There was a time not long ago when folks actually believed that a hotel ballroom was the best or only perfect venue for large parties. Thank goodness that ill-conceived notion has been debunked and the doors have been flung open for events of all kinds to be held in all sorts of spaces. In fabulous Southern California, almost all the most wonderful things happen outside, especially parties, weddings, bat or bar mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, birthdays, anniversaries, really festivities and shindigs of all kinds. As chance and hard work would have it, the Gold Coast is home to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier which is unquestionably one of the best outdoor event locations that ever there was.
You probably hope 2500 people do not actually show up for your event, because that’s kind of a lot, but on the off chance that your entire company or absurdly large family or group of friends all show up for you on your special day, the Pier is the perfect place to comfortably accommodate every last one of them without even breaking a sweat. A versatile location equipped to gracefully accommodate enormous groups of people, the Pier has on site restaurants, food vendors, and snack options galore. There is no need to worry about a thing when booking at the Santa Monica Pier- there is parking on parking on parking as well as convenient public transit options to meet the needs of your group. The Pier is also the perfect location for family-friendly fun or an adults-only affair, and is perfectly appropriate for both black tie formal events as well as casual parties
Making sure your party is fun for a few people is challenging, and making sure a couple thousand people are all enjoying themselves is next to impossible, so place your event in the hands of professionals and let them entertain you. Roller coasters soar above the churning sea for an unforgettable experience unlike any other, and the world renown Ferris Wheel offers breathtaking views of the fabulous California coast and city of Santa Monica. Carnival games testing a variety of visitors’ skills ranging from strength and balance to special relation and throwing skills are available for guests to enjoy. Competitors and onlookers alike are sure to be thoroughly entertained by the games in Pacific Park during your masterfully curated event. Street performers with talents in a wide array frequent the Pier with their instruments, tap shoes, deck of cards, or other implements an a near daily basis, and if you choose to leave parts of the pier open to the public during your event, your guests will be treated to visual and auditory gifts from the community which even we cannot predict. Simple pleasures are sometimes by far the most satisfying, and even if your guests find themselves simply standing on the end of the pier together recreating scenes from titanic, which happens to have been filmed (in part) at the pier, they are sure to have an absolutely spectacular time at your event.
Unbeatable views and extraordinary photo ops are clutch for a modern classic party venue, and The Santa Monic Pier and Pacific Park delivers in all directions. Of course the view is incredible from pretty much any angle once your guests arrive at the pier, but just for good measure let’s revisit that world renown Ferris Wheel and the amazing views and photos ops it creates both for riders and as a beautiful landmark – there is literally nothing else like it. Day or night, the Pier is a gold mind of incredible vantage points to take in the vistas of the sunshine or stars sparkling off the rolling sea, streaks of neon and festive seasonal décor on the pier itself as well as the stunningly beautiful homes, resorts, and businesses which occupy the surrounding beachfront properties, many of which maintain beautiful lighting and twinkle lights which add sparkle and luxurious ambiance throughout the night. The original 1920’s carousel housed on the Pier is an iconic Santa Monica landmark and makes for show-stopping photographs of children, adults, newlyweds, Nona and Opa on their 60th wedding anniversary, or even colleagues who know how to have a good time. Whatever the occasion, the Pier and Park provide the ideal views and opportunities for frame-worthy photographs.
Sweet and savory meals and snacks are on deck (pun intended) for service to your guests fresh from the kitchen of one of the Pier’s fine dining restaurants or food trucks. No need to book a secondary location or caterer, or to have to coordinate between your fabulous outdoor event venue and the other vendors because that relationship is already intact and thus requires absolutely no extra work from you. Delicious options ranging from freshly caught fish to burgers, churros, and funnel cakes are just a phone call or email away while planning your event at the Pier or Pacific Park, meaning you can effortlessly provide your guests with options that can satisfy their needs and desires for their Whole30 or their very, very naughty cheat day, or anything in between. Arrange for your guests to dine under the stars with passed dishes or buffet food, or serve your guests at any of the sit-down dining establishments right there on the pier. It really could not be easier to please a wide variety of palates and nutritional needs than it is when planning an event at the Santa Monica Pier.