Top 10 Facts about the Santa Monica Pier in California (2024)

Santa Monica is a city in California that is known for its pristine beaches, fine dining, eclectic bars and several other beautiful attractions.

It may seem like a small city but Santa Monica is lively with endless activities to do. One of the main attractions in this coastal city is Santa Monica Pier.

The Santa Monica Pier was opened in 1909 and is a huge double-jointed jetty. This pier is at the end of Colorado Avenue.

Along the pier are a small amusem*nt park, concession stands, and areas for views and fishing. Initially, this pier was used by boat owners to access the sea and fishing.

At about 113 years old, the Santa Monica pier has not lost its charm. The original carousel hippodrome from the 1920s is still there.

Its location is very convenient since there are popular hotels, shops and restaurants within a short walking distance.

To find out more, read these top 10 facts about the Santa Monica Pier in California.

1. Two adjoining Piers make Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is made up of two attached piers. These piers were owned by two separate owners. The pier owned by the municipality was opened in 1909.

Of the two piers, the long one was mainly used to carry sewer pipes beyond the breakers. Unlike today, there were no recreation amenities around it.

The shorter one which is wide is known as Pleasure Pier to the south. It was constructed in 1916 by Charles Loof together with his son.

These two were the pioneers of amusem*nt parks. Pleasure pier also known as Newcomb Pier was the first to have a carousel.

Other attractions in the amusem*nt park are Whip, merry-go-rounds, Wurlitzer organs, and a funhouse.

2. Santa Monica Pier was the first concrete pier on the West Coast

This pier was constructed in 1909. It was the first storied concrete pier on the West Coast. After 16 months, the 1600 foot long pier was completed.

The pier quickly caught the attention of the people who spent their time at the pier fishing. This was one of the best fishing spots in Santa Monica.

It remains a popular fishing spot to this day. Named after the pioneer, Loff Hippodrome, it is now a National Historic Landmark.

On it is the carousel that was opened in 1916 and later the iconic carousel in 1939. Santa Monica Yacht Harbour neon sign was opened in 1914.

3. Santa Monica Pier was not built for recreation purposes

The initial purpose of the pier was to carry treated sewage past the breakers into the ocean. There were no fun activities planned when it was opened in 1909.

Out of the 100 plus years, the pier has been in Santa Monica, fun and entertainment have been on the pier for 93 years. It is no longer used for sewer purposes.

Thanks to people’s interest in the pier, today, there are carnival rides, arcades, a dance hall, and a yacht harbour.

4. The Great Depression affected Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica pier was not spared during the Great Depression. Since the pier was a tourist attraction, the industry was greatly affected and it collapsed.

This led to the dilapidation of the facilities hence it losing its once prestigious status. Several businesses at the pier were closed.

One person, Tony Cornero, took advantage of this and opened a casino on his boat off the coast. It was an illegal gambling place where people spent the little money they had.

Today, the pier has sprung back to life. Several events are held here such as outdoor music festivals.

5. There used to be Muscle Beach at Santa Monica Pier

Between the 1930s and 1950s, there used to be a Muscle Beach south of the Santa Monica Pier. It was the talk of the town.

The outdoor gym had a platform and gymnastics equipment where athletes worked out on the shore.

It was however not well perceived because of the bodybuilders that were harassing young girls. This led to it being shut down for some time.

When it was reopened, there was no tumbling platform. The bodybuilders were moved to Venice shore.

Since then, Venice is known as the home of Muscle Beach.

6. Locals enjoy fishing at Santa Monica Pier

Fishing at Santa Monica Pier is a popular pastime activity. There are several fish species such as sea bass and black croaker under the pier.

One is not required to have a fishing licence to fish at the Pier. If one needs fishing equipment, they can hire them in one of the shops found there.

No commercial fishing is allowed at Santa Monica Pier.

Other than fishing, one other way to see the marine life, head over to Heal the Bay Aquarium. They offer up-close views of local marine life.

There are also interactive exhibits at the pier.

7. Santa Monica Pier has been damaged several times

The pier has faced damage from severe storms that washed away the protective breakwater in 1982.

A year later, another storm damaged the pier and there were huge losses experienced by the shop owners.

Water at the pier rose to 10 feet destroying the lower pier. Repairs were done but stopped when another storm hit. In 1971, a fire destroyed the pier.

This storm destroyed a crane that was being used for repair work. It was dragged into the ocean and rammed the pilings.

It was rebuilt in 1990 by the Pier Restoration and Development Task Force.

8. There were attempts to demolish Santa Monica Pier

During the Great Depression, the pier was falling apart and was in disrepair. There was a need to have it renovated but also some parties wanted it demolished.

The Santa Monica City Council scheduled the destruction of the Pier to make way for a man-made island with a 1500-room resort hotel.

There was a huge uproar from the community that lived close to and around the pier. The plan was cancelled.

A new pier, Newcomb Pier, that was privately owned, was bought by the city council in 1974.

Citizens of Santa Monica campaigned to preserve it and the order to destroy the pier was revoked.

9. The La Monica Ballroom at Santa Monica Pier could hold more than 10,000 dancers

In 1926, the La Monica Ballroom was damaged after a devastating storm. Luckily, the ballroom was renovated.

It was opened in 1924, the designer being Eslick. He included a Spanish façade and a French Renaissance interior.

This was the largest dance hall on the West Coast, accommodating more than 5,000 dancers.

The ballroom was used to host dance shows and radio broadcasts. It was also home to the biggest skating rink from 1958 to 1962.

Popular country music star Spade Cooley had weekly broadcasts for a TV show from the ballroom in 1948.

Unfortunately, the La Monica Ballroom was demolished in 1963.

10. Santa Monica Pier marks the end of the famous Route 66

Route 66 was constructed in 1926 as a link between Chicago and Los Angeles.

It was extended to the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica. The stretch between Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma is well preserved.

Today, one cannot drive US 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The true end of Route 66 is a few blocks from the pier.

There is a bronze marker on Santa Monica and Ocean Avenue. It is a memorial to Will Rogers, indicating that it is “The End of the Trail”.