City Sightseeing Stop #5 — Sunset Strip

Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica beach is an iconic example of the famed Southern California beaches.

Tourists and visitors come to the Santa Monica beach, because it:

• Is large, at 3.5 miles in length
• has a maintained, soft sand beach
• is within walking distance to popular hotels, shops and restaurants
• offers a variety of activities and attractions
• is an iconic beach in Southern California

For first-time visitors, your first stop should be the Pier Shop & Visitor Center, where you can find maps of the area, branded apparel, visitor guides and a knowledgeable staff. If you’re up for the walk, you can jump on a free Historical Walking Tour; docents will reveal hidden nooks and crannies of the Santa Monica Pier, take you by the famous Muscle Beach and divulge stories about celebrity visitors.

Take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier at sunset—with that enormous sun sinking into the Pacific—and you’ll probably wonder if it can get much better than this.

And then of course, there’s the beach, a broad expanse of pale yellow sand lining the coast for 3.5 miles. You can rent chairs, umbrellas, and gear such as bicycles and SUP paddleboards from Perry's on the Beach. They'll set up your spot on the beach and bring you food, drinks, and sunscreen.

Enjoy a walk down the Pier and experience the breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, or just want to hang out with a group of friends, make sure to stop, take a breath, smell the salty air, and enjoy the atmosphere only the Santa Monica Pier can provide.

The pier is composed of various areas. The first is the access ramp with sections for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians, which leads to the intersection of Colorado Avenue with Ocean Avenue, marked by the white and blue arch of the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor, in front of the pink building of the Del Frisco’s Grille (located at 1551 Ocean Ave). In reality, the arch is only a historical icon dating back to the 1940s when there was an internationally renowned boat dock. The first person who bought the space for his boat was Charlie Chaplin. This is a place where many visitors stop to take a picture.

Take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier at sunset—with that enormous sun sinking into the Pacific—and you’ll probably wonder if it can get much better than this.

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