Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you feel like you already know long before you ever set foot on it. From movies and TV shows to video games like Grand Theft Auto V, this iconic pier has been burned into pop culture for decades. Visiting Santa Monica Pier in 2023 finally turned that familiar image into a real-life experience, and it absolutely delivered.
Opened on September 9, 1909, Santa Monica Pier has been standing strong for well over a century at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA. Today, it’s home to the colorful Pacific Park amusement park, countless food spots, arcades, souvenir shops, and one of the most recognizable coastal views in California. The pier is owned by Pacific Park and remains free to enter, which makes it even more inviting.
Arriving from Malibu into Santa Monica
We arrived at Santa Monica Pier straight from Malibu during our Los Angeles trip. We were staying at the Hollywood Hills Hotel near Hollywood Boulevard, so this felt like a perfect coastal detour before heading deeper into the city. Parking was surprisingly easy. We parked at the Santa Monica parking lot on 28 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 — often referred to as “Parking Venice.”
Payment is modern and simple now: either at the parking meters or via an app. The old gate with the blue booth — where someone used to sit and collect payments — looks completely abandoned. A small detail, but one that shows how the area keeps evolving while still holding onto its classic charm.
As we walked toward Santa Monica Pier, the view opened up beautifully. The pier and boulevard appear together as one lively, colorful strip, filled with movement, sounds, and ocean air. We barely stopped for photos at first — the pull of the pier itself was just too strong.
First impressions & street life
Once on Santa Monica Pier, the atmosphere hits immediately. Street performers, music, laughter, and the sound of waves underneath the wooden planks. One of the first memorable encounters was with Frank Deville, an old-school magician performing classic tricks right on the pier. It felt timeless — the kind of street performance that fits perfectly with a place like this.
The pier is also a major Pokémon GO hotspot. For players, this location is legendary: constant Pokémon spawns, multiple Gyms and PokéStops, and a steady flow of players. Well-known YouTubers like MYSTIC7 have been spotted here playing the game. Seeing real-life gaming culture blend into such an iconic place added a fun, modern layer to the experience.
Pacific Park – the amusement park on the pier
At the heart of Santa Monica Pier sits Pacific Park, the amusement park that defines the skyline with its famous Ferris wheel. Entry to the park is free; you simply pay per ride. This setup makes it very accessible, even if you just want to walk through and soak up the atmosphere.
Here’s an overview of the rides you’ll find at Pacific Park:
Pacific Wheel
The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel rises over 40 m (130 ft) above the pier, offering panoramic views of the Southern California coastline. At night, it lights up with over 174,000 LED lights, turning Santa Monica Pier into a glowing landmark.
West Coaster
This steel roller coaster runs directly above the ocean, reaching speeds of about 56 km/h (35 mph). It’s short, fast, and uniquely placed right on the pier — something you don’t see every day.
Sea Dragon
A classic swinging ship ride that moves in a dramatic 180-degree arc. With dragon heads at each end, it fits the playful yet slightly intense vibe of Pacific Park.
Inkie’s Scrambler
A fast-spinning ride with multiple cars rotating at high speed. Great for families who like something energetic but not extreme.
Pacific Plunge
A vertical drop ride that lifts you high above the pier before dropping you down, giving a brief moment of weightlessness with stunning ocean views.
Sig Alert EV (Bumper Cars)
Modern electric bumper cars with full 360-degree control. A fun mix of old-school amusement and modern design.
Seaside Swing
A calmer ride that gently swings riders while offering wide views of the Pacific Ocean — perfect if you want to enjoy the scenery without adrenaline.
Frog Hopper
A smaller drop tower designed for younger visitors, offering short hops straight up and down.
Sea Planes
Brightly colored planes that let riders control how high they fly, making it a great interactive family ride.
Inkie’s Wave Jumper
A wave-themed ride that spins and bounces, simulating the feeling of riding ocean waves.
Inkie’s Air Lift
A mix between a teacup ride and hot air balloons, allowing riders to spin while moving up and down.
Arcades, food & first American beer
We briefly stepped into the arcade area, which still feels wonderfully old-school. Many machines run on cash, but paying with credit or debit cards is also possible. The mix of flashing lights, classic games, and modern payment options fits Santa Monica Pier perfectly.
At PierBurger, we stopped for something special: our very first beer in the United States. They serve the local Santa Monica Inclined IPA, a 7.0% IPA that tastes bold, fresh, and distinctly Californian. PierBurger itself looks incredibly American, with U.S. and California flags on display and a relaxed, friendly vibe. We didn’t eat here, though, our interest leaned more toward the neighboring Mr. Nice Fry, known for pizza, chicken wings, and classic sweet American Fanta.
PierBurger
PierBurger Santa Monica Pier, awesome! Sometimes a place becomes special not because of what you eat, but because of when you’re there. PierBurger Santa Monica Pier, sitting right on the Santa Monica Pier, wasn’t a spot where we sat down for a full meal. We didn’t order burgers, fries, or breakfast sandwiches. We only had a beer. But that beer mattered — it was the very first beer we drank in the United States, and that alone makes PierBurger Santa Monica Pier a place worth sharing.
Beyond the pier
The area surrounding Santa Monica Pier is just as impressive. From famous skateparks to wide boulevards and viewpoints you instantly recognize from films, it feels like walking through a living movie set. Everything blends together: beach culture, city energy, and classic California style.
After exploring the pier, we continued our journey toward Beverly Hills, heading back inland to our stay in Hollywood. Santa Monica Pier turned out to be more than just a famous landmark — it felt like a perfect snapshot of coastal Los Angeles life, past and present combined.
