A trip to the beach is always a fun experience, but a trip to the Santa Monica Pier takes your beach day to new heights. From thrilling rides and games to delicious seafood restaurants and shopping, the pier has something for every family member. Let’s look at some of the unique attractions that make a visit to this iconic landmark so special.
Rides & Games
The Santa Monica Pier is home to several amusement park-style rides that will get your heart racing. The Pacific Wheel is one of the most iconic attractions on the pier – it’s an 85-foot tall Ferris wheel with views of downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and more that you won’t want to miss. Other thrill rides include the West Coaster roller coaster and Trapeze Bar, which features swings that go up and over the pier! For those looking for something less intense, plenty of other family-friendly games, like mini golf and bumper cars, are waiting for you.
Food & Shopping
After all that excitement, you must be hungry! The pier boasts several local eateries serving tasty seafood dishes like fish tacos, clam chowder, lobster rolls, shrimp po’boys—the list goes on! There are also plenty of fast-food vendors if you’re in a rush or just looking for a quick snack. And don’t forget about the great shops along the boardwalk where you can find souvenirs or even something special for yourself.
Fishing on the Pier
If you're looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, why not try fishing at the iconic Santa Monica Pier? Anglers of all ages and skill levels are welcome here, making it an ideal spot for novice fishers to get their feet wet. Tackle and bait can be purchased at the Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Company; once you're set-up, head out with your rod to fish in the Pacific or one of two artificial breakwaters. The pier offers plenty of opportunities to view beautiful sunsets while catching dinner — if you’re lucky! Whether it's just for fun or you’re hoping to land a big catch, fishing on the Santa Monica Pier is always an enjoyable experience.
Grab Your Sunscreen and Fun-glasses and Head Over to the Santa Monica Pier
Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth time coming back, something new and exciting is waiting around every corner at Santa Monica Pier. With its thrilling rides and games, delicious food options, unique shops, and boutiques, this iconic landmark offers fun experiences for people of all ages every day of the year. So grab your sunscreen and head down to Santa Monica Pier today!