Santa Monica Beach/Pier?

[lisakramer]

I realize that this is probably a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyhow. What exactly is there to do/see/experience at the Santa Monica beach and pier?
Right now I've got it scheduled for most of one day, but I'm not sure if it will really take up that much of our day or not.
We aren't really into playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean, although I expect we will give it a go since we are there.
Really I'd just like to know about how much time to allow for it and what else there may be to see/do in the area without going back to LA.
Thanks!

 

[ludari]

I realize that this is probably a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyhow. What exactly is there to do/see/experience at the Santa Monica beach and pier?
Right now I've got it scheduled for most of one day, but I'm not sure if it will really take up that much of our day or not.
We aren't really into playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean, although I expect we will give it a go since we are there.
Really I'd just like to know about how much time to allow for it and what else there may be to see/do in the area without going back to LA.
Thanks!

Santa Monica Pier has carnival type rides (merry-go-round, bumper cars, roller coster, slide etc) but if you are going to be at DL not sure if you would be interested. You can always take a walk or ride a bike towards Venice to catch all the interesting characters that hang around the area, famous muscle beach gym, skateboarding and shopping. If you visit both Santa Monica Pier and Venice it should take up a day especially if it's your first time to both. I hope this helps.

 

[eduk8r26]

There is also a game arcade on the pier, a bunch of restaurants and it's fun to walk out and people watch. There is also a small aquarium underneath the pier by the merry-go-round--at least there was a couple of years ago.