The world-famous Santa Monica Pier is the quintessential California pier. Resting on the wooden planks over the Pacific Ocean the pier offers a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park; a historic 1922 Carousel, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and an interactive aquarium.

The rides are just half the entertainment of the pier though. Street performers like musicians and artists populate the pier along with fabulous vendor carts and some of the best sunsets along the California coast. The highlight of the park is the Ferris wheel, which offers amazing views of the coastline and the adjacent city of Santa Monica.