Santa Monica Pier Hours During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on January 10, 2021

UPDATED May 1, 2021: The Santa Monica Pier is open to guests, but some businesses and restaurants have limited hours and services. Rides and attractions are open 11AM-9PM daily.

The Santa Monica Pier is open for limited hours

Following the temporary shutdown March 15 – June 23, 2020, the Pier has reopened to the public, but remains accessible on a limited basis. The Pier is closed overnight. Public Safety officials continue to monitor the Pier and may close portions or all of the Pier on a temporary basis with limited notice to prevent groups from gathering on the Pier. These decisions are being made as needed and in response to visitor behavior at the Pier.

Individual businesses on the Pier may have different hours or remain closed. Please contact Pier businesses directly for current hours and operating schedules.

There will be a limited number of people allowed on the Pier at any one time

The Santa Monica Fire Department is temporarily limiting the number of guests allowed on the Pier. The capacity number may change daily based on guests’ ability to physically distance while on the Pier. Once at capacity, entry points to the Pier will be closed until guests have time to exit.

The amusement park rides, including the Ferris wheel, are open

Pacific Park resumed ride operation on April 2nd, 2021, with guidance from the State and County. Ride ticket purchases can be made online. Guests can purchase rides on their mobile device at www.pacpark.com/ridenow

Guests should be advised that areas of the Park, including some rides and games, may be closed with little or no notice for periodic cleaning or operated for limited times to reduce the Park’s capacity.

Pier restaurants, shops, and attractions are open, but hours and offerings vary

Due to the limited operating hours and limited number of guests allowed on the Pier at any one time, some businesses may be operating shorter hours, have limited services available, or may be closed altogether. Guests expecting to visit a specific business during this limited phase of the Pier’s reopening are encouraged to contact that business directly to confirm their hours and offerings. The historic merry-go-round remains closed. The New York Trapeze School is open for scheduled classes and lessons.

The beach parking lots are open

Lot 1 North at 1550 Appian Way, also known as “the beach lot”, is open daily, but no overnight parking is allowed. To limit parking staff exposure to people using the lot, guests should plan on bringing a credit card to use the self-service machines to pay for a parking permit that must be displayed on their dashboard while in the lot.

Santa Monica State Beach is open

LA County Beaches remain open. Residents and visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid gathering with other people indoors. Check back here for updated information on hours and operations at the Santa Monica Pier. Learn more about the Pier’s limited operation and enhanced safety measures on the City’s website, santamonica.gov.

If you have additional questions please check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you still can’t find answers to your questions, you can always contact us.