them to actually physically touch it but put some gloves on put in a water bottle like most police departments do no instead there’s wanted to just leave a loaded syringe on the walking path for a child to get a hold of

Iconic pier and beach.

Pier has a few shops but the highlight is the Amusement Park area with a bunch of rides.

Well-maintained and safe area...lots of tourists as expected.

About a 30-40 minute ride from the Downtown LA or Hollywood areas.

Parking in main lot (closest to the pier) was $15 for the entire day on the day we went (Monday)...not sure if this price fluctuates on busier days or the weekends. Accessible from the main road (Pacific Coast Highway).

Glad we made it there to check it off the list but more worth it to those interested in the rides or a day at the beach. The area near the Venice Beach Skatepark, just south along the water, may be a better options for those interested in skipping the amusement park environment.

The Santa Monica Pier is one of those must see places that is always busy, we visited on a Friday afternoon so it wasn't as crazy busy as the weekend. There are many restaurants on and near the pier and street parking is available along with the large lot to the right of the pier. The rides range from $6 to $12 per ride or all day passes, $20 for kids 7 and under and $40 for those 8 and older.

SM Pier is an amazing spot for sunset, but we also visited in the day time twice, & it was really cool. Street performers were amazing, food & drinks in the bars there was really nice & inexpensive. Views of the beach are beautiful. Defo a must see/do whilst in SM.

Nice pier with restaurants, gift shops, and food stands. In addition, an entertainment park with a rollercoaster and a Ferris wheel. In addition, some small attractions.
The terminus of Route 66 is also nice

Nice place to spend an evening or from where to start a walk on the seafront!! the pier is very touristy, consequently there are many shops and restaurants

I enjoyed the Santa Monica Pier, even if it is touristy. People watching was the best part of it, along with taking the whole scene in

Visited on a Sunday. Very crowded and overly touristic. It lacked a unique charm with cheap souvenirs and generic food everywhere. Reminded me of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, but even busier with rides and arcades.

While the ocean view is a highlight, the nearby beach is too packed to enjoy it. Felt overwhelmed and headed to Ocean Avenue for a quieter lunch.

Perhaps Sundays are especially busy or maybe it's just not for me.

You can find free parking for 2 hours nearby, when we arrived it was cloudy and a bit cold but we enjoyed the amazing view and bought some souvenirs, it was worth it!

If you are in Los Angeles it is absolutely worth putting up with many subway stops to get there. The light is beautiful and the place is very special: a river of people pours both onto the very large beach and onto the pier, where there is a succession of places to drink and eat. If you are not sensitive to the cold you can risk a swim in the ocean, then taking advantage of the cabins and services available on the pier. Advised!!

I have always wanted to go to this iconic pier and we had a very fun, activity filled afternoon. Unfortunately weather was not great so our pics look a little dull but it was fun nonetheless. The rides are slightly expensive but that’s to be expected, pier games and arcades kept us entertained as well. The food options were varied, we had the ‘pier burger’ which was delicious. There’s live music at the back of the pier as well as other interesting characters roaming around. Nice souvenir shops, good food and a lively atmosphere. A fun day out!

Always a pleasure to come here especially in the evening, the atmosphere is unique, you arrive to see the sunset and then enjoy the lights in the dark and the reflection of the moon on the sea... while walking you come across a bit of everything

Iconic to visit . Noisy as would expect fairground place. beach superb.
Dont get caught catching monorail and bus late at night. Uber home if getting after 7pm and unfamilair.

Leaving Hollywood by car, be prepared to take a kind of BR with 5 lanes and several side exits. So, study the route beforehand because you will be leaving urban traffic.
It took me almost an hour to arrive, the first difficulty was finding a parking space. I drove a lot because I went in the afternoon and the parking lots near the Pier were already full.

The city, the pier, the beaches, the restaurants, everything as seen in the photos. You can take some cool photos and my only regret was that I went too late. Couldn't see everything. The other bad part was the return: a super two-hour traffic jam to return to Los Angeles.
I'll give you a tip: it's worth staying there for a night or going early to enjoy the day. And hand over the steering to someone with experience on the highway if you don't have much experience with lane departures, unlikely U-turns, etc.

Santa Monica Pier has mixed reviews but it is what it is - we visited from the UK in February 2024 and it was a must being in California. It will remind many brits of the south-east piers such as that at Brighton, Southsea or Paignton . Its an eclectic mix of old fashioned fair ground attractions arcades , with fairground rides and food vendors! the ice cream and funnel cakes are epic!! the views from the pier are great , especially at sunset - we went on a cloudy ish evening but it was still stunning. After dark the rides and fire light are and there are a mix of street performers and buskers and sea fishing at the end of the pier. The fact it is the end of Route 66 is also a bonus. It is fair to say there are a few unsavoury people about, but you get that in most places. as long as you don't flash the cash and stick to the main areas where others are you should not have any issues. The biggest thing we saw was a drunk man shouting at people and then nearly getting mowed down on ocean drive. This however did nit take away from our experience which will be an evening remembered and cherished for a long time to come.

Love Santa Monica pier went here with my kids and had a great time lots of activities and food options and the weather was amazing. Recommend bringing a sweater at night. It can get kind of cold.

Sun came out and we got to enjoy the beautiful view and breeze.

Walk from our hotel to the pier was very convenient! Love the food places there too, slightly expensive but it’s kind of expected.
Funnel cake was to die for!!

Best TIME of MY lifE. it was so 6/7. it was so crowded and hot but we managed to get through it. (btw MATTHEW is my friend) he went)

I was blown away about how amazing this place is! There are endless food options activities and shops. The views are amazing and the beach is beautiful.

This historic famous pier didn’t disappoint at all. Lots of food places, gift shops, friendly staff, Pacific Park was fun, the views are amazing. The beach below the pier is also great for kids.

Already seen so much on pictures, on TV, and now live, for us it's an absolute must when we're in Santa Monica.
The whole thing is a little worn out, but the colorful rides and many food corners are inviting.
Plus the breathtaking view of the sea and coast, what more could you want.

Santa Monica Pier. Who doesn't know it from TV? Colorful, loud, completely overcrowded? Yes and no. For $10 you can park right on the pier for the whole day. Then you can either go to the beach and soak up the sun (I wouldn't swim here) or go to the pier to the rides, restaurants, etc. You should experience it live when you're in LA

Having always wanted to visit this pier, and being a pier enthusiast, I was excited to finally make it. Sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. It is a lovely pier for sure, but it is no bigger or better than those we have in the uk. In fact, the uk piers are actually superior. The fast food in America is awfully salty and fairly atrocious across the board. So there's that. But, the massive negative of Santa Monica Pier is that every 100 meters or so there was a very loud preacher shouting biblical bo**ocks. Amazingly, the Americans seemed to actually like it, as many of them sat listening and ever shook their hands as the past by! This wouldn't happen in a none fundamentalist country, and it's frankly atrocious. Give me Brighton Pier any day over this tainted attempt.

Awful, the only good thing was the view of the beach. Paid €15 to park and couldn’t wait to leave. A few homeless people around but they kept themselves to themselves. The pier was part covered in rides and arcades and part covered in small little stalls selling cheap tat.

It's very crowded. There are many shops that cater to tourists, so few locals go there. However, they do occasionally use the nostalgic stuffed animal capture games and amusement park rides for children. There is a casual restaurant at the tip.

We ventured here immediately after arriving in LA to walk and ward off jet lag. Our kids had a blast and it was fun for us too. It’s beautiful walking around and the rides were fun for the kids. We loved the Route 66 sign although it’s not the true end of Route 66. It was fun exploring and explaining it to my kids.

