Explore LA: Santa Monica Pier
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
From Forrest Gump to Grand Theft Auto, you’ve likely seen the Santa Monica pier. This iconic tourist destination features a historic merry-go-round, an arcade, live music, good food, and countless rides in Pacific Park. Want to show visiting friends around LA or simply play tourist yourself? This is the perfect place to be a tourist and enjoy the California coast. Here are some pro tips and information from a Santa Monica local so you can fully enjoy your visit to the pier!
Transportation
Just a half hour Metro Expo ride from USC, this is the easiest amusement park to get to from UPC. Take the Metro Expo towards Santa Monica and get off at at 4th Street/Downtown Santa Monica station (there’s no way you can miss it; it’s the end of the line). From the station, just head down Colorado towards the giant Santa Monica Pier sign (and be sure to take a picture!).
Pro Tip: Even though it’s only 14 miles away, I advise against driving simply because parking in Santa Monica is a huge pain. Go green and take the metro or share a Lyft instead!
Costs
Being the tourist attraction that it is, the attractions do veer on the pricier side. An unlimited day pass for Pacific park is $31.45 with single rides ranging from $5 to $10.
Pro tip: Want to go for free? One of Late Night SC’s signature events is a trip to the pier. Keep an eye out during the start of Fall Semester since USC provides free unlimited-ride wristbands!
Rides
Pacific Wheel
Whether you go day or night, this is the star feature of the pier. It provides a beautiful view of Santa Monica Bay as well as a bird’s eye view of the rest of Pacific Park. Sit back and enjoy the view and the company of your friends for twenty minutes. I prefer going on the ride during the day to enjoy the view but the ferris wheel itself is quite a sight at night.
Pro tip: Date night? Time your ride so you catch the sunset!
West Coaster
Paradoxically, if you’re not a huge roller coaster fan, this is the ride for you. There’s only one drop (which literally lasts 3 seconds). The scariest part is probably when it speeds up (going UPHILL) at the very end. Still a fun ride with friends and since the drop isn’t too intense, it’s a great opportunity to make some funny group poses for the photo.
Sea Dragon Ride
This is probably the scariest ride on the pier. As someone who only tolerates roller coasters, I definitely only sit on the middle section of this ride. However, if you’re more of a thrill seeker and enjoy the feeling of nearly going upside down, I recommend the ends.
Pacific Plunge
Like the golden coaster, this one isn’t that bad. Nevertheless, it’s fun screaming in anticipation for a drop and there’s a great view at the top.
Scramble
A classic fair ride that’s great for bonding. Though it’s not much in terms of speed, the centripetal force (hello physics problem!) pushes you against your friends. If you and your pals aren’t in the same weight class, I strongly urge the lighter one to sit in the center.
Kiddy rides!
From bumper cars to more tame versions of the aforementioned rides, there are a dozen family-friendly rides. Honestly this may be my favorite section just because it’s fun being that group of teenagers/adults that take over a kids area.
Santa Monica Carousel
Technically the merry-go-round isn’t a part of Pacific Park but it is one of the first attractions on the Santa Monica Pier. This is my all time favorite ride on the pier. Not only does it bring back childhood nostalgia but it’s simply a beautiful historic monument that provides a great opportunity to embrace your inner child and admire the passing art and lights with friends for only $2!
Other Entertainment
Live Music!
Just as on the promenade, the city of Santa Monica gives permits to musicians and performers to play on the Santa Monica Pier. There’s everything from opera singers to contemporary violinists to break dancing. Every visit to the pier will bring you a new symphony of sounds. It’s truly the local performers that make visiting the pier an unique and full experience each time.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in LA over the summer, be sure to check out the pier concerts! They’re held every Thursday and feature both big name artists and aspiring local musicians for free!
Aquarium
Fan of marine biology or environmental conservation? Right underneath the pier there’s a small aquarium founded on promoting sustainability and education. It’s only $5 per person for adults (kids go in for free). All proceeds go to Heal the Bay! It features a great tidal pool so you can pet sea cucumbers to your heart’s content as well as rotating exhibits of marine organisms they save.
Playground
If you keep going past the Aquarium you hit a beachfront playground that is open to both adults and kids. Not only are there swings from which you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze, but also amazing acrobatic performances from all the athletes and gymnasts.
The Beach
It’s the pier. Surprise! There is a beach. Sand castles, sun tanning, body surfing… What else is there to say?
Tungva Park
Sick of being a tourist? Right across from the pier and about a block from the Metro Station is my favorite park in Santa Monica complete with fountains, a playground (with a really cool climbing structure!), and lovely grassy areas. Despite being nestled in the heart of DTSM, it is usually fairly empty and is a nice getaway from all the ocean-front restaurants and the hustle of the Promenade and Main Street. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or a quiet nighttime walk.
Pro Tip: Going at night means the playground is unoccupied!
Food
Fan of Forrest Gump?
Santa Monica Pier is where Gump ends his cross-country marathon. Get together with other movie and seafood enthusiasts at Bubba Gump Shrimp! Be sure to snap a photo outside with his classic box of chocolates and running shoes.
Funnel Cakes and other amusement park food
As expected, the pier vendors sell amusement park fast food including hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, cotton candy, churros and lemonade. In my opinion, most of the stands along the pier in Pacific Park are very mediocre and very overpriced but it’s still a must for a full day-at-the-pier experience.
Don’t want to break your budget on average food?
Check out all the nearby restaurants on the Promenade and Main Street. I highly recommend checking out Fritto Misto – one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica. It’s located right across the street from the Metro stop so it’s the perfect place for dinner after a day trip to the pier.
Closing thoughts
While I would say one full day is more than enough time to see the entire pier, I firmly believe Santa Monica pier is a must-see for any LA inhabitant. Like all tourist attractions, it’s a bit of a financial investment but it will leave you with priceless memories.
Want to explore of Santa Monica? Check out my post “Where the locals go in Santa Monica” for my all time favorite places!
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