What Santa Monica Pier Is and Where to Find It

Santa Monica Pier is a wooden pier that extends into the Pacific Ocean at the end of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, California. The pier is about 1,600 feet long and has been a public landmark since 1909. It sits at the western edge of Santa Monica Beach, roughly 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

The pier is free to walk on and open to the public year-round. You can reach it by car, bus, or on foot if you are staying nearby. Parking is available in lots near the pier entrance, though spaces fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus serves the area if you prefer not to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Santa Monica Pier is a free public landmark open daily, with an amusement park, arcade games, restaurants, and shops along its length.
  • The pier's most recognizable feature is the solar-powered Ferris wheel at the end, which offers views of the coastline and costs money to ride.
  • Parking near the pier fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer, so arriving early or using public transit can save time.
  • The pier is a working fishing pier where anglers fish daily, and you can watch them or fish yourself with a California fishing license.
  • Restaurants and food vendors along the pier range from casual snack stands to sit-down dining, with prices higher than inland locations.

The Ferris Wheel and Pacific Park Amusement Park

The most visible structure on Santa Monica Pier is the solar-powered Ferris wheel, which opened in 1996 and stands about 85 feet tall. The wheel rotates slowly and takes roughly 12 to 15 minutes to complete one full rotation. On clear days, riders can see from downtown Los Angeles to Malibu. The Ferris wheel operates daily, though hours vary by season and weather.

The Ferris wheel is part of Pacific Park, a small amusement park that occupies the pier's western end. Pacific Park also has a roller coaster, bumper cars, arcade games, and other rides. Each ride charges separately — the Ferris wheel costs one amount, the roller coaster another. You can buy individual ride tickets or an all-day wristband. Prices change seasonally and are posted at the park entrance.

Pacific Park is open year-round, but hours shift with the season. Summer hours are longer than winter hours. The park closes entirely on some weekdays during winter months. Check the Pacific Park website or call ahead before visiting if you are traveling during fall or winter.

Fishing on the Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a working fishing pier where anglers cast lines daily from dawn until dusk. You do not need to pay to fish from the pier, but you do need a valid California fishing license if you are 16 or older. Licenses are available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at sporting goods stores throughout the state.

The pier is stocked with mackerel, bonito, and other species that change with the season. Fishing is best in the early morning or late afternoon. The pier provides benches and railings, but you bring your own rod, reel, and tackle. Bait and tackle shops are located near the pier entrance if you need to buy supplies.

If you fish, you must follow California's catch limits and size requirements, which vary by species and change annually. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes these rules online. Anglers who exceed limits or keep undersized fish face fines.

Restaurants, Shops, and Food Vendors

The pier has multiple places to eat, ranging from casual snack stands to full-service restaurants. The Pier Restaurant is a sit-down establishment at the pier's entrance with ocean views and a full menu. Farther along the pier are smaller vendors selling hot dogs, fish and chips, ice cream, and other quick food. Prices at pier vendors are higher than restaurants away from the water, as is typical for beachfront locations.

Shops along the pier sell souvenirs, beach gear, and gifts. These include arcades with video games and prize-winning machines, which are popular with families. Most shops and arcades are open during the same hours as the pier itself.

Hours, Weather, and Seasonal Changes

Santa Monica Pier is open to pedestrians daily from early morning until late evening. The exact hours vary by season — summer hours extend later into the evening, while winter hours end earlier. The pier itself does not close, but individual businesses like restaurants and Pacific Park have their own schedules.

The pier can be crowded during summer weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Weekday mornings and winter weekdays are quieter. Weather affects the experience: fog is common in summer mornings, and the pier can be windy. Winter storms occasionally close the pier temporarily for safety, though this is rare.

Getting There and Parking

Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Santa Monica Boulevard, which runs east-west through the city. If you drive, parking is available in several lots near the pier entrance. The main lot fills quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Overflow lots are a short walk away. Parking fees vary by lot and time of day — some charge hourly rates, while others charge daily maximums.

Public transit is an option if you want to avoid parking. The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus runs routes that stop near the pier. The Expo Line, a light rail system operated by Metro, has a station at 7th Street and Colorado Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the pier. If you are staying in Santa Monica, walking or biking to the pier may be practical.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring sunscreen and a hat — the pier offers little shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Bring water to stay hydrated, especially on warm days. If you plan to fish, bring your own rod and tackle or plan to buy them nearby. If you plan to ride the Ferris wheel or other attractions, bring cash or a credit card.

The pier can be windy, so a light jacket is useful even on warm days. The wooden surface can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. The pier is crowded during peak hours, so expect to move slowly and share space with other visitors. Dogs are allowed on the pier but must be leashed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to walk on Santa Monica Pier?

No, walking on the pier itself is free. You only pay if you ride the Ferris wheel, use other Pacific Park attractions, play arcade games, or buy food and merchandise.

Can I bring my own food to the pier?

Yes, you can bring your own food and eat on the pier. Many visitors bring snacks or picnic items to save money compared to buying from vendors.

What time of year is best to visit?

Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds than summer. Summer is warmest but most crowded. Winter is quieter and cooler, with shorter daylight hours and some business closures on weekdays.

Is the pier safe at night?

The pier is lit and patrolled by security, and many people visit in the evening. However, it is less crowded after dark, so solo visitors may prefer to visit during daylight hours.

Can I fish without a license?

If you are 16 or older, you need a California fishing license to fish from the pier. Licenses are inexpensive and available online or at sporting goods stores. Children under 16 can fish without a license.