LOS ANGELES || Santa Monica Beach
Despite it being a windy November day, the pier was packed.
Bikers ride leisurely in the bike lanes.
That's how popular the Santa Monica Pier area is. It was only early afternoon on a sunny, yet windy day in Los Angeles, and visitors came by the hoards to walk down the pier to get the full tourist experience.
Restaurants across the entrance are bustling with activity on their patios, as guests vied for the best positions to take in the sounds of the ocean waves and the beautiful landscape of the horizon.
On the pier there are a variety of stands and carts, where enterprising individuals sell souvenirs to excited tourists.
A rock band plays to a growing crowd, channeling their energy into unbelievable 'hair whips' we managed to capture on camera.
The hair whip.
Of course, the most captivating sight is of the ferris wheel on the pier, part of Pacific Park Amusement Park. As we stood on the pier, families herd their children into the oceanfront amusement park for a day of fun. While all eyes are usually on the Pacific Wheel, there are as many as 10 other rides you can hop on for an adrenaline rush. Open daily, the amusement park attracts locals and tourists alike.
On our way out as we head for the 3rd Street Promenade to do some shopping, we capture a scene of three gentlemen on motorbikes, a classic American photo op.
The 3rd Street Promenade is anchored by upscale mall Santa Monica Place, but the most fun happens within the several car-free blocks, where innovative street acts are performed. We happened across a dance crew who performed a feat to jump over the heads of 4 gentlemen from the audience standing in a straight line. We loved this as our last stop as our day came to a close. Santa Monica Beach presents enough activities for a full day so make sure you make time for it!