Very nice place and lots of entertainment. Along the pier you'll find people singing, shops selling LA souvenirs, even beachwear. There are game rooms and attractions, such as the Ferris wheel. You can sit down and eat a hot dog, cheeseburger or something. The place is also equipped with bathrooms and parking is near the pier. Suitable for families.

We found $12 per ride very overpriced, but visiting Santa Monica Pier is a must. As well as the pier, there were alot of very interesting people at the pier.

Everything was clean and in working condition. There are also places to eat at Santa Monica Pier.

This is an amusement park on a big pier, out over the ocean, so the views are great. We were with small kids, so we concentrated on the carousel, and did the Ferris wheel once. There's no entrance fee to the amusement park itself, just for the rides themselves, so you can spend as much or as little time there as you want. Parking can be an issue, but we got lucky on Super Bowl Sunday...perhaps many were watching the game instead!

The pier is ok, if you never been to Santa Monica, you should visit and walk to the end of the pier. I would go earlier in the morning before all the beach crowd arrives and the pier is not crowded, so no lines for a coffee. But once you have been, really not much to see next time around.

Smells of sewage, trash in the water, high crime in the area, cars broken into in the parking lit, accosted by those living in bushes and on the street or under the pier. A depressing experience- without acknowledging the consistent terrible water quality surrounding the pier.

Numerous homeless people in this area.No problems but saw several searching the trash cans. Ate at Bubba Gump and one man came up to the window where we were sitting.Laid his
head against the window.Waiter made him leave.Visual poverty takes away from the beauty of the beach and palm trees.

Very large beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean. Small Restaurant and Family Things to Do. Bicycle path and located near the city center. A few kilometers away and you can visit Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

I enjoyed visiting the Pier and the views. We were there on 2 separate days one of which was a weekend. It is much busier and more crowded on the weekend but there was some really cool entertainment there as well. I was a little disappointed in the amount of casual eating options but then again wasn't really looking to eat there.

I went on a girls trip to LA, on our last day we spent the afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier. There is an amusement park and a lot of eateries. There were also street performers on the pier, very talented I must add. We walked along the trail near the beach and walked down to Venice Beach. Beware it is a long walk and you have to walk back.

There were plenty of lots to park, they were all $15 for the day from what I observed. It was a nice, relaxing and peaceful way to end our trip. I would recommend a visit if you are in the area or have the time to drive there.

Great, safe, clean place for familys with childrens. Not only for tourists. You can get some nice food as well as some not so pricy souvenirs.

Want the iconic Hollywood treatment and movie feel minus the crowds of Hollywood? GO. This is the spot we all dreamed LA would be. Crowded yes- but walk all the way down to the end of the pier and you'll get some elbow room. Plus a stunning 180 degree ocean view and the romance of "LaLa Land" brought to life. Day or night. Always worth the trip. Always a great time.

It is a beautiful place to walk in love. Lots of entertainment. The beach is just beautiful!
About an hour
We rented bikes from Venice Beach to the dock

I went with a friend who likes to people watch. We went at night, saw the game arcade and rides, saw the street performers and smelled the food.

The cool cultural part was at the end of the pier, watching the evening in the lives of those who fish from the pier. It’s an interesting and entertaining way to spend some time at the pier. It’s fun to celebrate in a good catch.

When in Santa Monica it’s hard not to visit the pier. Free to enter. Pacific Park area provides the classic amusement park with Ferris wheel and Rollercoaster among other rides, all packed in tight to increase the energy.
The pier has numerous food outlets, some look in need of improvements. Lots of additional entertainment provided by ‘street performers’ all along the pier from singers of varying ability to people telling you Jesus will save you!
It’s a fun place to visit both by day and night.

You kinda have to visit the Santa Monica pier if you’re in the area. It’s a small pier and typical type stores/restaurants/rides. Great views and beach seemed nice from what I saw. People were fishing too. There are restaurants and shops that run perpendicular to the pier. The restaurants looked a lot nicer than the ones on the pier.

What about the Santa Monica Pier? Like being catapulted into one of the countless movies or TV series that everyone has seen at least once in their life. Breathtaking at sunset. Full of tourists of course. I put 4 stars just because I was told to be better than Venice, which I preferred instead.

Pier is pretty but pretty weak in the options for kids, few toys options. I didn't think it was worth the tour, if you have a few days in Los Angeles you can put aside

If you go to Santa Monica you have to go to the pier. It is the end of Route 66 full of shops, restaurants and even a small themed park with rides and a Ferris wheel. There are little sign’s telling the history and even Popeye started here. Yes it is a little tacky but all piers are. Plenty of places to get a great photo. The beach on either side is a bit dirty and the water is cold. All in all was, it is worth going to at least once.

The pier is truly a historical icon and wonderful to visit. It is a must see if you are in Los Angeles. The roses themselves are a bit antiquated and need to be updated but I assume they want to keep the traditional rides. There are restaurants there but you are better off eating at a restaurant near by.

We came here on a late Sunday afternoon during spring break time, so it was rather crowded. We parked in a very affordable public garage within a few blocks. We walked the length of the pier, stopped at the end to relax and see the views, then walked back while stopping every once in a while to patronize a vendor or check out some interesting sites such as the marker for the end of route 66. For us, this was mostly a "must-do" tourist visit but we are glad we saw and experienced it.

Santa Monica Pier is a fun place to visit. You will have many choices of different places to eat. You can play carnival games, go on amusement rides and shop at the souvenir shops. If you don't like crowds, I suggest you go early in the day, as the day goes on, the crowds increase.

The Santa Monica Pier was very spacious and really a very beautiful and vibrant to enjoy a lovely evening from sunset onwards.The entry is free and car parking is free for the first 90 minutes

Impossible to visit Los Angeles and not go to this place. But don't go with very high expectations. We went Sunday afternoon/night. Crowded with people, street vendors, beggars and the occasional dealer. The pier is not very pretty although the view is. The amusement park is the same as any other but here it is full of people. You have to go down to the beach for a while too.

Santa Monica Pier, folks, is the ultimate chill spot by the beach! I mean, it's got everything you could want for a good time. The rides, like the Ferris wheel, are a blast – you get killer views of the ocean from up there. And there's street performers everywhere, doing all sorts of tricks. The food? Well, the funnel cakes are a must-try, trust me. It's the perfect place to just hang out, watch the waves, and enjoy that laid-back California vibe. If you're in LA, swing by Santa Monica Pier – it's pure fun!

The place is worth a visit! Various entertainment options, beautiful views, mixed atmosphere with many families, but also young people. I recommend spending some time there!!

Nice place. Spectacular panoramic view. Hard to find parking you must walk a lot. You can tour STA Monica by scotter there is special way to do it.

We stopped by here as part of a sightseeing tour. We only had 45 minutes in total, so didn't have much time to stop and do anything. It is a really nice place to have a walk down with a few shops and couple of rides to go on if you have the time. Some good photo opportunities and a good experience overall. Definitely worth a visit, even if you need to travel a bit to get there.

The pier has many places to eat, shop and play. Fun for all ages. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing! Often times it is very windy! I Recommend the Korean hotdogs!

The Pier and the beach are separated from the city by the Pacific Coast Highway, so there is a lot of traffic. So be sure to cross at the lights. There is an entrance to the Pier where can take a great photo of the historic landmark sign. It’s a little walk to get to all of the activities. The Pier offers restaurants, fast food, rides, games and access to the beach. Rides require tickets than can be purchased on the Pier either for individual rides or to ride all day. None of the rides are huge like most amusement parks, but they are fun for the whole family. While we were there, we didn’t not wait in line very long. We were going to go to the aquarium until we saw how teeny tiny it looked, so we opted not to get tickets.

