Our last stop on our tour of Los Angeles was the Santa Monica Pier. After a long bike ride from Santa Monica beach to Venice beach and back, we were all ready for a break and fun.
It was a bit disappointed that the Carousel that Debbi mentioned in her post was closed. So we walked down the wooden parking deck to the Santa Monica Pier.
It was early in the evening and we navigated through a throng of tourists and locals walking along the pier. I spot the sign indicated the end of Route 66. Any parents will remember the favorite Disney movie – Cars and route 66 was a main character in that movie. But technically, Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave which is just a couple block North of the Pier.
Before we entered to the twilight zone of the Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier, we walked around and people watched. Since we traveled during Winter, a lot of attractions were operated at the limited hour. We already missed out on the Carousel and we also missed the Aquarium. But I guess after San Diego, Miss J and Mr. Z were probably more interested in more relaxing things to do.
As the Sun slowly went down on the horizon, we headed to the Pacific Park for the Pacific Wheel ride. The view on the top was one of my favorite view. It’s amazing to see how huge the Santa Monica beach is. No wonder we didn’t make it to the ocean. It would take us a while to walk that distance with 2 kids.
At the end of the day, we had a great time in Santa Monica and will definitely come back again.
Check out other travelers Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I just love the Santa Monica Pier. It makes me feel nostalgic:)
I had that same feeling about the Santa Monica Beach. It IS huge!
Have a good weekend!
Hi Debbi,
I didn’t realize how huge it was till we were up in the air and saw it from the Pacific Wheel. There is no way my kids will make it and back after our bike ride to Venice beach. :)
Ooh, I love the color in these photos. I also like the last photo — it’s a nice, non-traditional twist on the stereotypical sunset photo.
Thank you! I didn’t think it will turn out well when I looked at the picture from my camera LCD. :) I’m glad I didn’t delete it on camera.
One of the main reasons I don’t head to Santa Monica beach is because there’s such a long stretch of sand between the parking lot and the water! Sad, no? Love the second-to-last photo — it captures the image I have in my head of a typical SoCal sunset.
Hi Debi, nah.. When you have kids and 10 other things to carry, the distance matter! :)
Ooh…reminds me of when I was home for my first year of college and I was finally allowed to make the drive from Irvine to Santa Monica with my friends…I had been gone for a year on my own after all! HA! :-)
True! :) They probably trusted you more by then after a full year in college.
Looks like just the place for kids – good old fashioned, slightly tacky fun!
Yup.. Tacky fun and junky food. :)
Reminds me of by beloved Jersey Shore! We love tacky fun at the beach
So pretty, makes me think of summer.
All of these posts about LA are reminding me I still have so much to explore in my own backyard. Or, well, at least in my neighbor’s backyard! Beautiful pics!
Nice trip. Love the sunset shots. Nothing better than sand and sun and a good ole bike ride. I wonder how LA’s beaches compare to the ones on the east coast. Since I haven’t been there (in a very long time) I’d be interested in what the differences are from your experience.
These are great photos, Amy! Bravo!