As a dad, there’s no better feeling than seeing your kids light up with excitement. This summer, I wanted to make memories that we’d all cherish for years to come. Santa Monica Pier quickly became the perfect destination for an unforgettable family adventure. With its vibrant atmosphere, endless activities, and stunning ocean views, it’s a spot that offers something for everyone — including dads who just want to kick back and soak up some fun with their kids.
The moment we arrived, I could already feel the buzz of energy in the air. The pier, with its mix of vintage charm and modern excitement, instantly sets the tone for a day of adventure. The sun was shining, the breeze was very cool, and you could hear the blend of laughter, crashing waves, and carnival music. My kids were practically bouncing with anticipation, and I wasn’t far behind.
Taking in the Iconic Views
Before diving into the rides and activities, we took a moment to enjoy the view. Standing at the edge of the pier, the Pacific stretched out endlessly before us, sparkling in the sunlight. My youngest, who’s recently obsessed with learning about the ocean, pointed out the boats in the distance while my oldest attempted to spot dolphins (sadly, no luck this time).
We watched surfers catch waves near the shore and even caught a glimpse of someone flying a kite off the beach. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down, and I was reminded why it’s important to step away from the hustle of everyday life.
Thrills on the Pacific Park Rides
Let’s be honest: the rides were the part my kids were most excited about. Pacific Park, perched right on the pier, is home to a collection of family-friendly attractions that are impossible to resist. The Ferris wheel was our first stop. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being up there, high above the pier, with panoramic views of the coastline and the ocean. My youngest clung to my arm, half nervous and half in awe, while my oldest snapped pictures on her phone like a seasoned travel blogger.
Then came the roller coaster. I’ll admit, at first, I tried to play it cool, suggesting we skip it since it looked “too fast” for them. But my kids, being braver than I anticipated, insisted we go. Let me tell you — the laughter, the screams, and the rush of adrenaline were totally worth it. I may or may not have let out an embarrassing yell on the first drop.
Carnival Games and Sweet Victories
After the rides, we wandered over to the carnival games. You know, the kind where you spend way too much money trying to win a giant stuffed animal only to walk away with a tiny keychain? Well, not to brag, but I managed to win a medium-sized prize for my youngest after several failed attempts at ring toss. I’m pretty sure I earned a few extra “cool dad” points that day.
The kids tried their hand at a few games too, including whack-a-mole and a basketball shootout. Even when we didn’t win, the laughter and playful competition made it all worthwhile. Plus, the staff running the games were super friendly, which added to the overall experience.
Delicious Treats and Classic Eats
All that excitement worked up an appetite, and luckily, Santa Monica Pier has food options galore. We started with some classic pier fare — hot dogs, fries, and corn dogs. Simple, but they hit the spot. My youngest, who has a serious sweet tooth, begged for cotton candy next. Watching her struggle to eat it as the ocean breeze kept sticking it to her face was arguably one of the funniest moments of the day.
Of course, no trip to the pier is complete without trying the funnel cake. We got one topped with powdered sugar and strawberries, and it was every bit as amazing as it sounds. Sharing that sticky, sweet dessert while sitting on a bench overlooking the water felt like one of those iconic summer moments you see in movies.
Exploring the Aquarium
For a change of pace, we decided to check out the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. It’s a smaller, more intimate spot compared to bigger aquariums, but that’s exactly what made it special. The kids loved getting up close to the marine life, especially at the touch tanks where they could gently interact with sea stars and other creatures.
The staff there were very knowledgeable and patient, answering my youngest’s endless stream of questions about sea animals. It was a fun and educational break from the more high-energy activities, and I appreciated the chance to sit down for a bit while the kids marveled at the underwater world.
Beach Time and Barefoot Fun
Toward the afternoon, we left the pier itself to spend some time on the sandy beach below. The kids ran straight for the water, squealing as the waves chased their feet. I set up a spot with towels and an umbrella, watching as they built sandcastles and tried (unsuccessfully) to dig a hole to China.
There’s something so simple and pure about beach time that always feels magical. I even joined them for a game of frisbee and, later, an intense seashell-collecting competition. By the end of it, we were all covered in sand and completely happy.
Sunset Magic
As the day wound down, we returned to the pier to catch the sunset. The sky turned shades of orange, pink, and purple,casting a golden glow over everything. The Ferris wheel lights came on, creating a beautiful contrast against the darkening horizon.
We found a quiet spot to sit together, eating ice cream cones as the sun disappeared into the ocean. It was the perfect end to an already incredible day. Watching my kids laugh and share little jokes while the waves crashed below reminded me that these are the moments that truly matter.
Why Santa Monica Pier is Worth It
Looking back, our day at Santa Monica Pier wasn’t just fun — it was a bonding experience. It was about saying “yes” to the moment, letting go of distractions, and immersing ourselves in the joy of being together.
The pier offers such a unique mix of nostalgia and excitement that it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself. Whether it’s the thrill of the rides, the charm of the games, or the beauty of the beach, there’s something here for every member of the family.
If you’re looking for a place to create lasting memories with your kids, Santa Monica Pier should be at the top of your list. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Just make sure to bring sunscreen, a sense of adventure, and an appetite for fun — the rest will fall into place.