It was beautiful. You can see the ocean and take a ride on the rides for a few dollars. Highly recommended for a family ride or alone to see Santa Monica Pier

We were staying in Shutters on the beach hotel in LA and this place is opposite and a walking distance from the hotel and visited this place on 19th May 2023. The pier is one of the many things to do in Santa Monica. Packed with family-friendly activities, vibrant street performers, restaurants and shops, the Pier also offers stunning views and over a century of history. The Santa Monica Pier, located in the middle of Santa Monica Beach, is one of the most iconic places in the city. Known as the final point of the legendary Route 66, it offers its visitors guaranteed fun thanks to its popular amusement park, aquarium, food stalls and incredible views of the coast. This place is worth visiting though could be crowded with tourists on the weekend.
Dr. Javed Rasheed

We are a family of 3 from the UK and started here on our trip across the USA. We spent a good 4 hours here. We brought the wristbands they were $140 for the 3 of us. Well worth the money. We must have done the rides 20 times each and is perfect for 7 year old too. Single rides are very expensive. Drinks are insanely expensive. Bloody Mary was $19! When you add tax and tip that's bonkers. We didn't bother with food places and waited until we were back at Venice Beach. We had a great day.

It was fun to walk along the beach and check out the Pier. The little shops and arcade weren't opened yet and unfortunately, it was a misty, foggy day, but we enjoyed walking around.

Weird yet wonderful. Lots of rides for the kids but you also need to steer them clear of all the crazy people shouting random things over loudspeakers.

A must visit to Santa Monica, and its famous pier, very cinematic (it has been seen in countless movies), very lively with its attractions, little restaurants, the enormous beach, the boardwalk. Precious

definitely a place worth walking is with family as a couple or alone.

The atmosphere is very cheerful, meal options, souvenirs, street artists, music, privileged view...

Beautiful beaches and good food with a family atmosphere. Very clean and well kept. Plenty of vendors and very safe. The ferris wheel was great!

I did a pull-up challenge at Santa Monica Pier, which was a lot of fun. After that, I walked across the bridge to watch the sunset, but along the way, there was some amazing street performance, and I got completely captivated by it. The beach was quite lively and busy, but it added to the vibrant atmosphere

The Santa Monica Pier is bigged up as a must see location. It isn’t! The pier is large and has several restaurants and eateries, lots of people selling souvenirs etc. as you would expect. The fairground attractions are limited and when we went, there were religious groups “selling” their beliefs loudly to all on the pier. The weather was poor (end June) which didn’t add to the experience. There are good photo opportunities there since it is the end of the famous Route 66 there. In short, if you visit the area and miss the pier, you haven’t missed anything special.

It is a scenery that we are used to seeing in TV shows, movies and commercials over and over again. This beer is also the starting point of Route 66. There are a lot of sketches and magic tricks until you get to the end of the pier, but be careful because some people demand tips even if you are streaming video. Seals can also be found at the tip.

You could spend max 2-3 hours here. It can get quite boring. There is a nice arcade if you're into that. Not as many cute shops / places to get good souvenirs as expected.

Maybe I am a little biased because I am a local, but I have never seen this place with enough elbow room. It's great for those visiting out of town and haven't seen it yet but once you've seen it, you've seen it.

The last time my parents and I came was 10 years ago. Beach is beautiful, views are spectacular. Pier is crowded and parking is quite pricey though. Lots of shops, restaurants and so on.

One piece of advice - Park at the mall where it's much cheaper instead of paying $35 if you can avoid it.

The area around the pier is ridden with homeless & mentally distraught street people. My family & I were confronted by a screaming lunatic who chased us into busy traffic - and this was at 11am. Not a cop to be found anywhere. The pier itself is okay but getting to the pier is sad, horrifying and unsafe. Not a place to walk to with the kids.

We went on a Thursday around noon. Parking was $15. It was quite busy. We went to the arcade ( pricey), the aquarium, the carousel ($3each) and played one game. The games and rides are expensive. The roller coaster was $14 each. We stayed for a few hours. The beach is dirty with trash that no one seems to pick up. There are some homeless folks here and one was yelling as we walked by.

We came across this pier on a day of celebration and there were really many people having fun, eating or just walking on the adjacent beach. Idyllic and iconic because it is present in so many American films where road 66 ends. Lots of public parking in the area with daily costs of $20 to maximum hours 2 hours. Beautiful relaxing day

The streets are becoming multi-lane - lots of traffic - Los Angeles sends its regards.
Santa Monica is a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica Beach, which borders Palisades Park, offers views of the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Monica Pier is home to the Pacific Park amusement park, the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

This is Santa Monica and it’s beautiful to look at and be a part of but if you want to do anything but walk and look around it’s going to cost you plenty. That’s about all I can tell you. I enjoyed my time here but didn’t spend much money as everything is overpriced and the only thing worth it is the view. Enjoy!

Santa Monica Pier. if in the LA area make this a must. Historic area where old U S 66 ended. the home of the original Muscle Beach that Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger worked out at. Nice shops fun amusement park Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica beach. So much to do. We spent two hours on the pier and didn't see half of what's there.

I've traveled to southern California for over 50 years, and even lived there for several years in the 1980's and 1990's, but had never gone to the pier at Santa Monica. I took my three teen and pre-teen kids and they had a great time even though there only a limited number of rides. It wasn't crazy expensive either. Besides the rides there are food & drink options, shopping and just the great views of ocean & surfers, the beach and more.

This was the last stop on our Route 66 trip and it was great! The crowds were not too bad. We rode the Ferris Wheel and had a hot dog! There were so many people to see. The shops were fun and we really enjoyed our time.

Beautiful pier on the world famous beach of Santa Monica (Lifeguard Towers / Baywatch, End Route 66, Pacific Park, Restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Police officers on electric bikes etc....)

Still wowed that we actually walked on this famous pier! Came here on a weekend with just a few hours to kill while on a layover at LAX. It's a 50-minute bus ride and worth every minute of it.
Always helpful is the beautiful weather on that day. We highly recommend coming here.

The Santa Monica Pier has a beautiful view of the ocean and the city at night. The amusement park is normal, it doesn't have extraordinary attractions but it's great for Instagram photos. By the way, from Monday to Thursday it closes at 7:00pm and on the weekend at 9:00pm. There are abundant vendors, beggars and people in general. At this time it is slightly cool, it is advisable to bring a sweater.

Exactly like on TV, nice restaurants opposite, nice location. Forrest Gump shoes, fun rides

This place is awesome!!...Great food,souvenirs and just a great way to spend your day ...Over looking the beautiful Pacific Ocean,the beach and beautiful mountains!!

Fair rides, fishing, shopping, eats and drinks... the pier has pretty much got something for everyone. It was quite busy getting on and off it from the main road, but it's much easier to access it from the beach about half way up.

For its atmosphere (especially in the evening), the few attractions, restaurants, small vendors, artists who perform there. You are facing the ocean, sunset, at the end of Highway 66, the beach, music, lights.

The Santa Monica Pier is a classic Southern California location and we visited with our family on a recent trip. Much of the parking by the pier is priced at an all day rate but we found a smaller lot down Seaside Terrace that was charged by the hour and considerably cheaper. We walked on the beach and up and down the pier to take everything in. We were there around an hour but it could certainly be an all day adventure.

Great place for an afternoon stroll, also perfect place to jump in the ocean or just people watch. Some great restaurants and shops also on the pier.

