Close your eyes take a deep breath
and feel the environment - love is in the air. This air will take you to the
hassle-free time. You will find it full
of life and no worries around. This is the USP of Santa Monica beach and Pier.
The city of Santa
Monica is built on a plateau and the way towards its beach is about 50 feet
below from its shopping street. There is a bridge which goes directly to the
pier and a staircase is an alternative for it. The width of the beach is
amazing. It is spread over 5.6 kms of large area. The pier stands like a narrow
bridge ending in the sea. The giant wheel (part of an amusement park) on the
pier looks like a toy. We took some picks and decided to walk on the wooden
bridge. We were able to see the shining sand from the gaps of ages old woods.
We walked towards
the pier, mesmerized. On the right, there was beach stretching long till the
end of eyes, on the other side there were shops, restaurants and a mini
amusement park. A big rock in the sea stood majestically challenging the
Pacific. The shore blended on to the hills, which had homes of people with lots
of dollars. The bright sunshine accompanied with the cool breeze from the
Pacific Ocean made the weather perfect to go around. This beach has got
different things for different people. Everyone will find many things to do of
their own interest. Colorful creatures from around the world could be seen
here. Lots of pretty girls, dressed (read less) to kill, handsome men (read no
shirts), old, young, foodies, like me, all were there. In short, the place was
alive. The pier doesn’t sleep. It remains open round the clock and around the
year.
Pacific park is
an oceanfront mini amusement park situated on the Santa Monica pier. There are
various ways to have fun in this park. Although our baby was small and couldn’t
participate in any game, but we decided to win some toys for her from these
games. She was looking at all the toys hanging over there with her sparkling
eyes. The games were not so easy. The more attractive the prizes were, the more
difficult the games were. Somehow, we managed to win a soft toy for her. Riding
a coaster was a breath away experience. Unlike other roller-coaster, it has
taken us to the amazing view of Southern California beach line along the coast
of Pacific Ocean. A ride in ferries wheel has given us the childhood
experience.
A couple of
portrait sketchers had also their booths on the pier. They were drawing the
sketches of different people sitting under the shade of umbrella. It was only
required to pay them few dollars. Obviously, in this world nothing is meant to
be free! However, we didn’t pay a single penny to enter this pier. We also saw
some people sitting on the lower case of pier, with their fishing rod dipped in
the blue water. Using the spiral staircase, we also went downstairs to have a
closer look.
Many street
performers could also be seen here. Some would be performing their regional
dance, while others could be seen singing their own composition. They also sell
their CDs, which are available on the spot. Good food and good trip runs
parallel to each other. Therefore, we decided to have something good and
something special on this beach - seafood.
As we didn’t have any idea about sea food, we made an order on the basis
of pictures available in the menu card. After a long waiting time, calamari,
fried oyster and fish burger with a pair of beer cans were there at our
table. Not to worry, the people who do
not like seafood could try for other options available on the pier. You are
bound to find something you will love to eat on the pier, as there are many
other restaurants like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and The Coffee Bean. Pretzel is a
very famous baked food of America. They are made in unique knot like shape.
Kiosks selling pretzels are also there on the pier.
As it was Sunday,
we also got a chance to see hundreds of white and red wood crosses buried in
the sand. Veterans of peace have named the spot as “Arlington West”. Every
cross represents one of the troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. This
memorial has been dedicated to the men and women of the American military who have
made the greatest sacrifice and to those who live on their wounds. This is a
unique way of giving honor and to remember the people who lost their life in
wars. It is said that, from last six months they are doing this ritual on every
Sunday and they will continue this ritual until the bodies of those killed in
Iraq and Afghanistan will stop coming.
A bunch of
colorful parrots made our baby happier.
They look very cute and talk very sweet. Leaving behind the pier, as
soon as we landed on the white sand of Santa Monica beach, we found it equally
exciting. The roaring of sea-shore and the blissful air covering up the body
was like awakening of our senses. The green algae were adding beauty to the
foams of ocean. Santa Monica beach is also known as the sexiest beach of Los
Angeles. This is one of the best places from Southern California to hang around
with family and friends. Surfing, volleyball, swimming and sunbathing are some
of the best activities to be enjoyed on this beach. But, one should always check
with the lifeguards before surfing. Volleyball courts are always available to
the public and it is also free of charge. Biking is a good choice available
there. There is a bicycle trail, which runs along the Santa Monica beach. It
stretches 35 kms and is also known as the longest beach path in the world.
At the end of the
day, going in and around the Santa Monica pier and beach has dropped us with
unforgettable experiences for the lifetime. We were happy to have not brought,
a decision we would go on to regret later!
