Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a place where you can watch a show with a Ferris wheel on one side and open ocean on the other. The pier corporation programs a rolling calendar on and around the deck: the long-running Twilight concert series (currently postponed, per the pier's own site), Locals' Night on third Thursdays, film screenings, the Off the Hook seafood festival, opera on the beach and seasonal happenings, plus Pacific Park's rides at the entrance.

Most pier events are free and unticketed, first come first served, though big draws fill the deck early. Concert stages have historically gone up on the parking deck behind the pier restaurants and at the west end, with security checkpoints at the entrances on event nights. Bags are checked at those checkpoints; leave glass at home. There is no standing age policy since this is a public pier, but alcohol is only sold and permitted inside designated event areas like a beer garden.

Getting there without a car is the move. The Metro E Line ends in downtown Santa Monica a short walk away, and Big Blue Bus routes stop nearby. If you drive, the pier's lots and the beach lots fill early and event rates climb, so the city's guidance points people to the Civic Center garage and a walk across Tongva Park. Check your event page for the exact entry point.