I've been here twice, as it turns out. Once (many years ago) when visiting family in the area during an internship, and just recently while we were in the LA area on business and wanted to do something touristy. It's the end of old Route 66 and an iconic pier - it's certainly worth seeing once, as the ocean views are beautiful, and there's some fun people watching (as long as you can ignore the people trying to sell you stuff) and some of the street musicians are good. Enjoy a coffee or some dippin dots or fair food and take in the ocean views. We didn't do any of the 'fair' stuff and it seemed to me to be a bit tourist trap-y. That said, I don't know that it's a must see. I'm sure there are lots of beautiful beaches in LA and lots of other fun things to do. The place we parked was pricey, so we just did an hour, and felt like we got enough time in. No need to stay that long. But as a fun jaunt on a business trip, it was fine.

This was our second time to the pier, first was 25 years ago with our kids. We spent a few hours touring and the one thing that stuck me was how run down the area was. I don’t know who owns or manages the pier but how about some maintenance especially since it’s a tourist attraction. There were lots of people but we did push thru and get to the end of the boardwalk, watching the waves and the ocean were wonderful. We stopped at Rusty’s local pub/bar, that’s another review. Now I can say “been there done that”.

The pier is a cool place to go. They have all kinds of food, carnival rides, street musicians and entertainment. The each was clean for the most part. There were tons of people there enjoying themselves. It’s different looking because there is a cliff with homes on it right by the beach. We don’t see that in TX or any of the beaches on the east coast. You could see the light smog hovering around the mountain areas.

The pier is ok, if you never been to Santa Monica, you should visit and walk to the end of the pier. I would go earlier in the morning before all the beach crowd arrives and the pier is not crowded, so no lines for a coffee. But once you have been, really not much to see next time around.

Fun time walking at the pier. We enjoyed the sights, the interesting people, and the sea gulls. It was also nice walking along the beach off the pier. My favorite part was getting a fresh-cut tropical fruit cup and eating it while I walked on the beach. Don't miss the beach if you go to the pier!

The Santa Monica Pier is a classic Southern California location and we visited with our family on a recent trip. Much of the parking by the pier is priced at an all day rate but we found a smaller lot down Seaside Terrace that was charged by the hour and considerably cheaper. We walked on the beach and up and down the pier to take everything in. We were there around an hour but it could certainly be an all day adventure.

Opened in 1908 with beautiful coastline views the Santa Monica Pier is exactly what one expects from a tourist venue, right down to the crowds and high prices. Suffice it to say there's probably nothing here you haven't already seen, but after a Funnel Cake and Dance Dance Revolution showdown at the arcade you probably won't care. Go, ride the Ferris Wheel and get your fortune read by Zoltar. Laugh. Smile. That's why you're here.

A must see when visiting LA! Lovely pier and a bucket list moment ticked off. From spending lots of time here on grand theft auto as a child to walking down here as an adult was a great moment!

It's practically a living postcard. The iconic Ferris wheel stands tall, its colorful lights reflecting off the water at sunset – an Instagrammer's dream come true. Now, if you're a foodie, this place is a paradise. From the aroma of cotton candy to the sizzle of corn dogs frying, it's a feast for senses.

We chose to stay at Santa Monica to be close to the pier, however we were disappointed with the stench of urine and the numerous homeless people in the area. The pier is no as big as we’d imagined and it’s full of cheap souvenirs & unappealing food venues, we chose not to eat at. Water is beautiful and clear and beach looked beautiful. The theme park is small and aging, rides expensive. Unless you have other activities planned in this area I would not specificity plan your trip around staying near the pier.