You'll begin your tour by stepping onto the vibrant Santa Monica Pier, a bustling hub that marks the end of the famous Route 66. Here, the mix of seaside entertainment and historical landmarks offers a unique glimpse into Southern California's coastal culture. Your first stop is the Santa Monica Pier Carousel within the Looff Hippodrome, a beautifully preserved piece of Americana that has delighted visitors since its debut in 1916. Listen to the enchanting stories of the carousel's creation and the evolution of the pier around it.A short walk away, you'll find the former site of La Monica Ballroom. Once the largest ballroom on the West Coast, it hosted thousands during the roaring ‘20s. Find out what happened to it as you continue along this historic wooden pier. Next, immerse yourself in the playful atmosphere of Pacific Park. This modern amusement park features a range of attractions, including the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, uncover more of the pier's history and keep walking until you reach the far end of the pier, boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Santa Monica Beach on the other. Your tour concludes here.
Know in advance:
Explore the vibrant and historic Santa Monica Pier. See the enchanting Santa Monica Pier Carousel. Discover a history full of storms and survival. Take in unbeatable views of Santa Monica Beach. Tour entirely at your own pace
This is a self-guided experience and not an entrance ticket. It begins at the Santa Monica Pier Arch, 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Before you start your tour, make sure you download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and download your tour. These steps require a good data/wifi connection. Instructions will be sent to your email. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.