Perched over the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, "The Pier" feels more like a carnival than a place to shop. Cirque du Soleil pitches their tent on the beach here annually, and there are concerts and dances on the weekends in the summer. In addition to the many restaurants and souvenir stands, there is a full-service amusement park with a roller coaster, ferris wheel, merry-go-round and arcade. The pier's end provides one of the best sunset views in Los Angeles County.

See where Jack, Chrissy & Janet strolled through the opening credits. It's one of those places perfect to take a picture in front of.

If piers with ferris wheel rides are your thing, check out Santa Monica Pier. It is fun to walk down and grab an ice cream cone. You can also rent a bike for $8/hour and ride along the coast. 3rd Street Promenade is only a short walk away for your mad shoppers.

Fun place to see the ocean with beach access and a ferris wheel.

Santa Monica Pier

Restaurants and activities on the pier, shopping, dining, and street performers on the nearby 3rd street promenade.

Beach boardwalk and carosel.