Santa Monica Pier: A Historic Icon At The End Of The Iconic Route 66

Final Up to date:December 18, 2025, 10:26 IST

As Route 66 nears its 2026 centennial, uncover Santa Monica Pier, its iconic ‘Finish of the Path’ with beachfront actions, browsing, biking, tradition, eating, vibrant nightlife.

As Route 66 heads into its centennial in 2026, there is no such thing as a higher place to toast its legacy than at its ‘Finish of the Path’ sign up Santa Monica. This scenic Southern California seaside metropolis blends seaside attraction with coastal sophistication, with the enduring Santa Monica Pier on the centre of limitless sights and actions for all ages. The pier’s historical past predates the Route 66 by greater than a decade.

First in-built 1909 to function a sewage pipeline, the Santa Monica Pier rapidly grew to become a fishing and boating vacation spot as an alternative. Quickly after, well-known carousel and amusement park developer Charles Looff added a second pier with a lovely carousel that includes 44 hand-carved horses contained in the historic Hippodrome constructing, which nonetheless stands on the south finish of the pier right this moment. Extra rides opened in 1940, and shortly the enduring neon signal above the pier ramp was put in.

By the Nineteen Seventies, the Santa Monica Metropolis Council aimed to demolish the pier for a resort resort, however public outcry saved it, although violent storms in 1983 later prompted extreme harm. Restoration efforts and the opening of the Pacific Park amusement park in 1996 introduced the Santa Monica Pier again to its former glory. In the present day, the Santa Monica Pier welcomes hundreds of thousands of holiday makers annually to benefit from the unmatched ocean views and Southern California tradition. The Pier stays an iconic image of the California coast and a pillar of the Santa Monica neighborhood,

A Beachfront Hub of Yr-Spherical Actions

The lengthy, broad expanse of Santa Monica Seaside is distinguished from different Southern California shorelines by the wide selection of actions accessible.

Browsing

Named the official state sport in 2018, browsing alongside the three.5 miles of Santa Monica Seaside is well accessible and inspired for all ranges of surfers. Bay Avenue, simply south of Lodge Casa del Mar, and the Santa Monica Pier are well-liked surf spots recognized for his or her simple parking, clear waters, hospitable individuals, and constant situations. Ample leases and classes adjoining to the seaside provide rookies an introduction to Southern California browsing and specialists an expansive neighborhood of fellow fanatics.

A Hub for Health

Situated on the south aspect of the Santa Monica Pier, Unique Muscle Seaside was established within the early Nineteen Thirties. It rapidly grew from a number of tumbling mats and gymnastic bars to the epicentre of the twentieth century’s rising health motion. In the present day, the gathering of rings, bars and different retro tools is a well-liked location for a free, out of doors exercise with the seaside as your backdrop.

Biking

The Marvin Braude Bike Path, also referred to as the South Bay Bicycle Path or The Strand, is a 22-mile paved path that begins in Santa Monica and ends at Torrance County Seaside, passing by Venice, Hermosa, Redondo Seaside, Marina del Rey, El Segundo Seaside, and Manhattan Seaside.

Pacific Park

Pacific Park, the full-service amusement park, with its solar-powered, over-water Ferris wheel, is the one one in all its sort within the area. The park additionally contains a five-story West Coaster curler coaster and a nine-story Pacific Plunge tower trip. Greater than 6 million guests a yr cease at this iconic Santa Monica attraction.

Ocean Entrance

Ocean Entrance Stroll is a large, paved footpath lined with outlets and eating places. Children love the South Seaside Park that features a stone-walled sandbox, a concrete Viking ship, and an interactive dragon’s head. A row of volleyball courts is accessible at Ocean Park North Seaside on a first-come, first-served foundation.

Fishing

Fishing from the Santa Monica Pier is a well-liked pastime with residents and guests alike. Santa Monica Pier Bait & Sort out affords gear, poles, and bait for fishing within the Pacific Ocean. No fishing license wanted.

Be taught the Historical past

Stroll to the tip of the Santa Monica Pier, and you’ll not solely end up on the Western-most tip of LA, however varied shadowboxes hung alongside the historic partitions spotlight a few of the Pier’s most iconic historical past, together with a homage to Route 66, lifeguard tradition and innovation, and extra.

Go to the Aquarium

Seize a little bit of shade and play with the underwater locals beneath the Santa Monica Pier at Heal the Bay Aquarium. This all-ages aquarium options over 100 native marine animal and wildlife species. While you’re there, don’t forget to go to the contact tank’s hermit crabs, sea urchins and sea cucumbers and take a look at creating and new child pups on the shark nursery.

Retail remedy

Santa Monica’s trend scene has the whole lot buyers need: identify manufacturers, international couture, and unbiased boutiques. Go to the quaint outlets that line Montana Avenue or head to Nordstrom’s glittering storefront at Santa Monica Place earlier than hitting up the well-known Third Avenue Promenade.

Santa Monica out of doors adventures

Past the sandy seashores, Santa Monica’s parks present a spread of choices for these trying to cease and odor the roses. Take a stroll alongside the palm tree-lined paths of Palisades Park whereas having fun with the beautiful views of the ocean. Dive into the cultural heritage of Tongva Park, exploring the gardens and studying the historical past of the native Tongva individuals. Loosen up at Crescent Bay Park, a hidden treasure with inexperienced areas and picnic areas. Moreover, the Annenberg Neighborhood Seaside Home affords varied out of doors actions for guests of all ages. Lastly, unwind with a pleasant recreation of garden bowling or tennis at Douglas Park.

Arts and tradition

Santa Monica boasts over 55 museums, galleries, and inventive venues, plus loads of artwork spanning far past 4 partitions, together with public artwork and sculptures, road performers, and over 170 road artwork murals. One in all Santa Monica’s must-visit sights is Bergamot Station, an outdated prepare depot containing almost 20 distinct galleries. Be part of an ever-changing line-up of dwell exhibits, farmers’ markets, gallery openings, out of doors concert events and extra.

Eating

The Santa Monica Pier has a number of eating places providing quite a lot of cuisines starting from wonderful seafood to traditional American fare and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dine at The Albright, a rustic-chic, family-run fish home on the pier with native fare, craft beer, and a welcoming vibe. Alternatively, for a night journey, seize a drink, funnel cake or Smashie’s Burger and admire the unforgettable views of Malibu and the South Bay.

Nightlife

Stick round previous sundown and watch the town rework. Locals from everywhere in the Los Angeles space head to Santa Monica, the place the mix of walkability and number of nightlife makes for a memorable night irrespective of the event. Begin with pleased hour on a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean, like Élephante, and finish the night time dancing or saddled as much as the counter at one of many metropolis’s long-standing dive bars, equivalent to Chez Jay.

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