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Route 66 spans 2,400+ miles.
📍 And it all ends at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
The Santa Monica Pier is a large pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, United States. It contains a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for views and fishing. Restaurants and shops are open as well. The Santa Monica Pier is open year round and admission to the pier is always free!
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🎠 Amusement rides, street performers, and ocean views.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
The pier is part of the greater Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Santa Monica has had several piers; however, the current Santa Monica Pier is made up of two adjoining piers that long had separate owners. The long, narrow Municipal Pier opened September 9, 1909.
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These Santa Monica Pier views are pure California magic.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
The short, wide adjoining Pleasure Pier to the south, also known as Newcomb Pier, was built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur, amusement park pioneers. Attractions on the Pleasure Pier eventually included the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome building (which now houses the current carousel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Blue Streak Racer wooden roller coaster (which was purchased from the defunct Wonderland amusement park in San Diego), the Whip.
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For better views, take a ride on the Frog Hopper!
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Rides and attractions are priced individually and range in price from $8-20. You can save more and ride all day with an Unlimited Ride Wristband.
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Or, ride on the Pacific Wheel for even better views 😍
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Tickets are $17. The world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel gives visitors a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline. Measuring 85 feet, the Wheel moves at 2.5 revolutions per minute with intermittent stops to pick up passengers. Features more than 174,000 energy-efficient LED lights that display dynamic, eye-popping computer-generated lighting entertainment in the evenings. Single riders on gondola-style Ferris wheels like the Pacific Wheel are prohibited.
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Before heading out, grab a burger from Pier Burger– they are famous for their comfort food.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Laid-back counter-serve food stand on the pier known for burgers & fries, custard & concretes. Thursday 9 AM–10 PM Friday 8 AM–10 PM Saturday 8 AM–10 PM Sunday 8 AM–10 PM Monday 9 AM–10 PM Tuesday 9 AM–10 PM Wednesday 9 AM–10 PM Please note that hours may vary on holidays or due to special events. It's advisable to check their official website
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Right next to the pier, you will find beautiful scenic trails.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Palisades Park is an iconic park that stretches over twenty-six acres along Ocean Avenue. This landmark park draws visitors from around the world with its gorgeous views of the Santa Monica Bay. The park has many features including benches, picnic areas, artworks and monuments, a rose garden, the Camera Obscura Art Lab, and more.
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Check out the gift shops for some souvenirs to take home.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Explore the gift shops located right on the pier for take-home treasures.
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After exploring the pier, head over to the iconic Venice Beach.
🚗 15-minute drive from the Santa Monica Pier
Los Angeles, CA
Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice Beach is a buzzing destination that draws visitors from around the world. Most stores along the boardwalk open between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. and close around sunset. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and are never allowed on the beach itself. The boardwalk is closed daily from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
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From the road to the waves — Santa Monica and Venice Beach are the perfect ending to Route 66. 🌊
Los Angeles, CA
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a lively two-mile promenade that runs parallel to the beach, filled with street performers, vendors, and attractions like Muscle Beach Venice. While it doesn’t officially connect to the Santa Monica Boardwalk, visitors can walk or bike north toward Santa Monica or head south where the path leads toward the Marina Peninsula and eventually Marina del Rey.