Santa Monica Pier help
 

I am going to have a day at Santa Monica Pier and the Third St Promenade and would love some suggestions on what to see and do. I will only have a few hours so an idea of the best shops and places to snack would be great.

Thanks and have a nice day, mscmkr

It's been a while since I've spent a lot of time at the pier, but you can walk both 3rd Street and the pier in just a couple hours. If you stop to eat or shop, of course, it will take a bit longer. I tend not to eat at the pier, though, and save my money for 3rd Street. There are some incredibly good restaurants in and around the Promenade.

Check out www.yelp.com for local reviews of restaurants and shops in that area. It's probably one the best ways to get up-to-date info on the new favorite places out there.

It's possible to rent a bike just south of the pier. The bike path will take you about 8 or 9 miles, from Santa Monica to Venice, where there is lots of shopping and looking opportunities along the way. From huge wealth to the other end of the spectrum, in about an hour. Have fun.

The Pier is mostly rides and games and as stated u can see it all in short order. The aquarium there is very nice esp if you have children as they have several touch and feel tanks.

3rd St has tons of shops and restaurants as well as vendors hawking their wares. Many of the shops are the standard chain one, but there are some unique stores.

Would be happy to give recommendations if you can help with some idea of the kind of things ythat tickle your fancy. That area has everything from upscale restaurants with killer views and lovely boutiques (on Montana) to cheap trinket stores and arcades on the Pier. Would you prefer shopping or seeing the views? How much walking/biking are you interested in? Will you have the whole day? Any ideas what kind of day you're looking for?