Great tourist spot, I suggest to take beach clothes if it is in the summer and enjoy the sea afterwards, also enjoy to exercise outdoors. Because the Pier itself is a tourist spot that is usually crowded

What a vibrant and friendly experience! Initially wasn’t got to visit as I thought it may be a little too touristy. How wrong, it’s a friendly, bohemian vibe that shouldn’t be missed!

We went here for lunch with family from Minnesota who were visiting for the first time. Let me tell you Tomaurea, our server went above and beyond to make our experience outstanding!!!!!! There was a line out the door so the place was packed and he made us feel like we were the only customers in the whole place! He asked one of the grandkid's which one of them was paying and the look on their faces was priceless. Just had an amazing experience overall with Tomaurea! This young man deserves a raise or a promotion!!!!!

It's very nice, you can do various activities, eat, this is the amusement park. Or just walk on the beach! It's best to go after noon when most stores are open!

Not much to see or do. It was boring. And kind of dirty. We were disappointed basically only a check the box place. Junky food and junky merch

Fishing in dirty water, churros, and lots of merch from China. Very cool Classic cars, and man singing like Satchmo, trapeze classes too. Pretty diverse spot but a tourist point for sure.

The Santa Monica Pier (with its amusement park) is a cute, compact spot perfect for family fun! 🎡 It’s small but just right for young kids, with plenty of rides to keep them entertained. 😊 The iconic Ferris wheel 🎢, mini roller coaster, and kid-friendly attractions make it a chill, beachy vibe. 🌊 We snagged a great deal on Groupon—4 unlimited ride passes plus $20 in game credits for just $94.40, way better than the usual $180! 💸 Pro tip: skip the ticket counter and buy on Groupon to save big. 👍 Safety note: Watch your back, as there are homeless individuals and addicts in the area. Stay alert at all times. While there’s a good security presence, I wouldn’t advise walking alone at night. Overall, it’s a fun spot for little ones, and parents can soak in the ocean views!

The usual overpriced tacky shops and stands with overpriced restaurants and coffee shops !
Has a very unclean feel about the place especially the viewing platform at the end.
Something to tick of the list but won’t rush back.

The feeling is you're in a movie. Free attraction for sightseeing, pier with cafes, restaurants, amusement park, live music and souvenir shops

The Santa Monica pier is a wonderful attraction that everyone should enjoy if you’re in the Los Angeles area. It’s a focal point in many movies even video games for the most part. Most of the people on the pier are tourists & well meaning vendors however be careful and keep your wallet And purse close as there are quite a few homeless people that pray that I used to the safety of their own homes

We were in LA for a vacation and decided to visit the coast starting at the iconic Santa Monica pier area.

We found a parking garage that was a few blocks away from the pier. It was free parking for the first hour which was all the time we needed for a quick visit to the pier.

We walked to the end of the pier going past little shops and amusement areas.

We watched some people fishing off the pier and saw them catching a few fish while we were there.

An interesting spot to visit.

August 2023 - Santa Monica - a place in my opinion created by the American myth, like many others. At 9.30 in the evening the restaurants are all closed, there is practically no one left around, except for many homeless people and there is a certain fear of going out and about. Many places are now closed, for rent, probably after Covid. Crazy prices with attempts to insert the tip at least 20% everywhere. Guys, let's avoid being fooled. The Pier…. A pier…. With tourist restaurants and nothing else…. Maybe it's time to revisit this American dream.
In my opinion the most beautiful thing is the endless cycle path... but coming to this part of the world just for this... Evaluate you.

This is a true bucket list experience. Very busy but plenty to do, had perfect weather, just be weary of your belongings as there are a lot of people around. Highly recommended

This place is beautiful. Weekends are always great. Weekdays are usually quiet. Beach is beautiful! Son loves it here.

We stopped here on our way to Long beach. It was an interesting place to wander and to see the pier but a bit tacky for our liking.
There's lots to do and see but it'll cost you..

It's an iconic place in the city of Los Angeles. It has places to buy souvenirs, it is full of spots to take photos, and there is the historic start (or end) sign of the famous route 66. That's clear "or end" why it's one end of the route, which you can start in Santa Monica or finish the route, the other end of the route is in Chicago, Illinois.
In addition, the Santa Monica Pier has a beautiful amusement park and offers local cuisine.

A must do if you're in the area. The pier is the official end of Route 66 and has all sorts o historic references as well as old school fun fair rides as well as fishing off the end of the pier. It's always very busy but a must visit when in Santa Monica. We walked there after parking up near Venice Beach.

It is a fun touristy thing to do when visiting greater LA. It has a carnival vibe and good views of the beach. It ain’t magical or anything like that, but it’s still very cool to check out. Best time to visit is in the evening!

Nice to take a walk on the pier. A bit dirty, though so are the sidewalks around the area. Worth checking out, at least for bragging rights. Take some photos, maybe buy a souvenir.

amazing place. magnificent beach, pier seen and seen again in cult films. beautiful atmosphere and the famous light of Los Angeles. one of the most beautiful places ever seen

We visited on December 29th in the evening. We arrived about 25 minutes before sunset and found our place in line for the ferris wheel. The sun set while we were on the wheel. It was beautiful. After the ride we walked, explored a couple restaurants and bars and soaked in the atmosphere and energy of our surroundings.

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic places in all of LA. During this visit, it was much busier with lots of people walking along the pier and all of the shops were open. The pier has restaurants, shops, activities and an amusement park. I walked up and down the pier, visiting the shop at the end, spending way too much money at the playland arcade and taking lots of pictures of the view, the activities and all the people. There is something for everyone and if you do visit, make sure you pop in to see the beautiful carousel. It’s one of a kind.

I went to LA on trip, and we spent our last afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier. There’s an amusement park, plenty of food spots, and some really talented street performers. We really enjoyed it!

It is a very good place to visit and take many iconic photos. There's a lot of people going over there selling everything on the pier or giving a speech or singing Hare Krishna. There are many restaurants to choose from, including a Bubba Gump. There is a lot of people actually coming or leaving for the route. Watching the sunset is priceless. and next door there is a large public parking place if you are visiting the beach and pier from far away.

The Pier is really fun at night, but like many places in LA it needs some maintenance. It's not as charming as I imagined. It's worth a visit, it has an interesting park.

A very nice place where if the weather is favorable there is a Mood and spectacular views definitely a good option if you are in Los Angeles.

Arcade on site pretty good. Wind determines if the rides are operable (they were not when we were there). The shops are, in the vernacular of my kids, "mid." The beach is fine, but need to wait until May to probably really enjoy it. (Visiting the pier, in my opinion, is seasonally and weather dependent.

Loved going to Santa Monica Pier. We rode the Farris Wheel and also dipped our toes in the Pacific. Even though it was cold the day we were there I loved the idea of walking on a board walk and seeing all the boats and people.

Excellent day trip! We enjoyed renting bikes and hanging out on the beach! Beautiful area, great food!

We were at the pier in July 2025.
We leave the car in public parking (paid) next to the pier.
The pier is very cool and seems to be in a movie as it was a scenario of various movies and series.
There are various food options and attractions.
On the pier is the mark of the end of route 66 with a shop selling the route passport
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At the pier was the floral we bought the cheapest souvenir of Los Angeles

A super nice pier filled with life ballad of people who perform musicians who come to charm your ears from the restaurants of the merchants to rescue a beautiful place to walk above the sea with a beautiful view qur the beaches of santa monica

Big old pier. Long walking distance to get to the actual pier. Steep incline on return to street level.. amusement park on pier. Food vendors. Churos of course.

