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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Santa
Monica Pier
Things To Do
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By Matthew
Martz |
Sometimes
referred to as the Coney Island of the West Coast, the
Santa Monica Pier actually started out as two tiers built
separately in 1909. The Santa Monica
Pier has been a location for many movies including,The
Sting, Titanic, Forrest Gump, and most recently Iron Man.
John Mayer, Tori Amos, Hannah Montana, and 30 Seconds
to Mars.
Generations of families have visited the Santa Monica
Pier and it is ingrained in California culture. Expect
to see kids running, someone playing a guitar for change,
artists hawking creations, and couples holding hands.
At night the pier is a popular romantic spot, and the
lights as views set the tone for summer romance.
Pacific Park is an amusement park located on the pier
with rides and attractions for all ages. There is the
five-story West Coaster roller coaster, the nine-story
Pacific Plunge tower ride, and the one of a kind over-water
miniature golf course.
The nine-story Pacific Ferris Wheel is the first solar-powered
wheel in the world. The Trapeze School of New York offers
up a unique experience. You’ll see soccer moms and
adrenalin junkie’s alike taking the two-hour classes.
They are taught in groups of up to 10 people with no experience
necessary.
Playland Arcade features over 200 games and attractions
and will keep your children amused for hours. The Santa
Monica Pier Carousel
is one of the few surviving all-wooden Carousels in the
world - less than 70 are still in operation. |
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Walking down to the Santa Monica Pier |
The
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, located at beach level under
the historic carousel, features hands-on presentations and
interactive exhibits. The aquarium is a member of Santa
Monica’s own “Heal the Bay” program, an
initiative to educate, inspire and empower its visitors
to be environmentally conscious.
When you get hungry, food of all sorts is available throughout
the carousel area. For an old time malt fix, a new store
called Soda Jerks opened in the carousel building in July.
They offer 14 specialty sundaes, shakes, malts, ice cream
sodas, plus other decadent treats. Keep in mind they are
closed Tuesdays.
Rusty’s Surf Ranch serves everything from seafood
to nachos. Some nights Latin Dancing is the theme, so be
ready to dance. Mariasol Cocina Mexicana is available for
your fix of burritos and enchiladas.
Ocean Front Walk is a wide, paved path extending south from
the Pier. Lined with shops and restaurants, your kids will
love the stonewalled sandbox with a concrete Viking ship
to play on. A fun and interactive dragon’s head is
looming for the kids to spot. |
Santa Monica Pier end of Route 66 |
Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier |
Located just minutes from
downtown Los Angeles, and just steps from the beach, Santa
Monica is an ideal beachside resort for all sorts of
excursions, including guided tours of nearby Hollywood studio
lots, a walk along the historic boardwalk to Venice
beach, or browsing the drag of shops along the pedestrian-only
Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica Pier is located about 40 minutes from the San
Fernando Valley, 20 minutes from Los Angeles, about one
hour drive from Orange County if you hit the traffic right
and 2-1/2- hours if coming up from San Diego.
Traffic is very heavy in the downtown and parking can be
limited, but is available at the pier deck and the beachfront
area on a first-come, first-served basis.
The city of Santa Monica has several public paking garages
located throughout downtown with all day parking costing
$10.00. |
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Paramount
Ranch - Movie
western town, miles of hiking trails. Free admission. |
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Venice
Beach
Funky atmosphere makes this beach world famous. |
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Point
Dume One of the most picturesque places
in Southern California. Spectacular
views. |
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Malibu
Beach offers
some of the world’s most spectacular beaches
along its coast. |
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