Welcome to the Santa Monica Pier Tour

No trip to sunny Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier, and no visit to the Pier is complete without this self-guided audio walking tour! As you stroll along this bustling pier, you’ll dig deep into its history, from its humble origins to devastating storms and ambitious amusement parks. Spot the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel and Pacific Park before making your way to the very end of the pier, offering unbeatable views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach.

About the Santa Monica Pier Tour
You’ll begin your tour by stepping onto the vibrant Santa Monica Pier, a bustling hub that marks the end of the famous Route 66. Here, the mix of seaside entertainment and historical landmarks offers a unique glimpse into Southern California’s coastal culture.

Your first stop is the Santa Monica Pier Carousel within the Looff Hippodrome, a beautifully preserved piece of Americana that has delighted visitors since its debut in 1916. Listen to the enchanting stories of the carousel’s creation and the evolution of the pier around it.

A short walk away, you’ll find the former site of La Monica Ballroom. Once the largest ballroom on the west coast, it hosted thousands during the roaring ‘20s. Find out what happened to it as you continue along this historic wooden pier.

Next, immerse yourself in the playful atmosphere of Pacific Park. This modern amusement park features a range of attractions, including the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Then, uncover more of the pier’s history and keep walking until you reach the far end of the pier, boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Santa Monica Beach on the other. Your tour concludes here.

This self-guided walking tour is the perfect supplement to any LA visit!

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Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From: Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401