On the west side of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier is a waterfront destination where Pacific views meet rides, food and public activities. For the best time to visit, plan around the Pier’s daily opening hours and check the schedule for any specific attraction you want to visit.
- Beach: Santa Monica State Beach is two miles long and has paths, courts, shops and a picnic area.
- Pier: Free to enter and open year-round, except during special events.
- Transit: The Metro E Line runs to Santa Monica; the walk from Downtown Santa Monica station to the Pier is about 10 minutes.
- Trip timing: You can review the hotel’s room options as you plan your stay.
At a glance
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01A walk around Santa Monica PierStart at the Pier’s entrance at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, then take time to walk out over the…
02Time on Santa Monica State BeachSanta Monica State Beach gives you room to combine shoreline time with a walk or bike ride.
03Food and breaks near the waterfrontThe Pier itself has food options, vendor carts and street performances, so you can pause for a bite…- 04Timing, weather and beach accessThe Pier is open year-round, apart from special events, but attraction schedules vary.
- 05FAQsYes.
How do you get from the LAX area to Santa Monica?
From Skyways Hotel, walk about 11 minutes to LAX/Metro Transit Center, then take the Metro E Line to Santa Monica. From Downtown Santa Monica station, the Pier operator estimates about a 10-minute walk. The beach sits alongside the Pier, making it easy to pair the visit with time on the sand or the coastal paths.
The station is at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue. If you’re planning other trips around the city without a car, Los Angeles public transit and car-free options can help you think through the wider journey.
Driving routes to the Pier include I-10 and Pacific Coast Highway. Rideshare passengers can use 1550 Appian Way as a drop-off point; stairs and wheelchair-accessible ramps lead from there to the Pier deck.
The Pier parking deck has listed hours Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; beach parking at Appian Way and downtown public parking structures are alternatives.
A walk around Santa Monica Pier
Start at the Pier’s entrance at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, then take time to walk out over the Pacific and browse its public attractions. The Pier is free to enter, and activities include Pacific Park rides and games, food, vendor carts and street performances.
The Pier is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Individual businesses and attractions set their own hours and offerings, so a Pier visit does not guarantee every activity will be operating. Pacific Park hours vary by season and can change with weather or special events.
Bicycles are allowed on the Pier. For a longer ride along the coast, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—also called The Strand—is a paved 22-mile route between Will Rogers State Beach and Torrance County Beach.
Time on Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach gives you room to combine shoreline time with a walk or bike ride. The City of Santa Monica operates the two-mile-long beach, which has walking and biking paths, volleyball and basketball courts, shops and a picnic area.
You can spend time on the sand, use the courts or follow the paths along the coast. The beach and Pier sit alongside one another, making it easy to pair beach time with a walk onto the Pier rather than treating them as separate outings.
Food and breaks near the waterfront
The Pier itself has food options, vendor carts and street performances, so you can pause for a bite without leaving the waterfront. Individual businesses choose their own hours and offerings, which may differ from the Pier’s general opening hours.
If you’re weighing this outing against another nearby beach day, the differences between Venice Beach and Santa Monica can help you choose where to spend your time.
Timing, weather and beach access
The Pier is open year-round, apart from special events, but attraction schedules vary. Before you go, check the official site for current Pier and Pacific Park hours, parking details and any event-related access changes.
For a visit built around one particular ride, business or attraction, confirm its hours separately; the Pier’s general schedule does not determine each operator’s schedule. At the beach, the paths and courts offer alternatives if you want to mix shoreline time with a walk, bike ride or game.
FAQs
Is Santa Monica Pier free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free, though individual businesses and attractions have their own offerings and operating hours.
How long is Santa Monica State Beach?
The beach is two miles long and includes walking and biking paths, courts, shops and a picnic area.
How far is the Pier from Downtown Santa Monica station?
The Pier operator estimates a walk of about 10 minutes from the station, located at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue.
Can you ride a bicycle on Santa Monica Pier?
Yes. Bicycles are allowed on the Pier, and the nearby Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a paved 22-mile coastal route.