Apart from the iconic presence in so many movies and the end of the famous Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier is very little stuff. A wooden pier with a few shacks (and several homeless near the same). Disappointment.

the roller coaster looks tiny and not worth the $15 ticket, but it was actually awesome! so much fun and totally worth it, they let you ride it twice in a row for the $15 ticket, which is the perfect amount. Great views from the top of the coaster! lots of different carnival games to play, and impossible to win of course. Didn't eat at any of the spots on the pier, because there is plenty just off the pier that looked better/cheaper.

I can't say that the Santa Monica Pier was necessarily on my bucket list but it's definitely one of those places that you see for most of your life on TV, movies, or in the settings of books. We were on a recent visit to Long Beach with a rental car and decided to head to SMP for sunset, dinner and a few rides. Don't forget to allow extra time for traffic if you are aiming for sunset -- luckily it wasn't bad when we visited but we left in plenty of time just in case.

We parked in a public deck just before you get to the pier from 5:30pm - 9:30pm on Friday and didn't have to pay (the arm raised as we pulled up to it.) I believe you can also park below on the beach side and it won't be such a walk, but I'm not sure what the cost to park there was.

After the sunset we ate at Rusty's Surf Ranch which is one of the first restaurants before you walk onto the actual pier. It was a great meal, great atmosphere (it was karaoke night) and I'd recommend it.

We rode the roller coaster (more fun than it looks) and of course the classic ferris wheel. I was surprised to have read so much negativity about the homesless and safety of the pier, we may have been fortunate not to experience that on our trip but as always be kind and be wise, you'll be fine.

We were looking for something quintessentially LA to do, and by the time we'd discussed all the alternatives, going to the Pier was the only one still open. It was chilly, especially with the brisk wind, but the cold did nothing to dent the enthusiasm of the huge crowds. We loved the surf, the sunset, the funnel cakes, the people watching. The funnel cakes were actually a hoot, as the powdered sugar on top blew all over us in the wind, making us look like we had small dabs of cotton all over our clothes. A perfect people- watching adventure.

Amazing place buzzing with activities , rides and stunning views of the sunset ! Relaxed and chilled area to spend hours - highly recommend this place as many Hollywood Movies made here

Very cool, worth the visit!
End of the day and enjoy the sunset
Cold but very beautiful, with an “ok” food option
Best LA

What an amazing place! It was a beautiful, cold day, but the sky was blue and the sun was wonderful! There was plenty of people, I think because it's Saturday a little crowded. The pier is full of restaurants, hamburgers, barbecues and souvenir shops. I've met tourists of all sorts, many different languages, people singing, preaching, an absurd mess! The amusement park makes everything even more special, gives beautiful photos in this place. Come know and appreciate the view and the movement! We left the car in a nearby parking lot and walked.

In 2006, the pier USED TO BE safe, clean and nice, with an interesting and diverse crowd from all ethnic and economic groups, tourists and locals alike. Now, in 2024, it's filthy with vendors blaring music, vagrants and addicts. Not nice in any way.

Santa Monica Pier is a fun spot to go spend a few hours with rides, shopping, and food. There were 2 different groups of musicians playing on the pier and it was beautiful. I enjoyed watching the fishermen fishing off the pier. Something to do for everyone.

Nice, original pier like you see in the movie. A packed lunch and lots of shops and eat tents. Nice to walk around for a while.

Super touristy but fun and a must visit if you are in LA.
Lots of hustle and bustle and noise and kitch.
Ate in the Pierburger, perhaps not so clean but surprisingly tasty.

Unmissable walk to be in Los Angeles, places to eat, nice postcards, the amusement park, lots to do, we get on the roller coaster, lots of fun nothing so extreme ideal to do it as a family

A foggy day today kept the crowds away. The parking in Beachside was very convenient and as I am disabled, it’s free. There are stairs from car park. Not sure if there is easier access from roadway. Very happy with that. There were guys doing break dancing and were very interesting. They just asked for a donation.

The Pier looks beautiful in the evening with lights and a lighted giant wheel on the edge. It is bubbling with people, a wee bit crowded if you do not prefer.

The place is full of eateries, small eats, rides and souvenir shops. Very touristy but good to spend a couple of hours exploring the place.

You can even find a pier at the end with sea gulls and albatross gliding around in their grandeur.

Would recommend to checkout nearby retaurants for better food than the pier, All within walking distance.

They should restore the dock is badly damaged. Otherwise it's nice, you can buy souvenirs, take emblematic photos

This is a must see if you're in the Los Angeles area. A bustling place with lots to see and do. Just sit and watch the world go by.

The highlight of the pier was going on the ferris wheel watching the sunset go down. It was so pretty. The pier itself looks lovely in the evening and it was fun (enough) as it had the standard attractions you'd expect at something like that. You can get to it via bus from LA which is only a few dollars but be sure to ask the bus driver where you get the return bus as it's not the same place and people weren't very helpful when we asked. Thankfully another bus driver on a different route told us where to go. Also, be mindful of pick pockets they are everywhere on the pier so watch your pockets and avoid wearing a backpack.

It was cool walking along the pier to see all the old-fashioned food stalls and rides even though I didn’t go to any of them. Definitely worth a quick visit as a trip back in time, especially if you’re into standard local fair-scale attractions

I got here vis e-bike which was more difficult than it should have been given multiple competing app services and unclearly-defined parking areas and “lockout zones” beyond which certain bikes stop working

Omg a lot of people. Parking $15 Cad.
It's OK to take a walk and take photos, but there are so many people. Lots of souvenir shops and children's rides but be careful, expensive.

Located in Santa Monica near Los Angeles, this huge pier juts out into the Pacific Ocean.
The pier is home to seafood restaurants and an amusement park, and its lively, open atmosphere creates an exciting atmosphere.
You can buy an unlimited ride pass to the amusement park for $20. The attractions are not flashy, but it gives off an idyllic impression of an amusement park from the good old days.
There are long stretches of sand on both sides of the pier, and on weekends it is crowded with many beachgoers.
There are many parking lots nearby, so it is easily accessible. It is also within walking distance of the Metrorail station.

Since my last visit some 25 years ago, things have changed here in the area! Everything is much more commercial and adapted to mass tourism! The pier is almost unchanged and should be visited already! Belongs to an L.A. Just visit! For all nostalgics! At the pier end is the official end of the legendary Route 66! If you want to park cheaply, it is best to drive to one of the parking garages behind the city centre!

My friend and I were staying in downtown LA. We decided to take a morning drive to Santa Monica to go for brunch and catch a ride on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. We went on a Monday morning to avoid the major weekend crowds. The pier with Pacific Park is a very typical pier setting, great for families and kids.

The day we went, the sky was clear and hot. I thought riding the ferris wheel would be extremely hot, but once we were on it and it started moving it was nice... with a cool breeze. Maybe the time and day we went, it was not crowded, we got our own cart which has a covered top to help with shade. We also went around serval times which was really nice. The view was wonderful. It was worth the very reasonable price of a ride at only $8. To note: no selfie sticks.

Worth the ride with a view!

The place is very touristic especially as we went there on a Sunday in summer so many people. But it’s worth a visit the view of the ocean and the beach is beautiful.

It was interesting to see, but much busier than I'd expected. The beach is expansive though and there's quite a few options for food and drink.

