As one of the city’s most exciting landmarks, strolling down Santa Monica Pier is a quintessential LA experience. Stretching almost half a kilometre over the Pacific Ocean, it charms visitors with a kaleidoscope of bars, restaurants and souvenir stores. Not to mention the arcade games, a vintage carousel, roller coaster and Ferris wheel that give the pier a colourful, carnival atmosphere.
For a glimpse at what lies beneath all the action, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium showcases a quirky line-up of sea stars, urchins, crabs, crustaceans and other critters in touch pool tanks. Exercise buffs should make their way south to the iconic Original Muscle Beach, which kick-started Southern California’s world famous exercise scene.
Santa Monica Pier is easy to reach by car, though parking can be chaotic, so taxis and rideshares are also a great option. For visitors wanting to explore the wider coastal area, the scenic South Bay Bicycle Trail runs for 2.4 kilometres to Venice Beach. Most choose to stroll, though biking and roller-skating are also popular with locals.
With roots dating back to 1908, Santa Monica Pier has a rich history. It was once considered the western terminus of the iconic Route 66 highway, and still attracts tourists on Mother Road pilgrimages. While today its reputation is glamorous, Santa Monica Pier wasn’t always such a coveted attraction. In 1909 it operated as a support for sewer pipes and was designed to carry waste beyond the breaking waves.