Pacific Park

Considered the focal point of Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier includes Pacific Park, a traditional seaside amusement park stocked with a Ferris wheel, aquarium, fairground games and cotton candy stands. It's a busy spot to say the least, especially on warm weekends. The carnival attractions are nothing amazing, though the roller coaster and Pacific Wheel—the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel—certainly have their oceanfront setting going for them; consider shelling out for an unlimited wristband if you’ll be going on more than just those two.