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Santa Monica Pier Directory
The Santa Monica Pier is home to over 30 independently owned and operated businesses and few nationally-recognized operators as well. From full-service restaurants to push carts selling quick bites; souvenirs and apparel; a trapeze school, aquarium and amusement park, the Pier offers plenty of ways for you to spend your day.
Attractions
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Snug aquarium with a collection of aquatic creatures all native to the local waters.
Located on Ocean Front Walk underneath the Pier
Merry-go-round
This historic carousel features a menagerie of authentic, hand-carved animals.
Located inside the landmark Looff Hippodrome on the east end of the Pier
Pacific Park Amusement Park
2 acres of rides, midway games, and attractions. Home of the Pacific Wheel.
Located on the western half of the Newcomb Pier adjacent to the upper parking deck.
Playland Arcade
A Santa Monica original – opened on October 15th, 1950. The Playland Arcade features a variety of both classic and new arcade games, pinball machines, air hockey tables, and ski ball.
Located next to Pacific Park and the Trapeze School.
New York Trapeze School
Watch students soar high above the Pier as they fly on the trapeze. Sign up for an introductory class at this unique school.
Located between Playland Arcade and Pier Gear, right before the main entrance to the amusement park.
Restaurants and places to eat
Big Deans
Local café serving beers and burgers right by the sand.
Located on Ocean Front Walk just behind the Pier.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
International chain themed after the 1997 film, Forrest Gump. Specializes in shrimp and seafood dishes.
Located on the north side of the Pier with the main entrance right at the bottom of the Pier ramp.
Candy Carousel
Treat cart serving freshly popped popcorn and kettlecorn.
Located across from Bubba Gump.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Open daily and serves hot coffee and specialty teas as well as their signature ice-blended coffee drinks.
Located west of the dining plaza next to the main entrance to the amusement park.
Cosmic Funnel Cakes
Cosmic Funnel Cake, Snackville’s signature Funnel Cake is a boardwalk treat that can’t be missed on any visit to the Santa Monica Pier.
Located between Pier Gear and Smashies Burger just outside the dining plaza next to the main entrance to the amusement park.
Dippin’ Dots
Made by flash-freezing ice cream in liquid nitrogen, Dippin’ Dots have been a fun way to enjoy ice cream since the mid-1980s when they were first declared “The Ice Cream of the Future”.
Multiple locations inside the amusement park – you can purchase as Scoops Ice Cream and Treats or look for one of their stands located by either ticket booth.
Downtown Fruit
Treat cart serving Mexican-style fresh cut fruit by the cup and fresh coconuts.
Located across from the main entrance to Pacific Park.
Hot Dog on a Stick
An icon since 1946 known for its fresh-made corn dogs, crushed lemonade, and old-school cool.
Located on Ocean Front Walk just south of the Pier.
Multiple locations inside the amusement park – you can purchase as Scoops Ice Cream and Treats or look for one of their stands located by either ticket booth.
Japadog
Hot dog cart specializing in Japenese style hot dogs.
Located on the boardwalk across from the Playland Arcade.
Mariasol Cocina Mexicana
A great place for a margarita and Mexican dishes, this two-story, full-service restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and beach.
Located at the west end of the Pier.
Mr. Nice Fry & eegee’s
Mr. Nice Fry, serving fresh fry varieties including Skinny Dippers, Swirly Fries and Tater Wheels.
Pier Burger
Classic hamburger stand serving quick-service burgers, dogs, and frozen custard.
Located next to the Central Plaza across from the restrooms.
Pier Tamales
Treat cart offering hot, fresh made tamales and Mexican sodas.
Located across from the Trapeze School.
Popcornopolis
Premium popcorn in nostalgic flavors of old-fashioned caramel, real cheddar cheese and confectioner’s chocolate. Served in their signature “cool cone” that makes a beautiful and memorable gift.
Located in the custom Popcornopolis Airstream trailer in the Kid’s Cove area of Pacific Park, by the east entrance ticket booth.
Rusty’s Surf Ranch
Serving American cuisine, draft beers, and surf-inspired cocktails, this bar & grille often features live music.
Located at the bottom of the Pier ramp between Seaside on the Pier and The Albright.
