Santa Monica Pier is a working amusement park right at the edge of the Pacific, and yes, your dog can come along as long as they’re on leash. The pier stretches out into the ocean with the classic California vibe you’d expect — salt air, seagulls, the sound of waves underneath, and plenty of people-watching from the wooden planks.

You can walk the length of the pier with your dog without paying admission, which is nice. The boardwalk itself is fairly wide, so there’s room to move around even when it’s crowded on weekends. The views of the coastline are genuinely good, especially in the late afternoon when the light gets softer.

Food is available all along the pier. Seaside on the Pier does fresh seafood, and Japadog serves Japanese-inspired hot dogs if you want something different. There are also taco stands and casual spots where you can grab something quick and eat it while looking at the ocean. You’ll find water bowls around if your dog gets thirsty, though it’s smart to bring your own collapsible bowl just in case.

The amusement park portion — the solar-powered Ferris wheel, the carousel, arcade games, and the trapeze school — requires separate admission and your dog can’t ride, but they can wait with you in line or rest in the shade while you take a turn. The pier also hosts live music and events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening when you visit.

Parking is in structures near the pier and fills up fast on nice days, so arriving early helps. The pier itself is free to walk, and you don’t need a reservation to stroll around with your dog. Just be prepared for crowds, especially on summer weekends and during the evening when locals come out after work.