THE SANTA MONICA PIER Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation for the pier?
The pier is open 24 hours a day. Each of the Pier’s businesses has its own operating hours.
Carousel Monday – Thursday:11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday CLOSED
Pacific Park Call for operating hours: 310-260-8744
Playland Arcade Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to Midnight
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Monday: CLOSED for school programs
Tuesday – Friday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12:20 p.m. to 6 p.m.
How much does it cost to enter the pier?
There is no admission to enter the Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is open year around, as well as the rides in Pacific Park as long as the weather is permitting.
How much is parking?
You can refer to the parking map that is linked into our website, but the parking fee for an automobile can range from $8 - $10, depending on the day of the week. There is parking located on the pier itself. There is also a parking lot located at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, which on the north side of the pier, and a metered parking lot located on the south side of the pier.
Are dogs allowed on the pier?
Dogs are allowed on the pier as long as they are on a leash but they are not allowed into businesses and Pacific Park. Also, dogs are also allowed on the surrounding boardwalks, but not on the beach, as long as they are leashed.
When are the Twilight Dance Series Concerts? And what is the line-up?
The Twilight Dance Series website is up and running. The following is the website: www.twilightdance.org. The website includes the line-up, bios, sponsors, and past posters. The best feature about the concerts is that they are FREE!
Will there be fireworks for the 4th of July?
Unfortunately, the Santa Monica Pier has not hosted fireworks since 1991. However, the firework show from Marina Del Rey and Malibu are visible from the pier.
Will there an event for New Years?
We do not finalize the schedule that far in advance, thus, we cannot say if there will be an event on New Years. The Santa Monica Pier calendar, however, is frequently updated. You can check the calendar closer to New Years. We are more than willing to host a Pep Rally for the Rose Bowl.
How do I contact Pacific Park?
Pacific Park is the amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. It is a separate establishment from the operations on the pier. If you would like to book a birthday party you can reach Pacific Park at 310-260-8744 x223 or visit them at www.pacpark.com . For employment opportunities or if you are running late for your shift, you may also call the phone number mentioned above.
How do I book a reservation for parties in the Carousel? And what are the rates?
Jim Harris, Community Venue Liaison, is responsible for booking parties for the carousel. You can reach him at jim@santamonicapier.org or call 310-458-8901. The bookings at the Carousel can include: birthdays, reunions, weddings, dances, bat/bar mitzvahs, and corporate parties.
Do I need a fishing license to fish from the Santa Monica Pier?
A fishing license is not necessary to fish from the Santa Monica Pier. There are rentals available at the Santa Monica Bait & Tackle shop located at the end of the pier.
What is the most common fish caught off of the pier?
The following are the most common fish that are caught: Perch, Mackerel, White Sea Bass, Leopard Shark, and Sting rays. However, the Black Sea Bass is an endangered species.
Am I allowed to sell merchandise on the pier?
There are a few ways to approach that answer, but the answer is yes. If you have a business license and can obtain approval to be a tenant, than a vendor cart can be set up for your usage. Another avenue of selling merchandise is by creating it on the pier as a “street performer”, wherein you would have to make the items, be paid by donation for such item, and would only require a performer permit issued by the City of Santa Monica.
How can I open a business on the pier?
You would have to contact Elana Buegoff, the Pier Leasing Manager, to see if there is a location available for leasing. Her email address is elana.buegoff@smgov.net
Can I ride my bike on the pier?
Yes you can. In fact, there is a bike rental shop on the pier. There is a ramp located on the east side of the pier that connects the pier to the boardwalk.
Can I play music on the pier?
There are a few ways to approach that answer, as well, but the answer is yes. If you are a performer, there are three ways you can perform on the pier. A street performer’s permit is required if you would like to perform for no cost (your revenue would be donation based). If you would like a bigger venue, you can contact Rusty’s Surf Ranch. Rusty’s is a restaurant that provides as a live music venue. If you would like to perform as a part of the Twilight Dance Series, contact info@santamonicapier.org.
How can I get a street performer’s permit?
A street performer’s permit can be obtained at City Hall Permits Office, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The contact phone number is 310-458-8745. The fee is $37 for a street performer’s permit.
Can I barbeque on the beach?
No, there are no fires permitted on the beach. Fires are only allowable at parks that provide city installed grills. The City of Santa Monica Open Space Management does have a website detailing the locations of the barbeque grills: http://www.smgov.net/osm/ |
