By the early seventies the pier was in such bad shape that the city of Santa Monica ordered it's destuction. But the local citizens fought back and after a decades long struggle won Historical Landmark status for the nearly 100 year old pier. After losing a few hundred more feet of length to storms in the early 1980's, a restoration was begun and the pier was finally getting the attention it deserved. Today the the Santa Monica pier is the only pier on the west coast to boast an amusment park. Pacific Park is complete with a roller coaster and penny arcade. At the entrance to the pier sits a beautiful working and rideable vintage carousel attracting about 3 million people a year. During the summer Thursday nights are concert nights thanks to the "Twilight Dance Series" which features various musical attractions and corporate sponsorships to attract over 10,000 people to concerts that feature popular performers in every musical genre. In addition there is a small Aquarium under the pier across fro Big Dean's Cafe. Nothing like the Aquarium in Monterey or Long Beach, but it's so weird, like it's in a basement, that I had to mention it. Some of the best things to do on the Santa Monica pier are enjoy the view from the top of the Ferris Wheel, watch a storm come in during the winter, let the kids having fun in the amusment park, check out what the fishermen are catching and ride the carousel which seems to be enjoyed equally by young and old. The Restaurants on the Pier are just OK for the most part, Mirsaol, Rusty's Surf Ranch and Bubba Gump offer decent food, usually with a wait and so-so service . I usually just enjoy the drinks and the view from the pier but there are more choices nearby. There is a large parking lot to the north of the pier but it fills up quickly. My advice is get there by bike, take a walk to the end and get a good whiff of the ocean breeze to build a good appetite and then head to the Promenade, just a few blocks away, for a good meal.

>

Custom Search

Site Map | Home