Santa Monica Pier and Carousel

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Santa Monica Pier and Carousel

Photo: Richard Wang took this photo and has released it under the GDFL. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🚂 Train · Santa Monica

2.5 hours · $ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 4.0
3–5 yrs
★ 4.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 55 min drive
    From Arcadia · Parking: Pier deck lot and beach lots about $15/day, arrive before 11am on summer weekends; or park in a downtown garage and walk
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Great on sunny days · Handles heat · Good on cool days · Wind-OK
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2.5 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter

The most famous pier in Los Angeles: the 1916 Looff Hippodrome houses a century-old carousel (about $3), farther out are Pacific Park's solar-powered Ferris wheel and small roller coaster, under the pier is the little Heal the Bay aquarium, and then you can head down to the sand.

💡 Tips
Pacific Park rides are about $5–10 each; two or three is enough for little ones, so skip the wristband. Weekend afternoons mean crowds and pricey parking, so come in the morning; Tongva Park and the Main Library are a 10-minute walk.

What this place offers

✓carousel
✓Ferris wheel
✓amusement park
✓beach
✓aquarium
✓street performers
✓restrooms

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Santa Monica

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 76–89°F · 0% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 77–87°F · 0% rain

Location

Santa Monica, California

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