During your trip to California, you cannot miss Santa Monica Pier.

This pier, stretching west into the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles, is not just a tourist spot but a place full of romance and vitality.

First, the most noticeable feature is 'Pacific Park.' This amusement park built on the pier is a symbol of Santa Monica, often appearing in movies and dramas. The 'Pacific Wheel,' a giant Ferris wheel, is famous for being the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. At night, the colorful lights reflect on the sea, creating a truly fantastic scene.

From the top, you can see Santa Monica Beach and even Malibu in the distance, and the view is something you must see with your own eyes to truly appreciate its charm. In addition to the rides, there are also a carousel and game arcade that children love, making it popular among family travelers. As you head to the center of the pier, you will find busking performances, street artists painting, and portrait artists set up.

Thanks to musicians playing guitar and singing, there is always music flowing, and anyone can stop for a moment and enjoy the rhythm. A little further in, there is the 'Santa Monica Aquarium,' which, although small, is an educational space where you can see local marine life up close. It's definitely worth a visit if you are with children.

If you walk to the end of the pier, you will see many people fishing. Watching someone spend time looking out at the sea with a fishing rod is incredibly peaceful. Even if you don't have equipment, you can easily rent it from nearby shops and catch small fish like mackerel or snapper. Most people do not eat the coastal fish due to high pollution levels and release them back into the water.

For lunch or dinner, I recommend dining at one of the restaurants on the pier. Especially, 'The Albright' and 'Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.' are popular restaurants where you can taste local seafood. Sitting by the window, enjoying shrimp dishes while watching the sunset feels like a scene from a movie.

As the sun sets, head down to the beach for a stroll. When the Ferris wheel lights turn on under the red sky, the atmosphere is truly romantic. If you are on a couple's trip, this time is the best photo opportunity. Another must-see is the 'End of Route 66' sign.

Santa Monica Pier is the last point of Route 66, which crosses the American continent, and many travelers take photos in front of this sign. It holds a symbolic meaning of American travel, and even a single photo gives a strange sense of accomplishment.

There are many bike rental shops nearby, so riding along the 'Beach Path' to Venice Beach is also a great idea. As you ride along the long coastal road, feeling the wind, you will experience a sense of freedom throughout your body.

At the 3rd Street Promenade near the pier, you can enjoy shopping and street performances, and it's also nice to sip coffee at an outdoor café while people-watching. Ultimately, Santa Monica Pier is not just a tourist spot but the best place to feel the 'romance of California.'