The Night Paradise of Lights and Roller Coasters
Hello everybody! Yesterday we went out to find a new place to show you, and we think you guys are gonna like a lot this one... We decided to lead our trip to another famous place in the coast of LA, well known for its countless apearences on TV series and Films, and also with a high reputatation between those who love to go shopping... Yes, the protagonist today is Santa Monica.
We are gonna divide this one in 2 different posts due to the high amount of information we have to give you about 2 different places here, the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade. Lets start with the pier ok?
It doesn't matter when you go... it's always full! This landmark has become one of the most famous palces in LA. If you are asking why, the answer is easy to find as soon as you stop at the entrance of the bridge that leads you to the pier. Such an incredible structure going is hard to forget.
Don't forget to wait your turn to take a selfie with the sign before you go down. Also, if you are brave enough to put on a big snake (I AM NOT), you can find a "strong" man (sometimes 2) with a big one that will offer you to take a pic with it for a few dollars.
Walk down the bridge! now you are officially in the pier. There are plenty of things to do here, so choose the ones that fit more with you! From renting a bike, playing videogames or enjoy the incredible food (the Pier Burguer, the Bubba Gump Shrim, the Marisol Mexican Food... and many more), to ride the rollercoasters or enjoy the street performances inside the pier (singers and dancers, but also some weird people).
Walk around and check everything you can, that's the best advice we can give you. The are also many talented artists drawing caricatures of the tourists! Do whatever you want to do around but just be sure you are on the pier yet when the sun goes down. Again, the city of LA will present another incredible sunset. Everything here costs money, but this one is FREE, so be ready when it's almost time and find a bench if you can. Enjoy it.
Ouch! I forgot... Did you know that the worldwide Route 66 ends here? You will be able to take a picture with the famous sign "Santa Mónica Route 66 End of the Trail". For those Motorcycle's addicts, this is another reason to visit the pier...
If you have the chance to go back to your hotel or house late because you have a car, we are gonna suggest you something... Go early in the morning (10 AM is fine). Visit the pier, check all the stuff you can do BUT don't stay too much in the Pacific Park (rollercoasters and games). After that, walk to the 3rd Street Promenade (we will talk about it in our next post), enjoy shopping and also eating! Spend there about 2 or 3 hours and go to Ocean Ave (the closest to the beach) and enjoy the small parks and gardens. Stay there, lay on the grass, take a nap... When the sun is going down, lead to the beach but this time try going through one of the small bridges for pedestrians over the freeway (north and south from the Ocean and Sta Monica Blvd intersection).
Go to the South side of the beach and find a place on the sand or in the "park" (close to Arcadia Terrace"). The sunset is already one! From this side, the last orange sunbeans will be hiding behind the pier's structure. Now go to the pier an enjoy the weak light in the horizon until it's dark.
Waiiiit, waiiiiit.... Lights ON! hahaha. Perfect time to enjoy the attractions and the lights show before go home.
How to arrive? - Take a look on Google Maps.
More pictures on our Flickr.
We hope you like it!
Read this post also in Spanish or Portuguese.
No comments:
Post a Comment