LA | Found the Ultimate Sunset Vibe at Santa Monica

🎡There’s nothing more “California” than this: golden hour over the Pacific, the iconic Ferris wheel glowing against a cotton-candy sky, and the legendary end of Route 66. Santa Monica is where dreams roll in with the waves—and yes, it’s every bit as magical as it looks in Lana Del Rey’s videos. ✨ ☀️ Pro tip: We visited in May—evenings by the ocean get chilly! Bring a jacket or you’ll freeze once the sun dips 🥶 🚗 Getting There: Metro Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station – just a 10-min walk to the pier. 🅿️ Parking Tips: Parking Structure 6: First 1.5 hours free, then $2/hr 📍431 2nd St, Santa Monica Beach Lot 1 North: Flat rate $15 all day 📍1550 Pacific Coast Highway 🌴 Perfect Santa Monica Day Plan: 🛍️ Third Street Promenade A lively pedestrian mall filled with shops, cafés, street performers, and great people-watching. 🏖️ Santa Monica Beach Relax on the soft sand, breathe in that salty air—it’s one of LA’s most accessible and safe beaches. 🎡 Santa Monica Pier Come for sunset—this is where Route 66 ends! Don’t miss: Pacific Park amusement rides 🎢 Ferris wheel with ocean views ($12–$15, book online or onsite) The historic “End of the Trail” sign 📍 📸 Photo Spots You Can’t Miss: 1️⃣ The Santa Monica Pier entrance sign – stand back for the full shot! 2️⃣ Ferris wheel silhouettes at golden hour 3️⃣ On the roller coaster – action shots welcome! 4️⃣ The iconic Route 66 endpoint marker 🛣️❤️ Whether you ride the Ferris wheel, stroll the pier, or just lie on the sand watching the sky turn pink and orange—Santa Monica is pure California magic. Don’t just visit… soak it in. 🌊 #US #CA #Sonoma