Santa Monica Pier

Should you have a few hours to spare in West Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier and beach is as good of a place to go as any. The pier is populated with people selling dresses and taking souvenir photos and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see the pirate. For the most part, the pier seems to be a kiddie place but there is plenty for a grown up to do as well.

Locals abound on the pier, with a pretty large group of fishers. I’m not sure why they hang around, as they don’t seem to be catching much.

In addition to the amusement park, which includes a ferris wheel, merry go round and roller coaster, there are several dining options available.

At the entrance to Pacific Park, there is a Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and a coffee shop. Bubba Gump’s sits on the right side of the pier, and at the end of the pier is Mariasol Cocina, a Mexican restaurant.

The beach stretches for some distance in either direction, so you can take a walk for as long as you like. If you want to get away from the beach, the promenade is a short walk up the hill. It offers a variety of shopping and dining options.