Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is an icon of Los Angeles and a staple of American pop culture. It's at the end of Route 66, and it's been in a bunch of movies and TV shows. Much like Venice Beach, visiting for the first time feels like you've been here before. Maybe that's why it's constantly packed with tourists (like us).

On the day we visited, the sun was elusive. It was a weekday so the beach wasn't packed. But it sure was nice to sit and watch the waves crash on the shore. Hadn't been to an ocean for a while and the white noise of the waves is always soothing.

(Click here for YouTube version)

We also rode the ferris wheel. It's normally five bucks, but they had a weekday special going on, so it only cost $3/person. The ride gives you great views of the surrounding area.