1. Overview of Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a popular tourist destination located in Santa Monica, California. It marks the end of Route 66 and offers various entertainment and dining options.
2. Parking at Santa Monica Pier
There is ample parking available at the pier itself, which includes a parking lot and garage. Rates may vary depending on the season and time of day. The accessible parking can be found from Colorado and Ocean Blvd. Additionally, large beach-level lots are located immediately north of the pier, as well as several smaller lots to the south, all accessible from Appian Way, which can be reached via Moomat Ahiko Way.
If you are planning a short visit, many public garages around Santa Monica Place and the 3rd Street Promenade offer the first 90 minutes of parking for free. The Civic Center garage, located about three blocks from the pier, has a low daily rate. For more information, please refer to the Santa Monica Parking Map.
3. Directions to Santa Monica Pier
When navigating to the Santa Monica Pier, keep in mind that GPS mapping sites may provide confusing directions based on your starting point and desired parking location. The 10 Freeway (Interstate 10) ends just blocks from the pier. If you’re heading west, exit at 4th/5th Street and follow the signs to Colorado Avenue, which leads directly to the pier. Missing this exit will result in needing to detour as the freeway merges with Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 1.
For those traveling from Pacific Coast Highway southbound, you can exit at Palisades Beach Road and drive along the beach for parking, or exit left onto Moomat Ahiko Way for beach parking. To access the pier’s parking, stay left on the off-ramp of Moomat Ahiko Way, drive under the pier, turn left on Ocean Ave, and then left onto the pier at Colorado/Santa Monica Pier. Northbound travelers on Highway 1/Lincoln Blvd should turn left on Pico, then right on Ocean Avenue, followed by a left to reach the pier.
4. Public Transportation to Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica is well-connected through public transportation. The local Big Blue Bus Rapid Route 10 travels from the pier to Downtown LA via the 10 Freeway, offering an affordable fare of $1. Rapid Route 20 serves the Culver City Expo Line Station on the LA Metro.
For trips to Hollywood, Metro Rapid Line 704 runs along Santa Monica Blvd, providing various local bus options based on your starting or ending location in Hollywood. A bus trip from Hollywood to the Santa Monica Pier typically takes about an hour and a half. Additionally, the Starline Tours offers Hop-On Hop-Off bus services that stop at the Santa Monica Pier.
5. Distances from Santa Monica Pier to Major Locations
- Malibu Pier – Less than two miles away
- Hollywood – 14 miles; travel time varies from 30 minutes to an hour
- Downtown LA – 17 miles; approximately 20 to 45 minutes with traffic
- Downtown Long Beach – 32 miles; travel time ranges from 35 minutes to two hours
- Disneyland – 43 miles; journey time can take 50 minutes to two hours
The Santa Monica Pier not only serves as a historical landmark but also offers a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors. With various activities, beautiful ocean views, and convenient access, it’s a must-visit while in Los Angeles.
