Local Adventures: Santa Monica Pier
One of my goals this year is to travel more. I think along with so many other millennials, I've realized that there is so much more to life than sitting behind a desk 40 hours a week. The world is so big and there are so many incredibles cultures to experience. Why would I want to stay in my little bubble forever? But along with traveling comes funds and while I save up every last penny I've begun adventuring around my local areas. Discovering trendy coffee shops, taking pictures in cute cafes, and eating some of the best food.
I've lived in Los Angeles for a total of 3.5 years and I can count on my hands the number of days I've spent time in Santa Monica just exploring and hanging out. Part of it is because of the traffic that requires maneuvering through to get there and the other part is just because I never make the time to get over there. Geographically speaking I live about 15 miles from Santa Monica, but in LA traffic terms that could be the equivalent of over an hour. And then once you're there you will most likely be dealing with insane amounts of tourist foot traffic. I have to be in a certain mood to go out and about adventuring in LA. So on the rare occasion that I feel up to the task, the Santa Monica and Venice area is usually on my list.
I actually really enjoy Santa Monica. The shopping is great, the pier is so fun, and the people watching is the best! Like I said, the pier is a lot of fun and it really lights up at night (figuratively and literally). The neon lights are hypnotic and whimsical. It is a carnival on water every day of the year. Funnel cakes, hotdogs, ice cream cones, kettle corn, etc. Loud games with oversized stuffed animals for prizes. A rollercoaster and ferris wheel that light up the night. This place is magical and all it takes is an appreciative eye to see it. Is it sometimes overcrowded? Yes. Are the people sometimes crazy? Yep. But the Santa Monica Pier holds a ticket back to childhood for adults even if only for a moment. So if you ever are in LA. Fight the traffic, dodge through the crowds, and indulge in the magic that is the Santa Monica Pier.
