Begin your tour at the historic Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909. From this vantage point you get a flavor for the area and awesome views of iconic California coastline.

Allow one to two hours to explore the bustling pier, brimming with vendors, local artists, eateries and entertainment. Catch whiffs of ocean air mingled with the smell... More of grilled burgers and hot dogs. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the end of the wooden pier for unobstructed views of open ocean.

The pier, which marks the official finish line for Route 66, anchors Pacific Park, a classic boardwalk amusement park. Take a spin on the nine-story Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered Ferris wheel shown in many TV shows. Portions of the Oscar-winning film "Forrest Gump" were filmed on the pier.

Feel like a kid again as you ride the hand-carved carousel, built in 1922 and transferred to the pier in 1947. The carousel's 44 horses and two chariots are housed inside the Looff Hippodrome, a landmark and popular film location. Dennis Hopper starred in "Night Tide" here and singer Joan Baez reportedly lived in an upstairs apartment.

Also located in the building is Soda Jerks, a full-service fountain offering shakes and sodas.
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www.pacpark.com
www.santamonicapier.org
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Carousel rates: $2 adults, $1 ages 15 and younger
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Hours
Monday 11am-5pm
Wednesday-Thursday 11am-5pm
Friday-Sunday 11am-7 pm
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This enchanting aquarium is located at beach level under the carousel. Notice the wall mural depicting ocean scenes. Inside, the staff makes good use of small space, stuffing exhibits, three touch tanks and educational materials into every crevice.

Feel a sea star or sticky anemone and find rockfish in a kelp forest exhibit. The jellyf... Moreish exhibit shows why plastic debris is deadly for sea creatures. The Kids' Corner has six porthole-style exhibits showing marine life cycles. Watch shark feedings at 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Most importantly, learn ways to keep the ocean clean.
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1600 Ocean Front Walk
310-393-6149
http://www.healthebay.org/santa-monica-pier-aquarium
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Admission
$2-$5 donation
Children 12 and younger admitted free with paying adult.
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Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 2-5pm
Weekends 12:30-5pm

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The original Hot Dog on a Stick stands out like a bright red umbrella on the boardwalk, just steps from the pier. Sure, you can find these hot dog places at most malls but the food seems to taste better here at the beach. Order a veggie dog, turkey dog or cheese (pepper jack or American) on a stick and a cup of cold, tangy lemonade. Munch your lunc... Moreh as you people watch and breathe in the ocean air.Less

Watch bodybuilders at the original Muscle Beach, just south of the pier. Better yet, flex your muscles in the open-air gym. Test your strength at the fully restored chinning bars, parallel bars and rings. There's also a small jungle gym for children.

Don't confuse this original outdoor gym with Muscle Beach Venice, a separate facility.

Across from Muscle Beach is the International Chess Park. Permanent chess boards are embossed on long picnic tables. Bring your own chess pieces to start a match or watch serious players compete. Some of the regulars are master-level players. Or sit at a bench while sipping lemonade (from Hot Dog on a Stick next door) and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Santa Monica's wide sandy beaches stretch for 3.5 miles between Venice and Malibu. Feel tension melt away as you bask in warm Southern California sunshine. Cool off with a dip in the ocean or catch the perfect wave on a surfboard or boogie board.

Join a volleyball game at one of several beach courts, where several U.S. Olympic beach vo... Morelleyball compeitors have trained. Locals say Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor favored the courts on the south of the pier.

For kids, there's a play area with swings.

Santa Monica State Beach also has a snack shack, restrooms and showers.

However you spend your day at the beach, don't forget the sunscreen!Less

From the pier, you can either walk north toward Malibu, or head south toward Venice along Ocean Front Walk. The paved path to Malbu is scenic and serene.

But it's on the boardwalk between Santa Monica and funky Venice Beach that you'll see zany characters and street performers. Keep an eye out for a guy who walks on glass and a roller ... Moreblader playing guitar.

Along the approximately 30-minute walk to Venice, you'll pass by shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes. You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a meal with an ocean view.

Shop for trinkets or get a tattoo. Almost anything goes. But don't worry. The boardwalk is well patrolled by local police. Still, it's best to visit during the day. But stay for a sunset!Less