Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier
source
Name	Santa Monica Pier
Location	California, United States
Length	1,600 feet (490 m)
Opened	1909

Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is a iconic landmark located in Santa Monica, California, United States, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting visitors from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. The pier has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Baywatch, The O.C., and Forrest Gump, and has been visited by celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Jim Morrison. The pier is also close to other popular attractions, including the Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Venice Beach.

History

The history of the Santa Monica Pier dates back to 1909, when it was built by Abbot Kinney and Francis Ryan, with the help of engineers from University of California, Los Angeles and California Institute of Technology. The pier was originally designed to serve as a shipping port for Southern Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad, but it soon became a popular destination for recreational activities, including fishing and amusement park rides, similar to Coney Island and Atlantic City, New Jersey. During the 1920s, the pier was a popular spot for Jazz and Blues music, with performers such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington playing at the pier's La Monica Ballroom. The pier has also been visited by notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman, who have all been to nearby Los Angeles City Hall and Griffith Observatory.

Geography

The Santa Monica Pier is located in Santa Monica Bay, which is bordered by Malibu to the north, Pacific Palisades to the east, and Venice, Los Angeles to the south. The pier is situated near the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Ocean Avenue, and is close to other popular beaches, including Marina del Rey and Manhattan Beach. The pier is also near the Santa Monica Mountains, which offer hiking and biking trails, as well as scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The geography of the area is similar to that of Big Sur and Monterey Bay, with a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and coastal cliffs.

Attractions

The Santa Monica Pier is home to a variety of attractions, including the Pacific Park amusement park, which features a Ferris wheel and other rides, similar to those found at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. The pier is also home to the Trapeze School New York and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which is operated by Heal the Bay and features a variety of marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and sharks. Visitors to the pier can also take a stroll along the beachfront, which offers views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline, including Point Dume and Zuma Beach. The pier has also been featured in numerous video games, including Grand Theft Auto V and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

Tourism

The Santa Monica Pier is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year from Europe, Asia, and South America. The pier is a popular spot for cruise ships and yachts, and offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, such as the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and the Shutters on the Beach. Visitors to the pier can also take a short drive to nearby attractions, including the Getty Villa, Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Park, which offer a range of activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The pier is also close to other popular tourist destinations, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive.

Environmental_Impact

The Santa Monica Pier has a significant environmental impact, with the pier and surrounding coastline being home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and whales. The pier is also located near the Santa Monica Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is a protected area that provides a habitat for a variety of marine species, including kelp forests and coral reefs. However, the pier and surrounding area are also affected by pollution and climate change, which can harm the marine ecosystem and impact the local fisheries, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of the pier, including the use of solar power and recycling programs, similar to those implemented by Google and Microsoft.

Redevelopment

The Santa Monica Pier has undergone several redevelopment projects over the years, including a major renovation in the 1980s, which was led by the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Redevelopment Agency. The pier has also been the subject of several urban planning initiatives, including the Santa Monica General Plan and the Downtown Santa Monica Specific Plan, which aim to promote sustainable development and environmental sustainability in the area. The pier is also home to a variety of community events, including the Santa Monica Pier Festival and the Twilight Concert Series, which are organized by the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Pier Corporation. The redevelopment of the pier has also been influenced by nearby projects, including the Expo Line and the Los Angeles International Airport modernization project. Category:Landmarks in California