For a must-see destination during your Los Angeles rental car trip be sure to visit the famous Santa Monica Pier. First constructed in 1909, the Pier has undergone massive reconstruction after numerous owners took possession over the years as well as the Pier having withstood the effects of many violent storms. The Santa Monica Pier is a piece of American history welcoming millions of visitors each year. For a fun time with the entire family, check out all of the exciting things to do at the Santa Monica Pier:
The Playland Arcade has over 200 games that will entice kids of all ages, including the kid in you! No matter how old you are there is always lots to do at the Playland Arcade! Bring the little ones to ride on the new pelican kiddie ride, or the 3-passenger merry-go-round. For the more daring, there is the Dance-Dance Revolution with the newest disc added for your dancing pleasures. Some of the newer video games include: Star Wars, Rolling Extreme, Silent Scope, and The Grid. If you prefer the classics, there is also Pac Man and Pinball. Win tickets to redeem at the redemption counter, which is loaded with the usual goodies as well as plenty of new holiday merchandise. Leave your troubles behind and enter into a world of make believe as you travel into outer space, kick a goal on a soccer field, or drive in the Grand Prix! You will leave the Playland Arcade in your Los Angeles rental car with a smile on your face!
The Looff Hippodrome carousel building was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I.D. Looff and restored over 4 years from 1981 to 1984. It is now listed as a National Historic Landmark. The original merry-go-round was replaced by the old Ocean Park Pier in 1939. In 1990, each of the horses were taken apart, restored, and reassembled and repainted, returning the old charm that has made the old carousel so enchanting. The Carousel has become one of Southern California's most visited event sites, so be sure to stop by with your Los Angeles rental car.
After visiting the Carousel, check out the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium located at beach-level just below the Carousel. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a marine science aquarium that offers a unique view into the ocean world and is home to dozens of species of marine animals and plants. A perfect place to visit in your Los Angeles rental car with the family, you will be able to enjoy interactive displays, touch tanks filled with animals found in tide pools as well as several large habitat tanks featuring animals and habitats found right in the Santa Monica Bay. A favorite with the kids in the family will definitely be the Kids' Corner which consists of an interactive space full of books, games and puzzles centered around a marine theme. The Kids' Corner also features a puppet theater. Don't be surprised if you find yourself with a new marine biologist in the family after a fun-filled day at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
And after all of the activities, stop by for a bite to eat before heading back in your Los Angeles rental car:
Located at the very end of the picturesque Santa Monica Pier, Mariasol serves mouthwatering Mexican dishes reminiscent of that found in the Mexican beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. You will enjoy the vivacious colors and Mexican decor of the patio areas. The location offers two outdoor dining areas, weekend rooftop seating, an indoor dining room and a bar reminiscent of one found on a beach resort. A Mariachi trio adds to the ambiance by strolling along as you enjoy your meal. Mariasol is intimate enough for a date and well equipped to cater to out of town guests or casual dining.
For the casual diners looking to catch a quick bite before heading home in your Los Angeles rental car, then stop by the Pacific Park Shop food court to enjoy a coffee from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe, or stick with some of the traditional favorites such as Pizza Hut or Taco Bell. Before leaving the Santa Monica Pier, don't forget to pick up some souvenirs to remember your fun-filled day at one of the most popular beachfront destinations around!