Lovely walk on the pier.
Sunset viewed from the pier was beautiful, unfortunately behind the mountains and not in the sea, but this was also beautiful.
Busy and prices are high.
If you want something to drink, get something from the vending machines there, they cost 3 dollars and everywhere there it is 5 dollars.
There is also a kind of fair, but also very expensive. The roller coaster and Ferris wheel are $12 per person. Or a day ticket for $40 unlimited.
With your own transport you can park 2 streets behind in a garage and save a lot of money.
There is also a shopping mall one street behind the pier, but not with very cheap shops.
There is a Nike store that custom prints everything.

Ancient pier that marks the end of route 66 and between wings of crowds, artists and locals allows you to take a beautiful walk on the ocean

Santa Monica Pier was a great place to go to! There were a great amount of rides and I got the wristband ($50) which gives you unlimited rides - I got to go on all of them except one, but that is ok! There was good food around there too! There are a few other things you can do at Santa Monica pier: The arcades - it is good in there, but just so you know, with your arcade card that you add money to to play the games on, that is where your tickets come up - digitally. You can also go fishing there too! There are also lots of cafes and shops/pier shops so most things that you need will be there. But there are still lots of shops around too so no stress. Overall I think that this is a really great tourist attraction (especially as I am one) so go there, try it out!

This was an okay attraction although we had heard better things that this was one of the top LA attractions - I wouldn't say it is quite that and is not as good as say the Fishermans wharf pier in San Francisco. Has the usual things you would expect - food outlets, fairground rides, arcade games which are fun but nothing spectacular. We rented bikes and cycled to Venice beach which was good fun and the cycle pathway is very well maintained and easy to use, though the rental was quite expensive.

One thing to note is that parking is a nightmare at peak times, we struggled for ages to get to the beach parking which was full - of you're going at a peak time at a weekend then I advise finding a parking lot even if its 15-20 mins walk away as the roads get very congested near the beach and pier.

We actually visited the pier five times during our seven day stay. I love the ocean so, my first stop in town was the pier. All kinds of fun activities for young and old. We browsed the shops, had a drink at the restaurant at the end of the pier. On are other visits we were joined by my our sons and daughter in law. We picked up souvenirs and a had ball watching the LA Break dancers. Of course we took ocean view pics.

It is what it is, a Funfair on a pier. There's food and drink vendors and a bar at the end. Views from the pier are awesome and the beach and surrounding area is lovely.

If you’ve never been to a boardwalk before, you might enjoy it. Otherwise, it seems very overrated. Nice views of the ocean and shore, but we were done with the boardwalk after about 5 minutes.

It's a fantastic place front to the ocean with a lot multy nationality peoples. Is impotant you make a visit there because is like that you look in the movies.

It is not just a pier to observe the view (which is very beautiful, by the way). No, that pier is, first of all, giant, with a lot of stuff in it. There's even an amusement park, one of the old ones. Entrance (from the amusement park) is free, but each of the toys (has Russian mountain, giant wheel, etc.) is paid separately.
There are also restaurants – a unit of the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is there.
But the main thing is the view.

The classic American beach with a very deep Latin touch. Good place for a family day. Recreation, food, points of interest. I like it.

The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark, but has completely changed into a tourist-trap. You can walk to the end (wear comfortable shoes!) but you'll have to contend with big tourist crowds and note the pier is full of merchandise booths selling cheap knickknacks and trinkets, and artists hoping you'll give them money after a "performance." There are a few restaurants offering lousy food that's grossly overpriced. This was a complete waste of time.

Great place to visit so much to see and do here. We were here while on a tour of Hollywood from Las Vegas. We loved the pier so many interesting things to see and do there is something for everyone we just enjoyed walking up and down the pier looking at all the shops and stalls and watching the people go by. Lots of great views and photo opportunities on the pier too.

Had a great time here even though the weather was a little cold. Crowds were not bad at all. We will definitely be back in the warmer weather!

Worth a visit. Just to say you've been there. Restaurants, shops and the End of US Route 66 sign. We rode the ferris wheel which is an open car, so beware, although it was fine.

It is a very nice area, my son was delighted because he is a fan of the GTA and says it is the same as the game. Silver is fine (better Venice Beach), in the Pier you have games (including around the world and a roller coaster) and several places to drink and/or eat.

Santa Monica Pier offers a vibrant mix of street foods and thrilling rides, creating a lively atmosphere that's perfect for a day of fun. From classic carnival treats like cotton candy and hot dogs to more exotic fare, there's something to satisfy every craving. And with an array of rides and attractions overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean, the pier provides endless entertainment for visitors of all ages. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the excitement of a seaside amusement park while indulging in delicious street food delights.

The pier is beautiful for photos and people watching. The amusement park components of the Pier needs a major overhaul. The ferry felt dangerously unsafe. The dragon ride felt like it was a few screws from falling a part. The bumper cars were just awful and lasted just under 5 minutes. Scam all around.

Beautiful walk on the pier, lively atmosphere. It's also a great alternative to the hubbub of Los Angeles just a short distance away

The pier is quite long with a number of shops and restaurants and an amusement park nearby. There are quite a few “street” performers – mostly singers and magicians performing along the pier. Of course, you get some very nice views from the pier too.

It’s a beautiful place to visit with friends or family. Lots of restaurants serving great food on the pier and off, with seating indoors and out. Some of the restaurants are The Albright, Bubba Gump, seaside on the pier
There’s a roller coaster and a ferris wheel offering great views of the ocean. It can get crowded on a weekend and in summer. There’s parking under the pier
Sunsets are beautiful here

The last stop of your trip to Los Angeles is a seaside resort called Santa Monica, where the legendary and historic Route 66 begins. Like the coastal resort town of Britain, there is a harbor full of recreational facilities, and there is a swamp beach. When I parked my car and drove to the beach, my memories of high school began to slowly return to my mind.

The kids stayed on the beach to play, and I went to the harbor with my wife, and romantically recalled the memory of a great group of friends going to Blackpool to study abroad when we still didn’t shoot.

At the end of the port, there is a souvenir shop. A large map of the United States was displayed in front of the store showing how to get to Chicago along Route 66. Maybe, when you retire, you will have the opportunity, mental and physical, to take this more challenging both road trip.

To the end of the harbor. Looking forward to the endless Pacific Ocean. Standing here, looking to the east, suddenly generated a sense of country sorrow. I don't know, the first generation of Chinese who lived in the Oceans in that year, will not look to the East Sea like me, look to the Sea and think of the country.

Great place to finish up at end of day tour in LA. Took our time walking around the pier and beach area, having a drink, something to eat and viewing all the stalls and people watching. Fabulous time.

An busy as this place was it was really secure and fun the people there displaying there trade were pleasant and not pushy. The views were amazing. We had fun love this place wear comfortable shoes

Like Pier 39 in San Francisco, this is another of the iconic piers on the West Coast.
It is quite spacious, has places to eat and a small amusement park. There is also the milestone of completion of the legendary Route 66.
We walked it day and night and the walk was always very nice.

My first trip to Santa Monica was epic. Our hotel Le Meridien was close by and we were able to ride the hotel bikes down to the pier. So many activities that were family friendly but also great for adults on vacation just like we were. I was impressed with the variety of things to do and the restaurants and food in the area.

Sometimes you go to a place because it is so represented by all kinds of media that you just have to have been there yourself to experience the Mood.
The view is indeed phenomenal!
But... the pier itself, well, it looks bygone and old. It really needs a little embellishment. Everything seems so amateurish and the many shops and vendors sell some tacky knickknacks.
The many street artists we were expecting didn't give at home and those who did attract hardly any attention.
Furthermore, the road that runs right past the pier is also anything but attractive - busy, lots of noise (something Americans can do well!) and not inviting at all.
Santa Monica Pier, once is enough, you know

If you are in Santa Monica, a visit to the famous pier is a must. We were there with three children. Absolutely crazy amount of people on the pier! Very expensive to ride attractions, we skipped that. It cost five dollars to throw three balls, absolutely crazy. But the environment is still lovely so it's fun to have been there

Knd of a cool place for a quick walk. Street performers on the boardwalk. Very entertaining.
See our YouTube channel Coolest Life.

