Los Angeles, United States2 hoursLate afternoon
Santa Monica Pier
Ideal: Ideal for beaches, fun, sunsets, family outings, and relaxed city routes.
The pier was built in 1909 not for romance but to carry a sewer pipe offshore; the amusement pier beside it was added in 1916. It is also the official Pacific terminus of Route 66 from Chicago, marked by a sign on the pier. The 1922 carousel still runs and appeared in The Sting. The Ferris wheel runs entirely on solar power — said to be the only one of its kind in the world.
Quick facts
- Opened
- 9 September 1909
- Length
- 1,652 ft
- Heritage status
- California Point of Historical Interest
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- For a classic California beach experience on the Pacific
- For sunsets, amusement rides, and coastal photos
- To feel Los Angeles' seaside atmosphere
Travel tip
It is far more striking at sunset; add a Venice Beach walk to the same route.
