Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier / Pacific Park

The end of Route 66, a Ferris wheel over the sea, and sunset

Hours

The pier is open from early morning to night (6am–10pm as shown on Wanderlog; varies by season). Pacific Park's hours change daily; check its calendar

Tickets

Pier free. Pacific Park rides $6–20 each, all-day wristband $40 online (pacpark.com)

Address

The pier running out to sea where Colorado Avenue meets the beach

A timber pier runs out from a huge sandy beach, with the Ferris wheel and coaster of Pacific Park, a small amusement park, turning on top. At the land end stands the 'End of the Trail' sign for Route 66, and there's always a queue to photograph it. Walk to the far end and the Pacific opens up between fishermen and pelicans; at dusk the wheel lights up as the sky goes pink. A bike path runs along the sand below all the way to Venice Beach, so renting a bike to link the two is a favourite plan.