Best of Santa Monica Pier Activities in Los Angeles

For all of you planning a trip to L.A., I’m sharing this list of Santa Monica Pier activities because it’s a place you have to see.

It’s a hub of entertainment, shops and food stands with views of the Pacific Ocean. You can spend your time relaxing on Santa Monica Beach or hang out at the amusement park.

There’s so much to do here that you might want to do some research before you visit. I’ve created this guide to Santa Monica Pier activities to help you plan your day.

Santa Monica pier is located at the end of Colorado Avenue on the northwest side of the city. We’ll start there, go through the pier and then end with a lovely night cap.

CONTENTS:

• Brunch at Ivy at the Shore
• Walk the pier and visit shops
• Explore rides in Pacific Park
• Relax on the beach
• Have a drink at Big Dean’s

Stop for brunch at Ivy at the Shore

Start the day with brunch and mimosas at the stylish Ivy at the Shore restaurant. It’s a classic example of West Coast architecture with its bright pink building and quaint outdoor patio.

The breakfast menu includes usual dishes like eggs benedict as well as Mexican-inspired dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. The lunch and dinner menu is more high-end with seafood specialties, wagyu steak and even caviar.

Located at the intersection of Colorado Ave. and Ocean Ave., it’s a prime spot right at the front of the pier. As a result, it’s convenient to eat here then head right onto the pier after.

NOTE: Ivy at the Shore is closed on Mondays. It opens up at 9am from Tuesday through Sunday.

Visit shops along the pier

After brunch, head onto the pier to check out all of the shops and stands. There are usually street performers you’ll see showcasing their talents.

From the pier, you can take some amazing photos of the ocean. I took the photo above at the end of pier in front of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

If you look back towards the shore, you’ll see a gorgeous perspective of the cliffs and scenery along the bay.

Take a joy ride at the amusement park

Once you’ve walked around a bit, you should check out the rides at Pacific Park. It’s towards the middle of the pier just past the stairs that lead down to the beach.

The ferris wheel is the most famous ride in the park. If you want to ride it, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the shore once you make it to the top.

Other rides include an arcade and roller coaster known as the “West Coaster.” You can grab snacks while inside and shop for souvenirs.

Relax in the sand on the beach

Now it’s time we make our way down to the actual beach. To be honest, it gets pretty crowded so be prepared to share the space. Luckily when I went, it was mostly just sweet families enjoying a beach day.

If it’s a warm day, you can take a dip into the water. Otherwise, it’s fun to just sit and make sand castles or read a good book.

End with a drink at Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café

Lastly, you can end the day at Big Dean’s for casual dinner and drinks.

This mellow place lets you experience the famously relaxed “surfer” vibe that California is famous for.

It’s located “below deck” which means it’s underneath the pier. If you’re coming to it from the beach, you can reach it via the boardwalk. Look for the green building and outdoor patio.

Conclusion

At Santa Monica Pier, sand, sun and palm trees are just the beginning. You can make a day of it and try all these activities or just pick what you have time for.

Want more California travel tips? Check out this post about visiting San Francisco!