Travel Guide

Johnny Park Indoor Parking Services and the Santa Monica Pier

You feel the warm California sunshine beating down on your head and you smile at the warmth it envelopes you in. You grin at the sight and smell of sand and ocean, mingling together to create a tantalizing smell and you long to splash around in the inviting water. The delighted squeals of excited children mill around you and wafting through the air you can smell alluring smells of hotdogs and cotton candy from nearby vendors and your stomach growls in reply. You close your eyes and simply drink in the wondrous beauty all around you. When you open them again, you look around to take in all the sights of the Santa Monica Pier, a breathtaking Southern California attraction to is simply a must see on your vacation LAX parking customers.

Always a Good Time

Since September of 1909 the Santa Monica Pier has been attracting visitors of the Southern California region to its inviting pier. After 16 months of construction, the Santa Monica Municipal Pier finally opened to the public and when it did, visitors streamed in and crowded onto the 1,600 foot long wooden pier for a chance to walk above the Pacific Ocean. The day was California Admissions Day and thousands enjoyed the concerts and swimming races, during the day long festivities. Large crowds were drawn to the pier as was Charles Looff, an amusement entrepreneur. Looff moved his operations from New York to Long Beach in 1910 and began to consider building a pier of his own. In 1916, he finally began doing just that, building alongside the Municipal Pier. Looff's Pier featured the Hippodrome Building, which has become a must-see landmark, as well as carousels and roller coasters. More attractions kept coming and the pier kept expanding until it reached its current size, 270 feet by 1080 feet.

Don't give up without a fight

During the 1970's after many storms had taken their toll on both piers, the city council ordered that both of them be torn down. Residents were outraged and resisted this feat. Much work was done and in 1983 the Hippodrome and its carousel were designated to be a National Historic Landmark by the government. In 1988 the Santa Monica City Council developed the pier and reinforced it so that it could handle stronger storms. Over 3 million visitors a year enjoy the council's hard work and upgrades which included retail, food and entertainment outlets added, as well as an amusement park and policing.

Always Exciting

Today the Santa Monica Pier is as upbeat as it was in its early years. Special events are always being held on the pier which draws in many visitors like you LAX parking customers. You may even see someone famous during your stop here LAX parking patrons as the pier is often used as a backdrop in television shows and movies. Be sure to take in the popular Thursday night "Twilight Dance Series". These concerts attract up to 10,000 spectators who take in wonderful performances from many talented performers in every music genre. The Sunday concert series running throughout May also always proves to be a fun way to fill up an afternoon LAX parking customers.

The Santa Monica Pier is a fun place the whole family can enjoy together. From the Thursday night dance series to the inviting arcade, everyone is sure to find something to suit their taste. The Playland Arcade operates from 9am-12 Midnight Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 2 am Friday and Saturday from May until August. Be sure to catch a ride on the historic Carousel LAX parking clientele. The carousel operates from 11am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 11am to 7 pm Friday through Sunday. The Santa Monica Pier is a fun way to spend the day in the California sunshine and is a must-see attraction for all LAX parking customers.