Just down the road from West Hollywood awaits the wonderful world of West Los Angeles, overlayed with a nice marine layer, a casual dress code, and endless opportunities to relax in the California sunshine. Driving into Santa Monica, one cannot help but notice the spectacle that is the classic and iconic Santa Monica Pier. A popular tourist destination known for its Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and merry-go-round, the pier and surrounding area is a cornerstone of Southern California culture and tourism. Boasting several restaurants, shops, and carnival games, a day trip to Santa Monica is just a quick jaunt from West Hollywood.

Destination Santa Monica

There are a few ways to get to the Santa Monica Pier from West Hollywood. If you have a rental car, simply plug the address into Google or Apple Maps and enjoy your drive across town! If you’re without a rental car, feel free to call a ride share from your hotel straight to the pier. Don’t feel like driving or taking a ride share? Hop on the LA Metro line-4 bus. The West Hollywood to Santa Monica Pier bus service departs from Santa Monica/Fairfax and arrives in Broadway/Ocean. Typically 524 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary, so make sure to check the schedule in advance.

Prioritize The Pier

Pack your beach bag, grab your sunscreen, and make your way to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is the ultimate spot for fun in the sun – check out the amusement park with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, waterfront dining and shopping just a quick walk away at the Third Street Promenade.

The Pacific Park is a splash of fun for the entire family – and you don’t even have to pay to enter. Here, you only pay for the rides and games that you choose! If you are looking to experience the Pacific Ocean in a unique way, Pacific Park is a one-stop center for thrill rides, games, shopping and eating. One of the most popular rides at the pier, the Pacific Wheel, is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. As the wheel takes you up in the air, you will be able to see miles and miles of the Pacific Ocean in front of you. It is worth noting that the Pacific Park Wheel is a spectacle at night, adorned with more than 6,000 lights that create a hypnotizing circle of color to create a spectacular show. There is no better place to experience a thrill than on the West Coaster, the only steel roller coaster on a pier that is oceanfront on the Pacific Coast. With speeds up to 35 miles per hour and heights up to 55 feet, it offers spectacular ocean views and thrills for anyone who loves that jolt of adrenaline.

The Third Street Promenade

Downtown Santa Monica and the Third Street Promenade are a foodie’s paradise, lined with street performers and dining featuring locally sourced ingredients that pair perfectly with abundantly available craft cocktails. Stop by KazuNori, a hand roll-only spot sister to popular sushi spot, Sugarfish, for an amazing ambience, atmosphere, and the best hand rolls in Santa Monica. Grab a drink and mingle with the young and trendy crowd at The Bungalow. Cozy décor, ping pong tables and readily available board games make this spot a local hangout. Get there before the sun goes down to beat the guaranteed rush.

The Westside Way

After you grab a bite to eat, head under the pier and visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium, which is home to over 100 species of fish and aquatic animals. The aquarium has tons of family-friendly educational displays, including fun touch tanks for kids.

If you are just looking to lounge in the beautiful California sand that lines the Santa Monica Coast, you can rent chairs and beach gear such as paddleboards and bicycles along the beach. Ride your bike all the way to Venice Beach along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and ingrain yourself in California’s skate culture, passing by some of the world’s most famous skate parks. Close out the perfect day with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier at sunset. Watch the breathtaking sunset as it sinks into the Pacific Ocean, making room for the glowing moon to rise.

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from West Hollywood, Santa Monica truly is the perfect place to spend your day!