More info: The north part of Santa Monica State Beach is a wide sandy beach that runs north from the Santa Monica Pier to the city border where Will Rogers State Beach begins. Santa Monica State Beach, which is operated by the city of Santa Monica, also continues south of the pier at South Beach where there are several grass parks.
Santa Monicas Pacific Park has 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, the first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The park looks directly out on the Pacific Ocean, in the direction of Catalina Island and is the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier.
Signs at the Santa Monica Pier mark its claim as the western end of famous Route 66.