Built in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier is the city’s top destination, boasting iconic attractions like the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, the Looff Hippodrome, and the Santa Monica Pier Carousel. The pier also features numerous shops and restaurants, an amusement park, an arcade, and many more. It’s the site of some of the biggest events in the area, including major concerts and festivals.

Downtown Santa Monica is always busy with shoppers, diners, tourists, and street performers. The pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade is particularly popular to shoppers, with its diverse establishments offering everything from farm-fresh produce to luxury brands.