Santa Monica Pier is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, welcoming travelers and locals alike.

At the center, Pacific Park features 12 rides, and at the western end, the fishing deck offers free ocean fishing.

The iconic Pacific Wheel is the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel, lighting up the ocean with 174,000 LEDs every night. 

Practical Tips – Parking, Transportation, and Bridge Construction News

Beach parking is around $10-15 per day, but starting January 2025, parking fees will increase by 18%, resulting in a slight rise in actual rates. The bridge replacement project next to the 1 N Beach parking lot, which serves as the pier entrance, will continue until fall 2025, so public transport is much more convenient on weekends. Taking the Metro E Line will get you from downtown L.A. in 46 minutes, and it's just a 10-minute walk from the 'Downtown Santa Monica' station to the pier.

Must-See Fun Points at the Pier

  • Pacific Park Day Pass: Unlimited rides including roller coasters and Ferris wheel for $49.95.

  • Hippo Campus Carousel (1922): Also famous as the filming location for the classic movie The Sting.

  • Street Performance Zone: On Friday and Saturday evenings, dance battles and busking peak, so be sure to prepare a $1 tip.

  • Twilight Concert Series (Thursdays in June-August): With the ocean as a backdrop, the stage is in the pier plaza—entry is free, but arriving before 7 PM is recommended. 

What's Just a Step Away? Nearby '15-Minute Walk' Routes

Distance  PlaceAttraction Points
5-minute walk  Tongva ParkWave-shaped viewpoint and summer fountain (09:00-20:00) make it a great photo spot Santa Monica
8-minute walk  Third Street PromenadeA hub for shopping and street performances, with plans for a nighttime vibrant 'open container' zone in 2025.
12-minute walk  Santa Monica PlaceRooftop food hall and arcade, perfect for sunset views.
15-minute bike ride
  Venice BoardwalkGraffiti walls, Muscle Beach, and a beach skate park all in a row.


Half-Day Trip Route Suggestion

10:00 AM – Arrive via E Line, take photos from the free viewpoint next to the pier.

10:30 AM – Ride the Pacific Park roller coaster → enjoy the view from the Ferris wheel.

12:00 PM – Lunch at 'The Albright' in the center of the pier for a lobster roll.

1:00 PM – Cool off at the Tongva Park fountain, then explore shopping and cafes on the promenade.

4:00 PM – Rent a bike and cruise to Venice along the beach bike path.

6:30 PM – Return to the pier, enjoy the sunset and night view of the Ferris wheel while watching street performances.

Santa Monica Pier feels like "a day of vacation gifted by L.A." With this itinerary, you can capture everything from the summer sun to the golden sunset and the neon-lit night sea, so if you need some healing this weekend, don't hesitate to go!