Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

Santa Monica Pier is the most iconic boardwalk destination in Los Angeles and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California. The pier itself is free to walk and offers ocean views, street performers, and the end-of-Route-66 sign. Pacific Park, the small amusement park built on the pier, adds rides and games that transform a casual stroll into a full family outing.

Pacific Park is compact but well-designed for families. The Pacific Wheel (Ferris wheel) is the star attraction -- at 85 feet tall with 174,000 LEDs, it creates stunning light shows visible from miles away. Riding it at sunset is a quintessential LA experience.

The West Coaster roller coaster runs along the edge of the pier over the ocean, providing legitimate thrills without extreme intensity -- perfect for kids ages 6-12 making the jump from kiddie rides. Smaller children have their own rides including a sea dragon boat, frog hopper, and the beautifully restored 1922 Looff Hippodrome Carousel housed in its own historic building.

What most tourists miss is the Heal the Bay Aquarium, tucked underneath the carousel building. This small aquarium ($5 admission) focuses on local Santa Monica Bay marine life with touch tanks, shark exhibits, and marine biology education. It is run by the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay and provides a more intimate and educational experience than the big-name aquariums.

The beach flanking the pier is wide and sandy with gentle waves suitable for wading (swimming requires caution due to currents near the pier pilings). Families often split their time between pier activities and beach play. The bike path running along the beach connects to Venice Beach (1.5 miles south) for an easy family ride on rented bikes or surrey carts available at multiple rental stands.

Practical tips make or break a pier visit. Parking is the biggest pain point -- the beach lots charge $15-30 and fill by late morning on summer weekends. The structure at 4th and Colorado is cheaper ($3/hr) and a short walk.

Food on the pier is overpriced tourist fare. Walking 2-3 blocks inland to the Third Street Promenade or side streets yields better food at lower prices. The marine layer (June Gloom) can make mornings foggy and chilly through June -- bring layers even in summer.