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Santa Monica Pier Historic pier with the Pacific Park amusement park, the solar Ferris wheel, and the end-of-Route-66 sign.
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade → The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Families with kids Couples Photographers
Travellers on a budget If you've only got a day Solo travellers Anyone here to unwind Nature lovers Worth it for families with kids, couples and photographers.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes The Ferris wheel over the ocean and the Route 66 end sign make the quintessential LA-beach photo, best at golden hour.
Not independently verified — estimated It's crowded and touristy, with carnival games and food noticeably overpriced once you're out on the deck.
Not independently verified — estimated Rides add up fast at $5-10 each, so treating it as a paid amusement park gets expensive quickly — the free stroll is the better play.
Not independently verified — estimated What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller With kids
The amusement rides and arcade are an easy kid-pleaser if you budget for it.
As a couple
Best as a free sunset stroll-and-photo, then down onto the beach — not a money-sink.
Multigenerational
Something for every age, but plan for crowds; go late-afternoon for light and a cooler walk.
Good to know
Before you go Cost
Free to walk; rides ~$5-10 each
Best time Late afternoon into sunset for the best light and cooler crowds.
Getting there Metro E (Expo) Line ends nearby in Downtown Santa Monica; pier parking is pricey.
Accessibility The pier deck is wide and wheelchair accessible; the beach itself is soft sand. Alternatives
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Check availability → The pier dates to 1909 and was the first concrete pier on the West Coast; in 2009 it was dedicated as the official western terminus of Route 66. en.wikipedia.org ↗ Pacific Park on the pier opened in 1996 and runs the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel, which debuted in 2008. en.wikipedia.org ↗ 🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →