Practical Information
Updated: Jan 9, 2026Visit Duration
Minimum2.5 days
Recommended7.5 days
Entrance Fee
FreePier free. Pacific Park: per ride $5-12 or wristband $40. Aquarium: $7
Best Time to Visit
Sunset is best for photos and atmosphere. Summer is crowded but fun. Spring and fall have comfortable weather, fewer tourists. Weekends are more lively.
How to Get There
Metro Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica station (10-minute walk). By car — beach parking lots are paid ($10-20). Bike via Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the beach.
What to Expect
Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel with ocean views, rides, arcade games. Heal the Bay Aquarium. Seafood restaurants. Street musicians and performers. Route 66 'End of the Trail' sign. Beach with volleyball and surfing.
Best Photo Spot
From beach with pier and Ferris wheel at sunset. On pier at Route 66 sign. From Ferris wheel over ocean. Under pier with reflections.
Working Hours
Updated: Jan 9, 202624 hours
Note
Pier 24/7. Pacific Park (rides): 11 AM-11 PM (summer longer). Aquarium: 2-5 PM
faq.title
faq.subtitle Santa Monica Pier
Yes, Pacific Wheel is the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Ocean and sunset views are impressive. At night, the wheel lights up with colorful displays.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Santa Monica Pier
Beach parking is expensive ($10-20). Use Metro Expo Line — cheaper and no traffic.
Bring a jacket — evenings by the ocean are cool even in summer.
Reviews
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
22°
22°24%6 м/с
Today
24°8°
24°8°Tomorrow27°11°
27°11°Wed26°14°
26°14°Thu26°17°
26°17°Fri26°17°
26°17°Sat26°17°
26°17°Sun25°18°
25°18°19°
9°Jan
19°
10°Feb
20°
11°Mar
21°
12°Apr
22°
14°May
24°
16°Jun
27°
18°Jul
28°
18°Aug
27°
18°Sep
25°
15°Oct
22°
11°Nov
19°
9°Dec
Water temperature
15°
14°
15°
15°
17°
18°
20°
21°
20°
19°
17°
16°
What else to see
Interesting places nearby
