The LA County Department of Public Health has ordered all LA County beaches, beach bike paths, and piers to close for the 4th of July weekend.

The Santa Monica Pier will be closed starting at 8PM on Thursday, July 2nd and will reopen in limited operation at 10AM on Monday, July 6th. In a health order released on Tuesday, June 29th, the Public Health department stated all LA County beaches will be closed from July 3rd through July 6th at 5AM to prevent dangerous crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19. During the holiday weekend, beaches will be totally closed to all recreational activities. Beach parking lots, piers, beach bike paths that traverse through sanded portions of the beach, and beach access points will be temporarily closed.

“Closing the beaches and prohibiting fireworks displays during this important summer holiday weekend was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it’s the responsible decision to protect public health and protect our residents from a deadly virus. The Fourth of July holiday weekend typically means large crowds and gatherings to celebrate, a recipe for increased transmission of COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. The same health order will also prohibit fireworks displays in the County this July 4th holiday weekend. Read the press release for more information from the LA County Health department.

Click here for more information and the guidelines for how to visit the Santa Monica Pier during it’s limited operation.