A Walk Through Pier History

There is a lot more to the Santa Monica Pier than rides and funnel cake. On A Walk Through Pier History, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation's expert guides lead a one-hour stroll packed with hidden stories, iconic landmarks and the tale of how the Pier became one of Southern California's most famous cultural hotspots.

It is a fun way to turn a beach day into a mini history lesson, and kids will see familiar sights like the carousel and Pacific Park in a whole new light. Weekend tours start in the morning, and Monday sunset tours add a golden-hour glow.

Tours meet under the Santa Monica Pier Yacht Harbor sign at the top of the Pier bridge (Colorado Ave and Ocean Ave). Advance booking is required, and walk-ups are not accepted.

📅 Dates & Times

Every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM

Monday sunset tours at 7:00 PM

Each tour lasts about 1 hour. Listed now through December 2027.

📍 Venue

Santa Monica Pier

Meet under the Pier Yacht Harbor sign, Colorado Ave & Ocean Ave

Santa Monica, CA 90401

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome. Kids 11 and under are free (the Pier's tour page also lists 12 and under, so please confirm when booking).

🎟️ Tickets/Price

$25 per person. Advance booking is required, and refunds are only available within 24 hours of purchase.

Book A Walk Through Pier History on the Santa Monica Pier website

🍔 Food

The Pier is lined with restaurants and snack stands for before or after your tour.

🚙 Parking

Park in Beach Lot 1 North at 1550 Appian Way, or take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station (about a 10-minute walk). Pier bridge construction may limit traffic and parking.

🌐 Website Link

Santa Monica Pier: A Walk Through Pier History

🧭 Directions

Click on “Google” on the map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.