You’ve heard of Route 66. But do you know where it ends? Here’s everything you need to know before planning a visit to the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles County.

Brief

For over a century, the Santa Monica Pier has brought a beloved dash of nostalgic whimsy to a Los Angeles that can often seen hopelessly obsessed with the latest trends.

It’s hard to think of a visual that conjures the timeless SoCal dream quite like that of the delightfully vintage Ferris Wheel silhouetted against a breathtaking pastel sunset. But while its one of the most photographed places in the state, the pier is best enjoyed by thrusting yourself into the chaos and surrendering fully to the kitsch.

So, buy that bawdy T-shirt, dance your heart out to a busker’s questionable rendition of “Hotel California” and take a spin on the 55-foot-tall roller coaster, the West Coaster — soon you might just forget all about that much pricier amusement park down the road in Anaheim.

Location / State

Santa Monica, California

Why it matters

There’s a reason televised Lakers games often cut to a shot of the glowing pier when returning from commercial. The Santa Monica Pier is the true end of the road: after winding past long stretches of cornfields, windswept deserts and endless neon motels, Route 66 really did end right here. But while America’s mother road is no more, the sun-drenched pier endures as the ultimate symbol of classic California cool.  

What to see today

Extending some 1,600 feet and ending over the Pacific Ocean, the pier is made for strolling. Start from the famed intersection of Colorado and Pacific avenues and walk toward the water, stopping take in the views of the waves, sand and sheer human chaos around you. Grab a famous hot-dog-on-a-stick and take a ride on the historic Ferris Wheel (just maybe not in that order). No trip is complete without grabbing shots of the pier’s two famous photo ops: the neon pier sign on the east end and the end of Route 66 sign midway down.

Ask a local

The pier’s majestic Ferris wheel may be the most famous way to catch some air in Santa Monica, but it’s far from the most exhilarating one. Thrillseekers should opt for a class at the Santa Monica Trapeze School. Would-be acrobats can learn the basics of hanging in a 30-minute intro class.

Plan your visit

Best time: While SoCal’s dreamy weather makes the pier pleasant most of the time, you simply can’t beat a clear evening at sunset.

Hours/admission: The pier is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. But individual vendors and attractions, including the Pacific Park amusement park, keep their own hours.

Getting there: The Santa Monica Pier is about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Take Interstate 10 west, exit onto Fourth Street and then head west on Colorado Avenue.

Learn more: santamonicapier.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Make it to the end of the road at the Santa Monica Pier

Reporting by Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun

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