Santa Monica｜Picture-Perfect Views at the Sunset Ferris Wheel

We checked the sunset time that day—it was around 4:30 PM. We arrived just before 4 and parked at Parking Structure 6, which is super affordable: first 90 minutes free, then $2 per hour 🅿️💸. From the parking lot, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the pier. We rushed to snap a few golden-hour photos as the sun began to dip 🌅. Walking through the lively crowd, we stumbled upon the iconic “Pier 66 End” sign—a must-capture shot for its retro vibe! Eager to ride the Ferris wheel before sunset, we hurried toward the ticket booth. Tickets are $13 per person for two rounds on the Ferris wheel 🎡. At first, we couldn’t find the entrance—turning left and right in a panic—until we spotted it near the “Route 66” sign. Once in line, we relaxed and enjoyed the breathtaking view. The sky melted into soft pink and purple hues, while the ocean glittered in gentle blue waves ✨🌊. By the time it was our turn, the sun was just touching the horizon—we might have caught the last ride of the day! Though not too scary, the Ferris wheel had a few surprisingly thrilling moments 😄. Note: phones aren’t allowed on the ride, but you can bring a small camera if it’s secured around your neck. After the ride, we strolled down to the beach at a leisurely pace, capturing the last traces of twilight glowing over the Pacific 🌆. #SantaMonica #FerrisWheel #SunsetViews #CaliforniaTravel #PicturesqueLA #TravelDiaries #WestCoastVibes #BeachLife #GoldenHour #Route66 #AffordableFun #LAAdventures