Your destination: The Santa Monica Pier! This waterfront harbor, is a living, breathing piece of history in Santa Monica.
It first opened September 9, 1909. Designed by Danish Architect Charles Looff who was best known for developing amusement parks and designing ferris wheels. The city hoped it would attract tourists to the new development along the coast. And attract it did, everything from restaurants, shops, hotels, condos and apartment buildings surround the area! And it continues to give local real estate a boost in value.
The Santa Monica Pier is not just for tourists attraction, but the locals who grew up visiting this waterfront attraction and the famous ferris wheel, holds a special place in our hearts! Its vibrancy, walkability, concerts, entertainment and restaurants have made Santa Monica more a attractive place for all, particularly to potential buyers and renters. I decided to take a closer look at the place leaving its mark on the city and making it a magical destination for all.
I’ve spent countless hours training at the beach, and always in sight whether that be North or South of me, is the large ferries wheel and roller coaster. Over the years, I’ve seen tourism at the pier grow and grow and grow in popularity! I’m not surprised since the sun is always out and well the ocean view! The summer here lasts forever; in fact during Christmas, you’ll see Santa surfing the waves! And like our freeways, there’s gridlock and long waits to park and grab a seat, anywhere. But the wait never stops the streams of crowds coming to check out the rows of restaurants, food carts and trucks and cafes along with the rides and street entertainers. It lasts all hours, all day and sometimes all night.
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty about why the Santa Monica Pier has kept its allure and mystique, and continues to bring in swarms of crowds all year round. It is, after all, on many short lists of must-dos, even for the locals.
A Closer Look At The Santa Monica Pier
Restaurants And Location, Location, Location
Santa Monica Pier restaurants are not about getting the best food in town, but about having the best view! Where else can you enjoy a meal, listening to waves crashing so loudly, they drown out the commotion of kids screaming on the Sea Dragon Ride! Smelling the ocean air, feeling the breeze on your skin, while slurping on an iced crushed something cocktail and watching entertainers… there’s nothing better.
Where Globetrotters Mix With Locals
The Santa Monica Pier is engaging, not just for travelers, but everyone! It’s a central gathering place that brings in lots of foot traffic. During the summer months, the pier concerts bring in audiences from both far and near who gather to enjoy the rhythm of the same beat! And in the early morning hours, the fisherman cast their lines, joggers thump the wooded planks and yogis perform their sun salutations while vacationers grab their morning coffee, stroll and enjoy the quiet before all the chaos.
The Instagram Effect
Every dish and drink served on the pier should come with its own hashtag. People flock to the restaurants not just for the food, but for the bragging rights that come with posting envy-inducing beachside photos. It’s a foodie’s version of “Look where I’m sipping a cocktail! Haha!”
Nostalgia
For many of us who live in Santa Monica, the pier holds a special place in our hearts. We might not ride the Ferris wheel every weekend, but we sure do like to revisit our childhood haunts while sipping on overpriced cocktails. My then boyfriend, now husband and I, spent evenings at the arcade with $10 rolls of quarters. Then in a flurry of evening lights and crowds, joined the line of hungry folks waiting to get our double patty burgers and steaming fries!
Mother Nature
There’s a unique kind of entertainment that comes with dining on the pier, better known as seagull thieves. Our fearless feathered friends are always on the lookout for unattended french fries, chips or anything that resembles food! They leave their gifts too, in the form of aerial droppings for all who come to visit one of their favorite places!
Oceanfront Appeal
Let’s be honest, eating by the ocean just feels good. Even if you’re paying a premium for a plate of fish tacos or chips and beer. The soothing sound of waves crashing is worth it! Seeing the sun set over the ocean makes life a little more special!
Limited Space
These restaurants aren’t exactly sprawling, five-star establishments. Space is at a premium, which means you’ll likely be cozying up to your neighbor’s table, whether you signed up for it or not. But being a communal dining experience let’s you in on some great stories from your fellow diners or toasting with them to a night out!
The Boardwalk Action
The Santa Monica Pier is a busy place because of its central location. Lined with performers, artists, food trucks and souvenir shops every few steps is something new and entertaining. When everyone gets hungry, look no further than walking distance for a variety of sit down restaurants! The biggest decision is fish, lobster, burgers or tacos and how long you can patiently wait for that first bite!
We Love The Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is one of the most visited attractions in Santa Monica. It’s more than a mere structure; it’s a living, breathing piece of Santa Monica’s history, pulsating with the rhythms of life here. The unique blend of location, nostalgia, and Insta-worthy moments are hard to resist and even harder to compete with. So ready your eyes with sunglasses, your skin with sunscreen and a hat along with padded wallet for those overpriced but tasty cocktails to sip while watching the breathtaking sun set over the Santa Monica Pier!