Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier, at 200 Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, is a 1909 wooden pier reaching into the Pacific Ocean at the western end of Colorado Avenue, and it offers several distinct frames. The best-known is the entrance arch with its neon Santa Monica sign, followed by the Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered Ferris wheel whose lights create dynamic patterns after dark. From the beach on the south side, visitors can photograph the pier running out over the surf line with the wheel and amusement rides on the deck; from the pier deck itself, the view looks back toward the Santa Monica Mountains and the curve of the bay. The beach faces west, so sunsets fall directly behind the pier in a good silhouette composition, and the light is warm and side-lit on the pilings in the hour before. Summer sunsets occur latest and give the most time, while winter sunsets arrive earlier and often have clearer air and more dramatic skies. Blue hour, when the wheel lights switch on against a deep blue sky, is a favorite window for long exposures. The pier is free to enter and open 24 hours, though individual attractions have their own hours and fees. It is one of the most visited places in Southern California, with heaviest crowds on summer weekends and holidays; on the deck, tripod positions are hard to hold during busy periods, while the beach at low tide offers more room. Visitors using tripods should keep legs out of walkways and be considerate of foot traffic. Drone flights are restricted near the pier and the beach, so aerial photography is not generally practical. Restrooms and food outlets are available on and near the pier. Early morning, before the crowds, gives calm water and empty walkways.