As Route 66 heads into its centennial in 2026, there is no better place to toast its legacy than at its ‘End of the Trail’ sign in Santa Monica. This scenic Southern California beach city blends seaside
charm with coastal sophistication, with the iconic Santa Monica Pier at the centre of endless attractions and activities for all ages. The pier’s history predates the Route 66 by more than a decade.
First built in 1909 to serve as a sewage pipeline, the Santa Monica Pier quickly became a fishing and boating destination instead. Soon after, famous carousel and amusement park developer Charles Looff added a second pier with a beautiful carousel featuring 44 hand-carved horses inside the historic Hippodrome building, which still stands at the south end of the pier today. More rides opened in 1940, and soon the iconic neon sign above the pier ramp was installed.
By the 1970s, the Santa Monica City Council aimed to demolish the pier for a resort hotel, but public outcry saved it, though violent storms in 1983 later caused severe damage. Restoration efforts and the opening of the Pacific Park amusement park in 1996 brought the Santa Monica Pier back to its former glory. Today, the Santa Monica Pier welcomes millions of visitors each year to enjoy the unmatched ocean views and Southern California culture. The Pier remains an iconic symbol of the California coast and a pillar of the Santa Monica community,
A Beachfront Hub of Year-Round Activities
The long, wide expanse of Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the wide range of activities available.
Surfing
Named the official state sport in 2018, surfing along the 3.5 miles of Santa Monica Beach is easily accessible and encouraged for all levels of surfers. Bay Street, just south of Hotel Casa del Mar, and the Santa Monica Pier are popular surf spots known for their easy parking, clear waters, hospitable people, and consistent conditions. Abundant rentals and lessons adjacent to the beach offer beginners an introduction to Southern California surfing and experts an expansive community of fellow enthusiasts.
A Hub for Fitness
Located on the south side of the Santa Monica Pier, Original Muscle Beach was established in the early 1930s. It quickly grew from a few tumbling mats and gymnastic bars to the epicentre of the 20th century’s growing fitness movement. Today, the collection of rings, bars and other retro equipment is a popular location for a free, outdoor workout with the beach as your backdrop.
Biking
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the South Bay Bicycle Trail or The Strand, is a 22-mile paved trail that starts in Santa Monica and ends at Torrance County Beach, passing through Venice, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, El Segundo Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
Pacific Park
Pacific Park, the full-service amusement park, with its solar-powered, over-water Ferris wheel, is the only one of its kind in the region. The park also features a five-story West Coaster roller coaster and a nine-story Pacific Plunge tower ride. More than 6 million visitors a year stop at this iconic Santa Monica attraction.
Ocean Front
Ocean Front Walk is a wide, paved footpath lined with shops and restaurants. Kids love the South Beach Park that includes a stone-walled sandbox, a concrete Viking ship, and an interactive dragon’s head. A row of volleyball courts is available at Ocean Park North Beach on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fishing
Fishing from the Santa Monica Pier is a popular pastime with residents and visitors alike. Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle offers gear, poles, and bait for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. No fishing license needed.
Learn the History
Walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier, and you will not only find yourself at the Western-most tip of LA, but various shadowboxes hung along the historical walls highlight some of the Pier’s most iconic history, including a homage to Route 66, lifeguard culture and innovation, and more.
Visit the Aquarium
Grab a bit of shade and play with the underwater locals under the Santa Monica Pier at Heal the Bay Aquarium. This all-ages aquarium features over 100 local marine animal and wildlife species. While you are there, do not forget to visit the touch tank’s hermit crabs, sea urchins and sea cucumbers and check out developing and newborn pups at the shark nursery.
Retail therapy
Santa Monica’s fashion scene has everything shoppers want: name brands, global couture, and independent boutiques. Visit the quaint shops that line Montana Avenue or head to Nordstrom’s glittering storefront at Santa Monica Place before hitting up the famous Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica outdoor adventures
Beyond the sandy beaches, Santa Monica’s parks provide a range of options for those looking to stop and smell the roses. Take a walk along the palm tree-lined paths of Palisades Park while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean. Dive into the cultural heritage of Tongva Park, exploring the gardens and learning the history of the native Tongva people. Relax at Crescent Bay Park, a hidden treasure with green spaces and picnic areas. Additionally, the Annenberg Community Beach House offers various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Finally, unwind with a friendly game of lawn bowling or tennis at Douglas Park.
Arts and culture
Santa Monica boasts over 55 museums, galleries, and creative venues, plus plenty of art spanning far beyond four walls, including public art and sculptures, street performers, and over 170 street art murals. One of Santa Monica’s must-visit attractions is Bergamot Station, an old train depot containing nearly 20 distinct galleries. Be a part of an ever-changing line-up of live shows, farmers’ markets, gallery openings, outdoor concerts and more.
Dining
The Santa Monica Pier has several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines ranging from fine seafood to classic American fare and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dine at The Albright, a rustic-chic, family-run fish house on the pier with local fare, craft beer, and a welcoming vibe. Alternatively, for an evening adventure, grab a drink, funnel cake or Smashie’s Burger and admire the unforgettable views of Malibu and the South Bay.
Nightlife
Stick around past sunset and watch the city transform. Locals from all over the Los Angeles area head to Santa Monica, where the combination of walkability and variety of nightlife makes for a memorable evening no matter the occasion. Start with happy hour on a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean, like Élephante, and end the night dancing or saddled up to the counter at one of the city’s long-standing dive bars, such as Chez Jay.
