After 2,451 miles of highway, Route 66 ends at the beautiful Santa Monica Pier. Whether you just travelled across the country on one of the oldest highways in the United States or you live in California, there is always something to do at the Santa Monica Pier.

 

Pacific Park

The Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park is the iconic image that people think of when they think about the pier. Pacific Park has family fun rides for the child in you! From the giant Ferris Wheel to the ocean-front steel coaster, you are going to have the time of your life! 

And if you are not into rides…. Well, no worries! There is abundance of old school carnival games. You can win a prize playing everything from wac-a-mole to ring toss!

You also can’t go to a carnival without trying the food! Funnel cake, popcorn and cotton candy to delight each and every taste bud. Ice cream cones, dip-n-dots and Icee’s for those warm summers nights!

It is never a dull moment at Pacific Park!

 

Rusty’s Surf Ranch

Looking for somewhere to go after the sun begins to set? Then make your way over to Rusty’s Surf Ranch! With live rock bands of both up-and-coming artists as well as old favorites, you can enjoy a drink and a night of great music. With an extensive collection of historic surfboards and memorabilia, Rusty's pays homage to the "Surfing '60s", the Golden Era of California Surf Culture.

As stated on their website, “Rusty's Surf Ranch is a perfect reminder of a simpler time in California's beachfront history, with good food in a casual environment, live music and FUN.”

 

The Historic Carousel

Located in the Hippodrome on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, the carousel is home to 44 wooden horses, 1 rabbit, 2 sleighs, and 1 goat. The carousel was built sometime in the 1920s by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and has been housed in the Hippodrome since 1947.

Go on an impromptu ride or rent it out for a private party! It’s the perfect way to be transported back to the simpler days of the 1920’s!

 

Take a Walking Tour!

The pier’s three hour walking tour features stories about how the pier has changed over the last 100 years, as well as show you all of the pier’s secret little nooks and crannies.

Tours are given on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and noon. There is no need to RSVP unless you are requesting a private group tour. Interested visitors need only to show up at the Pier Shop at the historic Merry Go-Round Building before the tour time and look for the blue-shirted Pier Docents.

 

 Author: Mariah Terry; mariahjterry.wix.com/reblogs