History of Santa Monica Pier in Timeline
The Santa Monica Pier, located at the end of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, is a prominent landmark featuring an amusement park, various concession stands, and spaces for sightseeing and fishing. It is integrated into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking entertainment and scenic views along the California coast.
September 9, 1909: Municipal Pier Opens
On September 9, 1909, the long and narrow Municipal Pier opened. Its primary function was to carry sewer pipes beyond the breakers, and it lacked any amenities.
1912: Referenced in Titanic
In 1912, Jack Dawson references the Santa Monica Pier in the movie Titanic.
1914: Tillie's Punctured Romance film
In 1914, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Tillie's Punctured Romance".
1916: Pleasure Pier Built
In 1916, Charles I.D. Looff and his son Arthur, built the short and wide adjoining Pleasure Pier to the south, also known as Newcomb Pier. It featured attractions such as the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome building, the Blue Streak Racer wooden roller coaster, the Whip, merry-go-rounds, Wurlitzer organs, and a funhouse.
1922: Carousel Built
In 1922, the Philadelphia Toboggan Company built the Carousel, PTC #62, featuring 44 hand-carved horses.
July 23, 1924: La Monica Ballroom Opens
On July 23, 1924, the La Monica Ballroom opened, designed by T. S. Eslick. It was the largest dance hall on the west coast, accommodating 5,000 dancers.
1933: Our Gang Short Film
In 1933, the amusement park attractions as they existed are seen prominently in the Our Gang short film "Fish Hooky".
1934: Breakwater Built
In 1934, a breakwater was constructed, providing docking for up to 100 fishing and pleasure boats near the pier.
1938: Bridge and Entry Gate Built
In 1938, the bridge and entry gate to Santa Monica Pier were built by the federal Works Project Administration, replacing the former grade connection.
1941: "1941" film
In 1979, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "1941".
1948: Spade Cooley broadcasts TV show from La Monica Ballroom
In 1948, country music star Spade Cooley began broadcasting his weekly television show from the La Monica Ballroom.
1950: Quicksand film
In 1950, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Quicksand".
1954: End of Spade Cooley's TV show at the Ballroom
In 1954, Spade Cooley's weekly television program ended its run at the La Monica Ballroom.
1955: Hollywood Autocade Opens / Ballroom becomes Roller Rink
In the summer of 1955, the Hollywood Autocade, featuring 100 cars, opened at the La Monica. Also in 1955, the ballroom transitioned into a roller skating rink known as Skater's Ballroom.
1960: Elmer Gantry film
In 1960, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Elmer Gantry".
1961: Night Tide film
In 1961, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Night Tide".
1962: End of Roller Rink Era
In 1962, the La Monica Ballroom's time as the Santa Monica Roller Rink concluded. Ronnie Rains, a champion speed skater, later became a Roller Derby star.
1963: La Monica Ballroom Demolished
In 1963, the La Monica Ballroom was demolished due to delayed repairs.
1965: Inside Daisy Clover film
In 1965, the Natalie Wood film "Inside Daisy Clover" features the pier in the beginning of the picture.
1969: They Shoot Horses, Don't They? film
In 1969, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?".
1973: The Sting film
In 1973, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "The Sting".
1973: Order to Raze Pier Revoked / Filming of "The Sting"
In 1973, the city council revoked the order to raze the pier. Also in 1973, the Carousel and Hippodrome served as locations for filming the movie "The Sting".
1974: City Acquires Newcomb Pier
In 1974, the city acquired the Newcomb Pier, which had been privately owned.
1975: Farewell, My Lovely film
In 1975, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Farewell, My Lovely" with Robert Mitchum.
1979: "1941" film
In 1979, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "1941".
1982: Breakwater Swept Away
In 1982, storms swept away the protective breakwater.
March 1, 1983: Storms Damage Pier; Repairs Begin
On March 1, 1983, the City of Santa Monica began repairs to the pier after a winter storm on January 27 caused significant damage. Another storm rolled in during the repairs, causing further destruction.
1990: Carousel Rebuilt
In 1990, the Carousel was rebuilt inside the Hippodrome.
December 2, 1994: Construction of Pacific Park Begins
Construction of Pacific Park began on December 2, 1994. Pacific Park would be the first new attraction since the 1930s, and would eventually open on May 25, 1996.
May 25, 1996: Pacific Park Opens
On May 25, 1996, Pacific Park opened on the Santa Monica Pier, marking the first new attraction since the 1930s. Construction began on December 2, 1994, and concluded in February 1996.
1997: Bean film
In 1997, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Bean".
1998: The Opposite of Sex and A Night at the Roxbury Films
In 1998, the Santa Monica Pier appeared prominently in the movies "The Opposite of Sex" and "A Night at the Roxbury".
June 18, 2009: Safe Eating Advisory Issued
On June 18, 2009, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a safe eating advisory for fish caught from Santa Monica Pier to Ventura Harbor due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs.
2011: Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation Renamed
In 2011, the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation (SMPRC) changed its name to the Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC).
2012: Rock of Ages film
In 2012, the pier was featured in the film version of Rock of Ages, also during the earthquake in the movie 2012, the pier can be seen sinking beneath the waves.
2013: Her film
In 2013, the Santa Monica Pier appears prominently in the movie "Her".
2018: Pacific Rim Uprising film
In 2018, the pier is featured in the film "Pacific Rim Uprising", where a kaiju attack destroys the pier.
October 9, 2023: Pier Evacuation Due to Bomb Threat
On October 9, 2023, part of the pier was evacuated after a man claiming to have a bomb climbed onto the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park. He was subsequently arrested.
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