Santa Monica Pier Tours and Activities

Santa Monica Pier showing rides
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier


The Santa Monica Pier is one of the best places in Los Angeles to soak up some rays and enjoy all the fun of the fair at this popular destination.

This notorious landmark marks the official western point of the legendary United States highway, Route 66. This vast stretch of road, famously immortalised in song, originally ran all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, and was extended to Santa Monica in 1936. Over the decades since its extension, millions of visitors have sought out the Santa Monica Pier for some light-hearted fun and amusement.

The Santa Monica Pier also has a certain historic reputation, being one of the last-standing piers in Southern California. However, despite its age, the Santa Monica Pier is no dated relic. Open literally every day of the year, 24 hours a day, the pier today is a bustling, busy venue packed full with musical and theatrical entertainment and a whole host of engaging activities that will appeal to people of all ages.

The pier is particularly notable for its fairground rides, with prominent attractions such as a titanic rollercoaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. All the traditional sights, sounds and tastes of the fairground are here at Santa Monica Pier, with candyfloss and hot dogs, arcades, restaurants, artists and street performers. If you feel like joining in with the frivolity then you can take highflying acrobatic lessons at the resident trapeze school, or if solid ground is more your thing, simply hire a bike and cycle your way along the pier.

The pier also houses a small aquarium dedicated to local sea life, with interactive activities that particularly appeal to children such as touch tanks and marine biology lessons.

Possibly one of the most interesting attractions on the Santa Monica Pier is the fully restored wooden carousel, with its beautifully hand painted and carved wooden horses. This historic ride is housed within its own separate building called the Looff Hippodrome. The carousel may look familiar as it was once featured in the Robert Redford and Paul Newman classic ‘The Sting’.

If you feel like a break from the crowds then some solitude and spectacular ocean views can be had on the second level viewing deck. Santa Monica Pier is a wonderful spot to spend an evening or day in Los Angeles, and is about 29 kilometres west of downtown, located just north of Venice Beach.

Plan a trip to see Santa Monica Pier

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Travelodge by Wyndham LAX
The Pierside Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica

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Top Santa Monica Pier Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

3 out of 5
1447 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Ocean View Hotel
Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Fairmont Miramar Hotel

5 out of 5
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Fairmont Miramar Hotel
The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

4 out of 5
120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Pierside Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica

4 out of 5
1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
The Huntley Hotel
The Eden

The Eden

4 out of 5
1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
The Eden
The Georgian Hotel

The Georgian Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Georgian Hotel
Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Shore Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Monica Pier

At Santa Monica Pier, you can soak in stunning sunsets while enjoying a range of activities. Thrill-seekers can explore the amusement park, while those keen on the outdoors can embark on a mountain hike. Don’t miss the chance for a brief tour of the area and visit the nearby art museum to appreciate local creativity. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and natural beauty, making for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Santa Monica Place, just 483m from the pier, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, The Grove and the Farmers Market, both 14.5km away, provide a vibrant atmosphere with diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at SoFi Stadium for an energetic sports event, while the Riviera Country Club offers a serene golf experience surrounded by nature. For a touch of luxury, the Los Angeles Country Club provides an exclusive retreat, perfect for relaxation and leisure.

Adventure

At OnRope Consulting, a thrilling climbing experience awaits you with outdoor sports vibes, located 1.1km from Santa Monica Pier. For breathtaking scenery, hike the Nicholas Flat Trail, 1.6km away, and immerse yourself in nature. If tennis is your game, enjoy the adventure at Palisades Tennis Center, 4.8km from the pier.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Monica Pier is vibrant and exciting, with nearby attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre, offering family-friendly films, and the Dolby Theatre, hosting cultural performances. Raleigh Studio Hollywood adds to the entertainment scene, making for a memorable night out by the ocean.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the iconic Santa Monica Beach and the historic pier itself, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the surrounding streets while soaking up the sun and ocean views. Don't miss the chance to explore the famous Santa Monica Pier, a quintessential part of the Californian experience.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Immerse yourself in the quintessential Californian beach vibes at Santa Monica Beach, located a mere 483m from the pier. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, with stunning ocean views and vibrant beach culture.
  • University of California, Los Angeles: A short drive of 8.0km takes you to the historic University of California, Los Angeles. Experience the rich culture and architecture of this renowned institution, where you can explore its beautiful campus and perhaps catch a cultural event.
  • Rodeo Drive: Just 11.3km from Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive is a world-famous shopping street known for its luxury boutiques and designer stores. Stroll along this glamorous avenue and soak in the upscale city vibes while indulging in some retail therapy.

Best time to go to Santa Monica Pier

The best time to visit Santa Monica Pier can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Monica Pier falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Santa Monica Pier falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Monica Pier

To save money on your trip to Santa Monica Pier, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for better rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly eco-certified hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities. Explore free activities at the pier, and take advantage of public transport options to keep travel costs down. Don't forget to compare prices for rentals and accommodation to snag the best deals during your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Monica Pier are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Monica Pier is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Santa Monica Pier with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.