The Santa Monica Pier is a true Southern California icon. From the colorful Ferris wheel to the vintage signs and beach-lined backdrop, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities here. I find it especially photogenic during golden hour—when the sun sets behind the ocean, bathing everything in warm tones—and again at blue hour, when the lights of the amusement park start to glow.

It’s also where Route 66 ends, giving the spot a nostalgic Americana feel. For clean compositions, I recommend walking a bit north or south along the beach to shoot the pier from a distance, especially with a longer lens.

The area can get crowded, so early mornings or midweek visits offer a quieter, softer light for photos. But personally, I actually prefer coming on a weekend evening during golden hour. That’s when the pier truly comes to life—with solo performers, musicians, and street artists creating an energetic, almost cinematic atmosphere. After all, it’s a funfair—it should be full of people and stories.