Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of the Santa Monica Pier
- Safety on the Santa Monica Pier
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation on the Santa Monica Pier
- Things to Do on the Santa Monica Pier
- General Tips About Visiting the Santa Monica Pier
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic part of Los Angeles. The pier has been featured in countless movies made right in its home city of L.A. It is home to a tiny amusement park, eateries, souvenir shops, and the unofficial start (or end) to the infamous Route 66. Millions of people come to this part of L.A. to take pictures of this photogenic pier and mark it off their bucket list. This blog post will cover the history of the Santa Monica Pier, safety, arrival, parking, transportation, things to do, and general tips.
History of the Santa Monica Pier
The landmark Santa Monica Pier was finished on September 9, 1909. The pier was an instant success and popular with locals and tourists. The Santa Monica Pier was the inspiration for the carousel on Coney Island in New York City. The Pleasure Pier (which was on the Santa Monica Pier but owned privately) opened in 1916. It contained a small roller coaster, carousel, and some smaller rides. The Santa Monica pier went through dramatic transformation during the 1930s due to weather and new entertainment trends. The small amusement park Pleasure Pier, was given over to the city of Santa Monica and many of the rides were torn down.
The city then decided to tear down the pier. In opposition, there was a movement called “Save Our Forever Pier” which aimed to prevent the pier from being torn down. The movement worked and instead of tearing down the park, they created the Pier Restoration Corporation to help with the upkeep of the pier. Throughout the decades, the pier survived and improvements were made. Dinning, entertainment attractions, and retail were added. And in 1996, the Pacific Pier was added. The pier now sits strong defining the L.A. coast with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica coastline, Catalina Island, Malibu, and Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Safety on the Santa Monica Pier
You would think that an area as popular as this, it would be a safe area to visit. Unfortunately throughout the years that record has gone down. The encroachment of drug addicts and homeless people has given Santa Monica and its pier a record for being unpredictable and not as safe as it should be. Truthfully, the whole of Los Angeles should be a lot safer, but more so for such a high-traffic area like the Santa Monica Pier. Although your trip should go on without any issues, there are some things to keep in mind.
If you see an individual who is using drugs or seems mentally unstable, it’s best to steer clear of them and keep a distance. You will definitely see homeless tents and people while walking near the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. However, the city has relocated a lot of them so the last time I went to Santa Monica, it was relatively clean and seemed to have improved. Just be aware of some of the scams (discussed later) that can occur while in Santa Monica. The homeless situation is much more apparent in Santa Monica as opposed to the Santa Monica Pier but since you need to go through Santa Monica to get to the pier, I felt it worth a mention.
Although not as common, pickpockets and crimes of opportunity can occur here. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime. Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. Santa Monica has its own fire and police departments so you will be perfectly fine visiting. There are also some scams and rip-offs that will be discussed later. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation on the Santa Monica Pier
- Arrival
Arriving to the Santa Monica Pier can be done by three means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to the Santa Monica Pier is driving, but taking the metro could work as well, but the metro station is about 10–15 minutes away from the pier. This walk may not be the safest at night, so plan accordingly.
Driving is very straightforward, as you put the Santa Monica Pier in your map or ride-sharing application and drive over. If you drive expect more traffic especially around Downtown Los Angeles since it is so busy. Parking will be discussed in the next section. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, there is a light rail that takes you to Santa Monica. The light rail is an above-ground tram that takes you from Point A to Point B.
The E Line (yellow line) is the one you will be utilizing. The E Line goes from East Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica. There are two light rail stations in Santa Monica. The stations in Santa Monica are the 17th St. / SMC Station and the Downtown Santa Monica Station. These stations will take you to Santa Monica but the 17th St. / SMC Station won’t be used by too many tourists as there is nothing nearby. So Santa Monica only has one practical metro station.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the E Line, as that one gets you to Santa Monica. Once you arrive, you will tap once more to exit. It is then a 10-15 minute walk to the Santa Monica Pier. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ.
The last option is the city buses, and they should just be voided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw and unpredictable. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
There is no free in Santa Monica or near the Santa Monica Pier at all. Even more notorious areas of L.A. like Malibu, have opportunities for free parking (albeit, rather slim), Santa Monica does not. It’s not difficult to park in Santa Monica, but it can be expensive. As you drive around Santa Monica you will see signs for parking, and you can follow hose sign for parking.
