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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Los Angeles
Santa Monica Pier
One of Santa Monica’s greatest and most tourist friendly links between the past and the present in the Santa Monica Pier, located where Colorado Boulevard meets the sea in western Los Angeles. The pier is a throwback to the early 20th century, when beachside competition was fierce, with each pier trying to outdo the other in the attempt to lure the beachgoing public to their area. It is home to Pacific Park, a family amusement park with carousels, an aquarium, an arcade, restaurant, and a large Ferris wheel.Fishing is a popular sport from the end of the pier, and the nightlife is active, particularly during the summer when outdoor film screenings are held.
Pacific Park comprises twelve rides, some for adults and some just for children. The adult rides include the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster which encircles the park and has a maximum height of 55 feet and a top speed of 35 miles an hour, and the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel. The kid’s rides include Ships Ahoy, a pirate ship for sixteen, and Pier Patrol, a children’s themed railroad ride.
Film buffs are likely to recognize the pier from many of their favorite Hollywood movies. It was the scene for the fourth and fifth season openings of TV show Three’s Company, and it was featured in A Night at the Roxbury, as well as The Net, with Sandra Bullock. The Pier was also quite prominently featured in the James Cameron’s blockbuster, Titanic, as well as being the end destination for Forrest Gump’s run across the country.
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