This amusement park features a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an aquarium, an arcade, souvenir shops and several restaurants, and is set right on the beach in Santa Monica. Walk to the far end that juts out over the Pacific Ocean and enjoy sweeping views in every direction, from the westerly horizon that offers spectacular sunsets, to the hills of Malibu to the north and Los Angeles itself to the east. The pier is a good place to enjoy a meal of fish and chips in the balmy coastal weather. It’s also the site of many outdoor concerts. The hours of some of the pier’s attractions like the carousel are restricted, but the pier itself is open 365 days a year and it is free, although you might have to pay to park your car in a nearby lot.