It is possible that you can reduce the parking rates or even get them waved if they offer parking validation. What is parking validation? Parking validation is the process of getting your parking receipt stamped or marked, indicating you did something within that facility that made your parking valid. This can be shopping, watching a movie, or eating at an establishment. If you need to double-check, just ask a worker if they validate parking. They will either say yes they will validate it once the requirement has been met. If they say no, they can direct you to the nearest location that validates. No store or dinning area validates at the Santa Monica Pier
- Transportation on the Santa Monica Pier
The best and only way to get around the pier is walking. The pier is not long spanning 1,651 feet / 500 meters so it is easy to walk and take in the experience.
Things to Do on the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is 1,651 feet / 500 meters long. Although it is a small space there is so much on here to do. From the relaxing Pacific Ocean to riding the thrilling West Coaster. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around the Santa Monica Pier.
Walk the Pier and Take In the Views
The Santa Monica Pier is a such an iconic part of Los Angeles that walking it is an activity on its own. You can see the vast Pacific Ocean, watch all the visitors enjoy the rides, and watch performers on the pier. The performers range from musical acts to comedians to jugglers. You can leave a tip if you so please, but it’s optional. I like to walk to the end of the pier and stare out into the Pacific.
Ride the Attractions at Pacific Park
Pacific Park is the name of the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier. There are flat rides, a roller coaster, and the iconic Pacific Wheel. The prices are a little steep but if you wanted to ride one ride, it’s best to purchase a one-time ticket which can range from $6.00 – $20.00 / €5.76 – €19.21 depending on the ride. If you want to ride more than one ride it may be better to get a full-day pass for $50.00 / €48.04 that includes all the rides. Keep in mind that some rides (like the Pacific Wheel) require more than one rider. So if you are solo traveling, make a friend and come together.
See the Route 66 Sign
A lot of people don’t know that the sign for the most iconic road in the world begins (or ends) at the Santa Monica Pier. Route 66 is a long stretch of road that goes from Santa Monica, California to Chicago, Illinois. The sign is on the pier itself and is very popular for tourists. It’s neat thinking that the other official sign is 2,448 miles / 3939.6 kilometers away in Chicago.
Shop for Souvenirs
Since the pier is so popular with tourists, it should come to no surprise that there are a lot of souvenir shops. They are spread out throughout the pier and there is a massive store at the end of the pier. This is the perfect place to get some Santa Monica gear and represent L.A.
Visit the Neighboring Santa Monica State Beach
The Santa Monica State Beach is probably one of the most visited in Los Angeles due to its location. This beach is normally a very busy and happening area. It is split into three zones; the Northern, Southern, and Central (also called the Beach Zone) Zones. The two-mile / 3.2-kilometer beach is a great place for you to end your day after exploring Downtown Santa Monica or the Santa Monica Pier. Also, be aware that dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Parking can range from $7.00 / €6.43 to $18.00 / €16.55 depending on the day and season. The three zones have their own designated parking areas. The Southern Zone (Lot 4 South and Lot 5 South), the Central Zone or the Beach Zone (Lot 3 North, Lot 1 South, Lot 2 South, and Lot 3 South), and the Northern Zone (Lot 4 North through Lot 9 North).
Besides parking on the beach’s parking lots, you can also park at the Santa Monica Pier or in Downtown Santa Monica. For more information on parking in Downtown Santa Monica or on the pier, click here. I would highly recommend using the Los Angeles Metro as there are a few stations around Santa Monica that make it easy to traverse the city and avoid parking fees.
Walk Around Palisades Park
Palisades Park sits right next to the Santa Monica Pier and you will pass it walking to the pier. It takes up 26 acres / 10.5 hectares and can be a nice green space with scenic views and great photo opportunities. Unfortunately, the homeless population have taken over the park and most of the area seems to be a massive encampment. Many people and family members who visit Los Angeles say this was the most surprising and depressing part of their visit. The homeless are usually not there to cause trouble but do negatively impact the area.
With that being said, the city has been making improvements to clean up the city and I have seen some improvements. The park (last time I went in September of 2024) was completely clean and there were no tents. I do think this is only due to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, but hopefully, the changes stay.
Explore Santa Monica
Just right next to the Santa Monica Pier lies Downtown Santa Monica. It is a great area to walk after you spent some time on the pier. There are great restaurants, great shopping, and a much more relaxed atmosphere when compared to the pier. The 3rd Street Promenade is a great walkable area with Instagrammable photo ops and good dinning options.
General Tips About Visiting the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is such a famous part of L.A. that it does come with its own set of tips. The area is home to notable sights, unmatched energy and so much to do. However, some things do need to be addressed. In no particular order, here are some tips about the Santa Monica Pier.