Scoops Creamery
Scoops Creamery serves frozen treats including hand-scooped ice cream, milk shakes, and sundaes.
Located inside the dining plaza next to the main entrance to the amusement park.
Seaside on the Pier
Step off the beach, pull up a seat and reward your taste buds with delicious bite from the café’s full menu featuring fresh salads and seafood dishes, pizza, burgers and more.
Located at the bottom of the Pier ramp between the Merry-go-round building and Rusty’s.
Smashies Burger
Serving smashed burgers, loaded hot dogs, and a selection of fresh fried fries.
Located in the dining plaza next to the main entrance to the amusement park.
Soda Jerks
A throwback to the 1920’s and 30’s with everything made by hand, offering a full service soda fountain, sundaes, shakes, malts, ice cream sodas and locally famous Fosselman’s ice cream.
Located in the northeast corner of the Merry-go-round building.
The Albright
Family owned and operated on the Pier for over 40 years, this open-air shop serves fresh, cooked-to-order seafood.
Located at the bottom of the Pier ramp next to Rusty’s.
Wetzel’s Pretzel Cart
The best things in life are fresh and Wetzel’s bakes all their pretzels fresh from scratch every day! Try one with an ice-cold lemonade.
Located just outside the dining plaza next to the main entrance to the amusement park.
Shopping
Beach Signs
Retail cart selling customized plaques and souvenirs.
Located out on the Pier boardwalk.
Hats Amazing
Retail cart stocked with a wide selection of hats, caps and beanies.
Located across from Bubba Gump.
LA Beach Kites and Souvenirs
Retail cart selling kites, custom name keychains, die cast cars and magnets.
Located out on the Pier boardwalk.
Magnet Wall
Magnet Wall offers a huge selection of collectible magnets that make a great reminder for your visit to Santa Monica or nice gift for your friends back home.
Located inside the amusement park, across from the Sea Dragon ride.
Marlene’s Beachcomber
Located next to the Playland Arcade, this outdoor shop sells apparel, merchandise and beach toys.
Located between Pier Burger and Playland Arcade.
Oatman Rock Shop
First opened September 15, 1965, this small outdoor stand sells a mixture of classic 60’s merchandise of crystals and shells, as well as Santa Monica souvenirs of all kinds. Jewelry, novelties, hand crafted art and much more.
Located at the top of the North Beach Stairs.
Pier Gear
A beachy shop specializing in unique gifts and souvenirs from Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
Located next to the Trapeze School.
Pier Photo
Retail cart offering novelties and souvenirs including license plates, decor, and magnets.
Located on the boardwalk across from Playland Arcade.
Pier Shop and Visitor Center
Managed by the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism office, the Pier’s Visitor Information Center is a great source for all things Santa Monica offering visitor guides and maps.
Located in the northwest corner of the Merry-go-round building.
Route 66 Airstream Gifts & Souvenirs
A custom-designed Airstream trailer offering unique Route 66 gifts and mementos for the “End of the Trail”.
Located on the boardwalk just past the main entrance to the amusement park.
Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle | End of Route 66 Shop
Pier’s fishing headquarters, this shop offers fishing bait, tackle, and poles for rent as well as a selection of Route 66 gifts and memorabilia.
Located under the Harbor Master’s Office at the west end of the Pier.
Sunglasses Cart
Retail cart selling a wide selection of sunglasses and accessories.
Located out on the Pier boardwalk.
Tees-R-Us
Retail cart with a selection of tees, tanks, and pullovers.
Located out on the Pier boardwalk.
Two Photos in One
Retail cart offering novelties and souvenir photos.
Located on the boardwalk next to the north fishing deck.
Windy Time
Retail cart selling a selection of kites and souvenirs.
Located on the boardwalk next to the north fishing deck.
Services
Blazing Saddles
Bike rental shop on the Pier that also offers guided bicycle tours.
Located next to the Santa Monica Police substation across from the north beach stairs.
Boardwalk Bike Rentals
Bike rental shop on Ocean Front Walk just steps away from the Santa Monica Pier.
Located next to Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe on Ocean Front Walk.
In addition to the mobile carts, restaurants, and shops on the Pier, the boardwalk is also home to many pier performers who accept tips and donations for art work and unique creations.