I've been here twice, as it turns out. Once (many years ago) when visiting family in the area during an internship, and just recently while we were in the LA area on business and wanted to do something touristy.

It's the end of old Route 66 and an iconic pier - it's certainly worth seeing once, as the ocean views are beautiful, and there's some fun people watching (as long as you can ignore the people trying to sell you stuff) and some of the street musicians are good. Enjoy a coffee or some dippin dots or fair food and take in the ocean views. We didn't do any of the 'fair' stuff and it seemed to me to be a bit tourist trap-y.

That said, I don't know that it's a must see. I'm sure there are lots of beautiful beaches in LA and lots of other fun things to do. The place we parked was pricey, so we just did an hour, and felt like we got enough time in. No need to stay that long. But as a fun jaunt on a business trip, it was fine.

Great beach, very nice place to walk in Los Angeles. The local park on the pier perfectly complements the already beautiful beach.

Santa Monica Pier is an old pier which is desperately trying to hang onto its glory days. Upon arriving at the pier, one is accosted by want-to-be future musicians desperately trying to sell their CD's to you. The pier itself is charming. The crowds are a mix of families and locals fishing off the pier. My husband and I were very conscious of our children and needing to keep them close by, as we felt unsafe at times. The rides were that of an old circus fair coming into town with a new lick of paint. The beach itself was impressive on either side of the pier. There seemed to be no shady options, once on the beach and one would have to bring one's own beach umbrella. Public toilets were very smelly from a distance. Locals told us that parking was a nightmare. There is a McDonalds across the road, if you are looking for food. We only spent about 15 minutes on the pier, before heading back to our hotel. Lots of homeless people in the area.

It's practically a living postcard. The iconic Ferris wheel stands tall, its colorful lights reflecting off the water at sunset – an Instagrammer's dream come true. Now, if you're a foodie, this place is a paradise. From the aroma of cotton candy to the sizzle of corn dogs frying, it's a feast for senses.

Santa Monica Pier is an iconic and lively destination that perfectly captures the vibrant coastal spirit of California. With the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the bustling city on the other, the pier offers stunning views—especially during sunset, when the sky turns magical shades of orange and pink.

The pier has something for everyone. The historic Pacific Park amusement rides, especially the Ferris wheel, add a fun and nostalgic charm, while street performers and live music bring constant energy to the atmosphere. There are plenty of food options ranging from classic snacks to casual dining, making it a great place to relax and soak in the surroundings. The Churro stalls are a great hit.

It’s also an excellent spot for a leisurely walk, people-watching, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it engaging and memorable. Though it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the experience is well worth it.

Santa Monica at sunset has always been my favourite place in the world. On this occasion I took my friend who had never been and we stayed for hours exploring, eating and watching the gorgeous sunset.

Of everything I saw in Los Angeles, Santa Monica is the area that I liked most of all: a festive and lively atmosphere, full of many stalls.

I love beach activities like walking, biking, and eating, and Santa Monica is a great choice. Its pier is one of the best—there are so many things to do, eat, or simply watch.
I really enjoy it there. I truly do.

I recommend to visit the place in the evening, as I think that the lights might add a bit of magic to the place.
If you want to visit the pier when there is less tourists, I recommend to visit it in the morning, maybe up to 10 AM or so.
For parking, there are some parking houses close to the pier's entrance.

Santa Monica Pier is one of the places to visit when visiting Santa Monica. But mostly to get him off the to-do list. Unfortunately, the infrastructure has run down like everywhere else in LA. The small amusement park with Ferris wheel is iconic and a popular photo motif, but nothing special in terms of content. Toilets are available, but busy and not clean. It is best to visit the pier at off-peak times, early in the morning or in the evening, as it can get very crowded during the day.

Shops, restaurants and attractions on the pier are clearly geared towards tourists and overpriced accordingly. After all, the souvenir photo remains free at one of the famous Route 66 signs, for which you have to queue in a longer line depending on the sign and time of day.

Overall the stop was okay, but after about 10–15 minutes we had already seen everything and left.

Great for pics and posts! The lights on the ferris wheel were really cool! Lots of restaurants around the area. Classic beach pier!

A bit expensive and the parking lot was difficult to manage. Would recommend coming on a weekday. The pier had some good rides, that the kids loved, and was a great spot to take some photos.

Santa Monica is on the one hand the end of Route 66 and also this beach and place so well known in Los Angeles and so present in American movies. In reality, it’s a beach, Things to do, music, sports... in short, nothing transcendent!

Beautiful beach views. Good public parking. Access to Venice Beach Boardwalk from here also. Worth seeing.

Opened in 1908 with beautiful coastline views the Santa Monica Pier is exactly what one expects from a tourist venue, right down to the crowds and high prices. Suffice it to say there's probably nothing here you haven't already seen, but after a Funnel Cake and Dance Dance Revolution showdown at the arcade you probably won't care. Go, ride the Ferris Wheel and get your fortune read by Zoltar. Laugh. Smile. That's why you're here.

another massive bucket list tick for me. so much to take in whilst there, an awful lot of people but it was high season. recommend of course!

Certainly worth a visit and plenty to view in a wander along the pier. Restaurants, street entertainment, theme park it has a bit of everything

There are restaurants, performers and a handful of rides on the pier, and a large, paid parking lot directly next to it. Beautiful views!

Definitely a must to visit if you’re in Santa Monica, but very very touristy. Worth having a wander around, but not much else.

Dirty, old, unmaintained and feels unsafe. Very equis also I don't understand the furor of that place for me it's an expensive old town fair

Right next to the bridge is an asphalt parking lot with lots of good parking spaces. Price 15 USD. The bridge itself includes several shops and restaurants.

I think Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit place for anyone exploring Los Angeles. You can feel the essence of Southern California. While it can get crowded the energy and the view is amazing.

This pier with its rides, shops and eateries marks the end of Route 66 and has something to offer all ages. We walked from the centre of town down the walkway onto the pier and to the end. Nice easy walk and the views out to sea ware amazing at the end of the pier. We browsed the gift shops and read all about the history of the pier through a series of information boards. Well worth a visit

We came early in the day and were able to get a parking space very near the pier for $1. The Pier itself is a bit edgy and run down but it is also iconic. It didn't feel particularly safe.

An amazing place. It's like being in a movie...
The views are great and the pacific Park is a unique place!!!!! A place to go again!!!!!

Excessive parking, wear comfortable shoes and be warm, the place is beautiful, a lot of commerce, we didn't have time to get to know

Fun time walking at the pier. We enjoyed the sights, the interesting people, and the sea gulls. It was also nice walking along the beach off the pier. My favorite part was getting a fresh-cut tropical fruit cup and eating it while I walked on the beach. Don't miss the beach if you go to the pier!

This is definitely a touristy place to visit, meaning it’s loaded with many who visit to see all the tacky vendors and listen to the loud, obnoxious “musicians.” If the County/City would clean that mess up, it would be very nice, as the views are beautiful… The view of the Pacific Ocean, the views of the beach, and the views of the waves breaking.
We did it because we’ve never been before, so it’s nice to mark it off the list. But with all the nasty, smelly people, people smoking weed, and tackiness, it’s hardly a suggested place to visit.

It is a very beautiful square, very lively! Too bad for the nearby car parks which are very expensive but worth going!

