Went during the day on a Thursday. Took fun pics, especially with the iconic sign.Fun people watching, a good variety of food & souvenir shops. A little run down looking but renovations are underway. One of the must do things if you are in the area

Brilliant at night when all the lights are on, some people stay on the beach until dark just to see the pier lit up in all it's glory. Such a pretty little pier, will go again.

Walked along the vast expanse of virtually empty beach. Bus was 1$ from Lax-bargain. The pier was brash, seaside fun and there is nothing wrong with that.

Took our grandkids for a special outing and they loved it! We, of course, had fun watching them! Enjoyed a beautiful sunset with them there, too.

Pier has loads of fun things to do. Lots of people (so you know it's a fun spot) Weather fantastic fun spot for families.

Fun fair was nice, good selection of restaurants. Has an old fashioned feel to it. Aquarium is a little lacking for $5. Old fashioned merry go round was a huge hit with kids.

I'm glad we went, the pier is being rebuilt. We ate at Marisol's on Cinco de Mayo, Good service, good food,

I live in the Bay Area, not too far from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Growing up, that was a destination for many people I knew. I found it mildly entertaining, but not worth the rave reviews I heard from others. The Santa Monica Pier makes our Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk look like paradise. The Santa Monica Pier is totally... More

Typical boardwalk atmosphere. Lots of rides and carnival things. Street performers and some pretty decent restaurants. Parking can be a pain but you can park on the street a couple of blocks away. Not the kind of thing you do often. You will see the pier on TV quite often.