Santa Monica Pier Carousel: A Timeless Treasure
Experience a nostalgic ride on a hand-carved carousel at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark offering timeless fun and breathtaking ocean views for visitors of all ages.
The Santa Monica Pier Carousel, housed within the historic Looff Hippodrome, offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of amusement parks. Built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, this meticulously maintained carousel features 44 hand-carved horses, two sleighs, a goat and a rabbit, all illuminated by over a thousand twinkling lights. The cheerful band music and the gentle motion of the carousel create a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Beyond the ride itself, the Hippodrome's stunning architecture, a blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and California styles, adds to the carousel's charm and historical significance. Located at the end of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the carousel provides not only a delightful ride but also breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the bustling pier atmosphere, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
A brief summary to Santa Monica Pier Carousel
- 1624 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, California, 90401, US
- +1310-458-8216
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-7 pm
- Saturday 11 am-7 pm
- Sunday 11 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the late afternoon or early evening for stunning sunset views from the carousel and the pier.
- Check the Santa Monica Pier's website for events and promotions that may coincide with your visit.
- Consider combining your carousel visit with a trip to the Heal the Bay Aquarium, located just below the carousel, for a deeper understanding of the local marine environment.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Downtown Santa Monica Expo Line station (4th & Colorado), walk west on Colorado Avenue towards the pier. Cross Ocean Avenue and continue onto the pier. The carousel is located in the Looff Hippodrome building towards the pier's center, approximately a 10-minute walk. This is a straightforward, scenic walk with no additional costs.
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Public Transport
Several Big Blue Bus lines (e.g., Route 8, Route 9) and Metro bus lines stop near the pier at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. From the bus stop, walk onto the pier. The carousel is located in the Looff Hippodrome building towards the pier's center. A single Big Blue Bus fare is $1.25, and a Metro bus fare is $1.75. Ensure you have a TAP card or use the mobile ticketing option.
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Driving
If driving, take the ramp from Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue down to the Santa Monica Pier. Parking is available on the pier deck and in nearby beach lots (Lot 1 North). Parking rates vary from $7 to $18 per day, depending on the season and day of the week. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and sunny days. Consider parking in downtown Santa Monica garages (first 90 minutes free, then hourly rates apply) and walking to the pier.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Request a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Santa Monica Pier. The drop-off point is typically near the entrance of the pier at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. From there, walk onto the pier. The carousel is located in the Looff Hippodrome building towards the pier's center. The estimated cost for a short ride within Santa Monica is $8-$15, depending on distance and demand.
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