I was exspecting it to be nicer The area is quite rough and a few homeless around , There were a couple of arrests while we was there. The beach is dirty and toilets gross Unless you are doing the few rides you don't need more than a hour here.

One of the most famous area in Los Angeles. From #baywatch to zillions of #hollywoodmovies to just tourists hanging out, it must be one of the most iconic areas of L.A. Has
a good #vibe no doubt. Always enjoyed spending some time here.

We thought we would visit the pier during our recient visit to LA and did enjoy the experience. The best place for people watching. I thought I would buy a T-shirt while walking around the Pier and I did manage to find one. Keep in mind it was nothing special. No embroidery or sequins. Just print. Imagine my surprise when I checked the price at $50. Almost put me in shock.
We had lunch at The Albright and found reasonable prices and good food. We sat out on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine.

At the end of the day at the beach you can relax, buy something to eat or just watch the sunset.

This was our second time to the pier, first was 25 years ago with our kids. We spent a few hours touring and the one thing that stuck me was how run down the area was. I don’t know who owns or manages the pier but how about some maintenance especially since it’s a tourist attraction. There were lots of people but we did push thru and get to the end of the boardwalk, watching the waves and the ocean were wonderful. We stopped at Rusty’s local pub/bar, that’s another review. Now I can say “been there done that”.

It stank of weed and was way overcrowded. Finding parking is a nightmare. The parking machine wouldn't let me park for 2 hours. You can't park there after 7 or you get towed. I went to take sunset pictures and ride the Ferris wheel. Apparently now you can't ride by yourself. It was disappointing. I should have gone elsewhere. What a waste of vacation time. I was glad to leave after an hour. You saw homeless people smoking weed and asking for change. lol.

Walking along the pier was absolutely fantastic! The atmosphere was so lively, and the beach was incredibly beautiful. The water may have been cold, but that didn't stop so many people from having an amazing time in the water!

Enjoyed going to see the very busy pier
Just watch for the riff raff and homeless begging and yelling at you
Good to see this location though

Very nice.
Parking is relatively expensive ($15 per entrance) and also expensive attractions ($12 to $15 per pass for the most requested)
Otherwise the atmosphere is nice especially at night.
A lot of uninteresting junk.
But area rather secure

Very cool place. Very beautiful. It is worth visiting, eating something and playing with the toys on the pier. There are local artists.

I arrived around 2 p.m., cold, humid, cloudy, almost foggy weather and a lot of air, so I recommend bringing a sweatshirt or jacket. The place is very nice, there are games and there is the Ferris wheel and the roller coaster, there are plenty of options to buy some souvenirs to take home and even sweatshirts for those who are not prepared for the weather.
You can also find street artists of various types along the pier that set the scene.
The view of the Pacific is very beautiful although I experienced a lot of fog.

Known for many movies and very worth seeing is the pier on which are some rides and restaurants. It is a popular excursion destination and unfortunately very expensive (e.g. USD 20 for the roller coaster per person). Tip: at night, the Ferris wheel is especially beautifully lit.

Lovely pier to walk along. Got myself a funnel cake as I'd never had one before. A bit too much for one person but it was delicious.

The sunset was beautiful and was the perfect time to come.

Place that I wanted to visit for a long time, I have seen it in the movies, but in person it has much more magic, although there were too many people, it is worth going to see.

Our last trip to LA, we did not get to really visit the beach, so this trip I made sure to visit Santa Monica. No trip to Santa Monica seems complete without a visit to the pier.

While we were not really wanting to hit the rides before our trip home, we did want to soak up the atmosphere of this LA landmark. The view here over the beach and Santa Monica Bay is incredible. It is a fun place to visit if all you do is see the sign and experience the pier.

We went there at the end of the day, it was really beautiful. Everything is beautiful and the atmosphere is great. But there's a crowd!

We went to the Santa Monica Pier twice, partly because of our hotel, which was less than a 5-minute walk away. The pier is smaller than expected, but still worth seeing. Artists, rides, bars, restaurants, arcades and fairground stalls offer a wide range of entertainment for all ages. There are plenty of photo backdrops. We were there both during the day and in the evening, also just for a walk, because the location is quite extraordinary. This incredibly wide and long sandy beach is beautiful to look at. You can also admire a very beautiful sunset here. So it's definitely worth stopping by, but it must be clear that if you want to take full advantage of what's on offer, you'll need a big wallet. Enjoy a few cocktails, maybe stop by to see Bubba Gump and treat yourself to a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel.

One of the most exciting spots in LA! The beach and pier are fantastic, with plenty of room to relax. Parking is easy and affordable. The pier offers food, amusement rides, and vendors with snacks and desserts. Don’t miss the sunset! You can also fish in designated areas. We enjoyed the Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, which is great for fans of the movie or seafood. Overall, a must-visit in LA!

Very nice to take photos, although in October it is already a little cool, it is suitable for the best travel photos, well touristic

This is the place to be when you think of Santa Monica. I've been here many times, and every time I see the vast ocean, the amusement park, the street performers, and the fishermen, I feel at ease.
Be careful about what you wear. It was early November, but the sea breeze was strong and chilly, so it was necessary to take proper measures against the cold.

Santa Monica beach is a must-visit, a hot beach with California sunshine, sandy beaches, hot guys and girls enjoying the free air without wearing a mask.

What a dump. Overcrowded, poorly kept, dog poop everywhere. The pier’s history is recorded in some photo montages stuck down near the end outside of some Restrooms. And, it looked like no one was interested or knew about it. The pier is not the sanitized versions you see in Hollywood movies. Not sure why anyone would want to come here?

Smaller than expected. Enough variety of rides and games but expect to spend money. The usual tourist trap stalls, crowds and junk food.

Iconic old fashioned wooden pier
Watch them fishing from the end while taking in the view’s occasionally a pelican can be seen diving for tea
There is street entertainment, stalls, fairground rides lots to see and do and the sunset is fabulous from here , soak up the atmosphere in any of the wonderful bars with a drink

Slightly disappointed with the Santa Monica experience! Loads of homeless sleeping and lying around the area! Pier is worth a visit. We stayed in hotel near the pier but didn’t feel safe to walk around when dark!

All right, it's iconic, but also really outdated and uninteresting. Some renovation would seem in order, because like this it gives the impression of decline.

Good for the 5 min photo that everyone wants to capture. Homeless and shifty people at the pier made for a very uncomfortable place to be . Not ideal for families the area itself was very unkempt with long grass and rubbish everywhere.

Visited this place last FEB 2024, if your into beach drinking and just enjoying the view this is the place for you…

bring an umbrella it can rain any time of the day during this months.

Have some energy to walk around and enjoy the breeze of the sea

I wanted to visit the last stop on Route 66, so after checking into a hotel near the airport, I took an Uber. It cost about $20 and arrived in about 20 minutes.
I was really moved by that Route 66 sign.
There were many tourists.

An iconic site to visit. A bit run down though but you can't tell too much at night (we visited during day and night). Prices are expensive especially for kids to ride amusements. Toilet facilities were clean and felt safe.

Nice place for a quick visit. My family doesn’t care much for sand but we got a decent lunch on the pier. Visited a few shops and played a bit in the arcade. There was also a small amusement park for kids younger than mine.

Mixed feelings about the pier; lots of homeless people and crowded most of the time. City should invest more resources as it doesn’t feel safe to walk around with children

Cute to spend a Saturday or Sunday with the family to take the kids on the roller coaster (quite soft) or other attractions. There are also places to eat, some too expensive and of poor quality (like Bubba Gump) but that make children happy