Los Angeles Santa Monica Pier

Today we were ventured through the street of Hollywood on our way to Santa Monica Pier.  Travelling not far from Magic Castle I took this photo of this palm tree lined Hollywood street that really reminded me of the quintessential Hollywood street.

 

 

 

It took about 40 minutes to reach Santa Monica Pier, with the help of the GPS it was very easy.  We were very lucky to park right next to the beach, which was fantastic.

 

First impressions were just wow!!  The beaches are so wide and the water was so calm, beautiful.

Our first task of the day was to pick up our rental bikes from Blazing Saddles, which was located on the pier itself.  After all the necessary paperwork was done and the bikes were sorted, with only a small issue with David's bike, which was fixed by replacing the bike, we were ready to ride to Venice Beach.  We had the bike for 3hrs.

Once we had gotten our bikes down off the pier, which was a little tricky for us non natives, we were ready to hit the bike/pedestrian road.

 

We rode all the way down to Muscle Beach, which took us about 1 hour.  I loved just taking in the sights and enjoying the views of the beach and the interesting and not so interesting people that populate the beach.

 

We were able to recognise some of the locations from one of our favourite shows, NCIS LA.

We were back at the pier with time to spare on our bike rentals and we had had such a great time.  I am so thankful to be able to still ride a bike as it is a great and different way to explore.  We took the rather steep walk up to the entrance of the pier so we could get this shot.

 

We had purchased an LA Go Card before we left home and included in the activity list was an unlimited rides at Pacific Park.  The girls were very excited, especially Hayley, at being at the pier because this is where they shot Hannah Montona (Lilley 16th Birthday scene).  My thrill seekers were still keen to go on the very tame rides.  We all went on the Roller Coaster and the Ferris Wheel, but I left the other rides to the rest of my Family.

The view from the top of the Wheel, on either side, was just spectacular.  This one is looking to Malibu.

We walked out to the end of the pier and on the way back couldn't resist this photo.  So happy that the crowds were big and we

Also included in the LA Go Card was entry to the Aquarium.  It was only little but still lots to do.

Hayley found the colouring in.

Emma and I headed to the touch pool which was fun.

 

With some time still left in the day we headed back to Paradise Pier for a few more rides before we headed home.

Unfortunately we joined the rush hour commute heading in and out of town.  I don't think I will complain about our traffic again.

This is a close as we were getting to Rodeo Drive and Beverley hills.

Once back at Magic Castle we order Domino's Pizza, which wasn't quite the same as our, but still as good.