10/14/09

Santa Monica pier

by guiadelosangeles

This is a good place for the family!!!

• Pros: This place is great!!!
• Cons: None

01/05/09

great spot

by grabtrees

this is such a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening with some friends, theres food games and rides! you have little vendors or the bubba gump.

08/07/08

Great for kids and worth seeing

by kiercemartin

If you go to the pier expecting a super cool stretch of bars and restaurants out over the water then you're going to be disappointed. The pier is definitely not a place to go out to, but it is a great landmark, and worth checking out. Kids will love the park that's there and it's small enough that the park is not an all day commitment in the slightest. If you're in the area it's worth checking out, at least just to waste some time, but I'm a fan.

06/26/08

Fun to see if you happen to be in the area

by jenheidir

I get that the pier is one of the most iconic parts of Santa Monica and the L.A. area as a whole, but to me, it was no more special or different than any other beachfront amusement park I?ve been to. Typical rides, arcades, game stands and carnival treats, though the new energy-efficient Ferris wheel is pretty cool to see (a lot more lights than the old one). Bottom line, if you?re looking to walk around Santa Monica for a bit or are in the area and have time to spare, this place is a nice stop, but not a must visit in my opinion. One thing I will say for it though, it does have a great atmosphere for a first date!

08/12/07

Disappointed

by gripdxd

The pier is a landmark for Santa Monica, but it's good only for a peek. I was disappointed when we visited as it was dingy (I know it's old) and very average. It's also super windy which made it unenjoyable. I'd also like to mention that it is overpriced, I had a bad funnel cake. Some performers were pathetic as well. We didn't spend much time there, but SKIP IT! The beach is great, but that's a totally seperate thing.

• Pros: It's a piece of history
• Cons: Overpriced, Old, Dingy, Ordinary

05/07/07

great outings

by juju13es

I have many fond memories at the pier. I remember during my high school years, strolling around the carnival, playing the little games. Also, during the summertime they have this awesome film screening series that they play on the dock? I remember two summers ago, I watched ?Top Gun? and ?Westside Story.? And it was nice just coming out with a sleeping bag and some snacks for a night of free entertainment.

11/14/06

Awesome experience; sketchy at night

by dmenkes

I've been down on the beach at night many times, and one night we decided to take a walk along the beach towards the pier fairly late. We were pleasantly surprised to find everything still open past 10pm and decided to take a look around. Their arcade is neat, and their ferris wheel is pretty romantic! They now have a Bubba Gump's and it's open very late. Towards the very end of the pier, the aroma of fish is overpowering and it's a bit too sketchy in the dimly-lit areas of the pier. But it's really close to the Promenade and was very fun!

Sun-drenched boardwalk where Route 66 meets the sea and California dreamin' takes shape.

by Contributor

This legendary pier is a breezy, sunny mecca not just for Angelenos, but for anyone with an interest in pop culture, beach life, California history or just a little fun in the sun. It's been a SoCal destination since 1909, drawing beach babes and weathered fishermen alike. Despite having hosted flappers in the 20s, swingers in the 40s and conservationists in the 80s, the pier is best known for its famous 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel (replaced in 2009) and TV and film appearances. Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run here. "The Sting" took a turn on the carousel. And Santa Monica put the "bay" in "Baywatch." Beyond the fame, families make the pilgrimage to this waterfront spot to enjoy seafood meals--and then try not to lose them on Pacific Park's roller coaster. Lovers nuzzle on the Ferris wheel while roller-blading hotties weave through the crush of street performers, jugglers and musicians. Fishermen gut their catches while eco-minded folks head to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

06/22/04

Santa Monica Pier

by venicerose

I live in Oregon now, but I was born and raised in Santa Monica. Nothing makes me as homesick as seeing the Santa Monica Pier on television or in a movie. I watch some movies (Falling Down, Buddy System, L.A. Story, for instance) just for the Los Angeles landmarks.

05/04/04

a SoCal classic

by vani

i remember going here as a kid with my parents. though i don't hop on the antique classica carousel anymore, i still love the cotton candy and the fresh, greasy potato chips. not a huge fan of the crowds or the Pacific Park amusements, but for the adventurous: the pier is nice and quiet well past sunset.

• Pros: classic