Visiting the Beach
The beaches are part of the reason why many people come to Los Angeles. It is a fun place to go walk around, lay on the sand while taking in the sun, eat some good food, and just people watch. Notice how I didn’t say swim? That is because the water off the coast of Los Angeles (all of California, really) is cold. The temperature in the water is around 53? / 12? but can go up to ~ 60? / 15? from summer to early fall. It is worth mentioning that the water is safe to swim in, and many people do, but it is cold. I would make sure you don’t swim near the drain as the water tends to be less clean in those areas.
If you go to the beach from May to August, I would highly advise you to get there early. The beach is a very popular location for both tourists and locals to escape the sun and cool off with the cool ocean breeze. Spots can fill up quickly, and it can get a bit competitive to find a place to lay out your beach towel. Although there are not too many thieves on the beaches, you should have someone from your party stay with your belongings to ensure they are not taken.
Watch Out for Gulls
Gulls colloquially called seagulls are seabirds native to southern California. They can be a menace as they tend to scavenge off of our food. I have personally seen seagulls snatch people’s food right out of their hands while they are eating. They are not aggressive but can be very ambitious with how they obtain their next meal. If there is a colony of gulls above your head don’t look up. You never know when they may need to void their bowls.
The Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will definitely see it on your trip to Santa Monica. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Some people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Tourist Scams/Rip-Offs
Santa Monica has become more popular for scams and rip-offs. The high volume of tourists makes it a prime destination for scammers although not as popular as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Venice Beach. Organized from most to least common, here are the most popular scams and rip-offs in Santa Monica.
– CD Guys
The CD Guys are not people looking for their big break, usually. They are individuals looking to scam you. The idea is that as you are walking, groups usually comprised of men, will approach you with a CD so you can listen to their good music. They will ask “Do you like rap or rock music?” or “Do you support local artists?” and give you a CD making you assume it’s free. Well, it’s not. They then start shouting and demanding you pay for their CD.
They will try to raise the price of the CD, but if you find yourself in this scenario you can leave the CD either with the person harassing you or on the floor and walk away. DO NOT take the CD. You will be wasting your money as in most scenarios the CDs are blank or contain badly recorded songs on them.
– Discount Tickets
Groups of men will approach you saying they have “discounted tickets” for everything. Disneyland, The L.A. Zoo, Aquarium of the Pacific, and sporting games, you name it, they claim to have it. Please do not buy these tickets as they will be fake, and you will not be granted entry to your desired destination. Only get tickets on the official website or at the box office.
– Monks
There will be individuals dressed up as monks handing out what appears to be hand-woven bracelets. They will kindly wrap a bracelet around your wrist, saying it resembles love, fertility, luck, etc. As you walk away, they will ask for some money as a donation for a fake temple. They can be a bit pushy, but I think they rely on their monk robes for sympathy. If a “monk” (not a monk) starts putting anything on you, kindly say no and walk away.
As intimidating as these scams may be, they are all avoidable if you pay attention and use your judgment. Do not assume anything is free. Hopefully, these tips decrease your chances of getting ripped off or scammed while in Santa Monica. Be aware and if anything seems a little off, just say no and walk away.
Ocean Dangers
So many people come to Santa Monica for the beach and surfing culture the city offers. As marvelous and mesmerizing as the ocean is, it comes with its fair share of dangers. The three biggest dangers for tourists on the beach are rip currents, sharks, and jellyfish.
– Rip Currents
What is a rip current? A rip current is a strong channel of water that leads from the shore out to the ocean. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can be there without any observable warnings. If you get caught in a rip current, DO NOT swim against the current as you will drown due to fatigue. Instead, swim perpendicular to the coast and then toward the coast at an angle. For more information on what to do in a rip current, click here to go to the National Weather Service Website for more information.
– Sharks
The second danger is sharks. Sharks strike fear in many people due to many popular movies made right in Los Angeles. Although it can seem intimidating, shark attacks are very rare. Only nine shark attacks have been recorded in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area since 1950. Considering all the swimmers, divers, and surfers that enjoy the Pacific Ocean daily, it’s incredibly unlikely you will encounter a shark. To learn about what to do if bitten by a shark, click here to go to Australia’s website, giving great advice on shark attacks.
Jellyfish are fascinating animals, but they are better observed at the Aquarium of the Pacific and not attached to your legs. The jellyfish in Los Angeles are not as abundant or lethal, but they can ruin your vacation. If you get stung, remove all tentacles that are attached to your body. DO NOT rinse with fresh water. Instead, look for a lifeguard as they can have vinegar and saline to neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells). If you experience any allergic reactions, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on jellyfish and their stings in Southern California, click here to go to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s official website.
For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding the Santa Monica Pier including how to get around, safety, general tips, and what to do. Have you visited the Santa Monica Pier? If so, do you think it is a tourist trap? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
Leave a Reply