The Santa Monica Pier has reopened to the public. Only a limited number of guests will be permitted on the Pier at a time. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead before visiting.

If you are visiting the Santa Monica Pier you will find that things look a little different.

What to expect on your visit to the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is Now Open

Following a temporary closure March 15 – June 23, 2020, and again over the New Year Holiday, the Pier has reopened to the public. Public Safety officials continue to monitor the Pier and may close portions or all of the Pier on a temporary basis to prevent crowding. Individual businesses on the Pier may have different hours or remain closed. Please call ahead before visiting.

There will be a limited number of people allowed on the Pier at any one time

The Santa Monica Fire Department is temporarily limiting the number of guests allowed on the Pier. The capacity number may change daily based on guests’ ability to physically distance while on the Pier. Once at capacity, entry points to the Pier will be closed until guests have time to exit.

The amusement park rides, including the Ferris wheel, have reopened

Pacific Park’s 12 rides and attractions reopened April 2, 2021. This includes the world-famous Pacific Wheel and West Coaster. The Playland Arcade, Heal the Bay Aquarium, and Trapeze School are also open as of May 1st. Be sure to sign up for the Loop to be informed of other openings and new information.

A limited number of Pier restaurants, shops, and attractions will be open

Due to the limited operating hours and limited number of guests allowed on the Pier at any one time, some businesses may be operating shorter hours, have limited services available, or may be closed altogether. Guests expecting to visit a specific business during this limited phase are encouraged to contact that business directly to confirm their hours and offerings.

The beach parking lots are open

Lot 1 North at 1550 Appian Way, also known as “the beach lot”, reopened to the public on Monday, July 20th. To limit exposure to parking staff, guests are encouraged to bring a credit card to use the self-service machines to pay for a parking permit that must be displayed on their dashboard while in the lot.

When planning your visit, be sure to check back here for updated information on operating hours and operations. You can also learn more about the Pier’s limited operation and enhanced safety measures on the City’s website, santamonica.gov.

If you have additional questions please check out our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still can’t find answers to your questions, you can always contact us.

Limited Pier Operations and Reopening FAQ

• Is the Santa Monica Pier Open?
• What are the hours for the Santa Monica Pier?
• Are the Rides & Attractions Open at Pacific Park the Santa Monica Pier?
• What can I do at the Santa Monica Pier?
• When will shops and restaurants reopen?
• Am I required to wear a mask at the Santa Monica Pier?
• Am I required to wear a mask at the beach?
• Is fishing allowed on the Santa Monica Pier?
• How do I submit a media or press request for the Santa Monica Pier?
• Are street performers and musicians allowed to play on the Santa Monica Pier?
• Where can I store my luggage or other belongings during my visit to the Santa Monica Pier?
• Where should I park if I have a mobility impairment?
• How do I apply to be a vendor or sell my merchandise or food at the Santa Monica Pier?

Is the Santa Monica Pier Open?

Yes – the Santa Monica Pier has reopened for limited hours and use.

What are the hours for the Santa Monica Pier?

The Pier is now open 6 AM – 10 PM daily.

Are the Rides & Attractions Open at Pacific Park the Santa Monica Pier?

Pacific Park’s rides, including the Pacific Wheel, are currently open to the public. The Heal the Bay Aquarium Under the Pier and Playland Arcade also reopened in April, 2021. The Merry-go-round remains closed at this time and no timeline for reopening has been set at this time. Please sign up for The Loop to be notified when these closures are updated.

What can I do at the Santa Monica Pier?

During this limited operational phase, some shops and restaurants will be open, albeit for limited hours and some may offer limited services. Guests can still walk to the end of the Pier to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, and purchase food from the shops and restaurants that have reopened.

When will shops and restaurants reopen?

Some shops and restaurants on the Pier reopened the week of June 26th. Guests expecting to visit a specific business during this limited phase are encouraged to contact that business directly to confirm their hours and offerings.

Am I required to wear a mask at the Santa Monica Pier?

Mask wearing is still encouraged, but the City of Santa Monica has recently updated their guidelines to state “face coverings must continue to be worn indoors and around crowds, including for those who have been vaccinated… The City has defined crowded space as a space outside of one’s residence where a person cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance from non-household members and it is unknown whether all persons present are fully vaccinated.  A crowded space includes, but is not limited to, live performances, parades, sporting events, and the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Front Walk, and the Third Street Promenade on weekends, national holidays, and after 12 p.m. on Fridays.

Am I required to wear a mask at the beach?

It is not advised to wear a mask when in the water. Mask wearing is still advised if on the beach and near other people where a you cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance from non-household members and it is unknown whether all persons present are fully vaccinated.

Is fishing allowed on the Santa Monica Pier?

Yes – fishing is allowed on the Santa Monica Pier, but during this limited operational phase, guests planning to fish are encouraged to bring minimal fishing equipment. Large coolers, trolleys, hand carts, wagons, and all other large equipment are all discouraged as to allow room for other guests on the Pier to practice social distancing.

How do I submit a media or press request for the Santa Monica Pier?

The City of Santa Monica will issue statements for the press regarding the reopening of the Santa Monica Pier. More information is available at smgov.net.

Are street performers and musicians allowed to play on the Santa Monica Pier?

As of May 1st, some street performers are allowed on the Pier in designated spaces and after receiving their space assignment from The Santa Monica Pier Corporation. Learn more about how to perform at the Santa Monica Pier.

Where can I store my luggage or other belongings during my visit to the Santa Monica Pier?

Due to space constraints, there are no lockers or luggage check services on the Santa Monica Pier. Guests are encouraged to find other locations to temporarily store luggage and other large items prior to visiting the Pier during this limited operational phase. Learn more about storage locker options near the Santa Monica Pier.

Where should I park if I have a mobility impairment?

Vehicles displaying handicap license plates and hang tags are permitted to park in designated spaces in Lot 1-N at 1550 Appian Way and Lot 1-S at 1640 Appian way.

How do I apply to be a vendor or sell my merchandise or food at the Santa Monica Pier?

During this limited operational phase only a few vending carts will be permitted to operate on the Santa Monica Pier. Visit the City’s website to learn more about selling your merchandise on the Santa Monica Pier. Please note that there are some non-permitted vendors who will operate some push carts and pop-up tents on the beach or around the Pier. These businesses do not typically hold valid permits or LA County Health certifications to operate, sell merchandise, or safely serve food. Guests are encouraged to only purchase food or merchandise from businesses displaying current and valid permits from the City of Santa Monica and the LA County Health Department.

Feature image courtesy of @th_mt_gallery. | Last updated January 10th, 2021