Santa Monica Pier

About this spot

At the end of Route 66, the pier runs straight out into Santa Monica Bay. From autumn to spring the sun sets into the Pacific, and in summer it drops toward the Malibu hills. Watch from the end of the pier, or from the sand beside it to see the pier and the lit-up Pacific Wheel as silhouettes. The pier is open 6am to 10pm. The solar-powered Pacific Wheel costs around $17 a ride, but Pacific Park closes early on some autumn and winter evenings, so check its hours for a sunset ride. There are paid lots on and beside the pier, and the Metro E Line ends a short walk away in downtown Santa Monica.