When it comes to beachside adventures in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach are two names that constantly come up. They’re only about a 10-minute bike ride apart, yet they offer very different vibes and experiences—from classic funfair energy to counterculture cool.
If you’re a leisure traveler planning a California getaway and wondering whether to visit Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach, this guide is for you. We’ll dive deep into both destinations so you can decide which one suits your travel style—or better yet, why you might want to visit both.
Overview: Santa Monica Pier vs Venice Beach
| Feature | Santa Monica Pier | Venice Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Classic, family-friendly, nostalgic | Edgy, artistic, alternative |
| Main Attractions | Amusement park, arcade, aquarium | Skate park, Muscle Beach, street performers |
| Ideal For | Families, couples, photographers | Artists, people-watchers, Gen Z travelers |
| Accessibility | Easy public transport, large parking areas | Walkable from Santa Monica or bike rental |
| Crowd | Touristy but clean and calm | Diverse, more eclectic and raw |
Santa Monica Pier: A Timeless LA Icon
Why Go:
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed spots in Southern California—and for good reason. With its Pacific Park amusement rides, historic carousel, and ocean views, it offers a picture-perfect California beach experience.
📍 Location: End of Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
🌐 Official Website
Top Things to Do:
-
- Ride the Pacific Wheel – The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel offers panoramic ocean and city views.
-
- Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium – Located under the pier, this small but engaging aquarium highlights local marine life.
-
- Play Games at the Arcade – Old-school charm with classic games like skee-ball and air hockey.
-
- Watch a Sunset – The Pier is one of the best places in LA to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
-
- Grab a Bite – Restaurants like The Albright serve up fresh seafood with oceanfront views.
Pros:
-
- Super clean and well-maintained
-
- Family-friendly and romantic
-
- Ideal for photos and casual walking
-
- Beach access with lifeguard stations
-
- Close to the 3rd Street Promenade for shopping
Cons:
-
- Can be crowded, especially on weekends
-
- More commercialized and tourist-oriented
Venice Beach: Bohemian, Bold & Unfiltered
Why Go:
Venice Beach offers a raw, real slice of LA culture. It’s funky, loud, artistic, and sometimes a little weird—but that’s what makes it special. It’s where you’ll see skaters doing tricks, painters selling original art, and performers turning the boardwalk into a stage.
📍 Location: Venice Boardwalk, starting at Windward Avenue
Top Things to Do:
-
- Stroll the Venice Boardwalk – Street performers, fortune tellers, and vendors line this 2.5-mile oceanfront path.
-
- Watch Skaters at the Venice Skate Park – One of the most iconic skateparks in the U.S., it’s a magnet for pros and spectators.
-
- Visit Muscle Beach – This open-air gym has a long history of bodybuilders flexing under the sun.
-
- Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard – A hip strip full of boutiques, organic cafés, and Instagrammable walls.
-
- Take Photos of the Venice Canals – Inspired by Italy, these peaceful waterways feel like a different world entirely.
Pros:
-
- Authentic and offbeat
-
- Great for people-watching and street photography
-
- Wide range of food—from acai bowls to street tacos
-
- More “local” vibe than Santa Monica
-
- Art walls, graffiti, and cultural moments at every turn
Cons:
-
- Can feel gritty or overwhelming for some
-
- Less structured activities for kids
-
- Parking can be more chaotic
Can You Do Both in One Day?
Absolutely. In fact, that’s what many locals recommend. Here’s a sample one-day itinerary:
-
- Morning: Start in Santa Monica. Ride the Ferris wheel, grab a coffee, walk the pier.
-
- Midday: Rent a bike and cruise down the Ocean Front Walk to Venice Beach (~15 mins).
-
- Afternoon: Explore the skate park, grab lunch on the boardwalk or Abbot Kinney.
-
- Sunset: Walk back or Uber to Santa Monica for golden hour on the beach.
Bike rentals are easy to find and cost ~$10–15/hour. You can also use Metro Bike Share stations.
Which Should You Pick Based on Your Travel Style?
| Travel Style | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Family with kids | Santa Monica Pier (rides, games, beach access) |
| Couples | Santa Monica for romance, Venice for edge |
| Solo Travelers | Venice Beach (more interaction, artistic energy) |
| Photography Buffs | Both — pier sunsets & Venice murals |
| Laid-back Vibes | Santa Monica (cleaner, relaxed) |
| Urban Explorers | Venice (gritty, cultural, unpredictable) |
Final Verdict: Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach?
Still torn between Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach? Here’s the honest takeaway:
-
- Choose Santa Monica if you’re looking for a polished, classic, postcard-worthy beach experience. It’s calm, organized, and great for first-timers, families, or romantic getaways.
-
- Choose Venice Beach if you want something raw, creative, and uniquely L.A. It’s more chaotic, but it delivers unforgettable moments and an unmatched street vibe.
If you have time, don’t choose—do both. They’re so close together, it’s one of the easiest two-in-one travel wins in Los Angeles.