Santa Monica Close-up

The Santa Monica Pier, the historic Southern California landmark, reopens today with a commitment to health and safety, beginning a phased approach to resume operations following a three-month closure due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The reopening aligns with State and County guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all who visit the Pier.

“We know that the community has long awaited the reopening of our beloved Santa Monica Pier. This slow, phased reopening is structured to ensure the health and safety of all who visit,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. “As we reopen, it’s important for the public to remember that face coverings and physical distancing are required. We look forward to businesses reopening on the Pier and are committed to do all we can to support their efforts.”

The Pier will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with limited and monitored access points to ensure capacity allows for proper physical distancing and safety. Guests will enter and exit on Ocean Front Walk (Beach Level) and need to enter through the queue line to limit the number of guests and to ensure safety for all visitors.

The Parking Deck, 1550 Lot (1 North) and other Pier-adjacent lots will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. Nearby parking at Beach Lot-4 South and in downtown are available. In the coming weeks, to allow for increased physical distancing, additional and expanded outdoor space will be available for those who want to enjoy to-go options from open Pier restaurants.

The Santa Monica Pier’s reopening aligns with County, State and Federal reopening guidelines by prioritizing physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting measures and safety practices to support the health and wellness of those at the Pier. These safety practices and requirements include, but are not limited to:

Those who are sick, have COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis, or have been exposed to someone with symptoms or diagnosis within the last 14 days should stay home.
Guests are required to wear a face covering at all times while visiting the Santa Monica Pier and must try to maintain six feet of distance between individuals who are not from the same household.
To help ensure physical distancing, the Pier will have limited capacity and controlled access.
Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting public areas and surfaces will be conducted, focusing on high-touch areas.
Guests should also wash hands regularly and utilize the hand washing stations provided on the Pier.
New guidelines for dining and amusement on the Pier will be implemented once the City moves into the next phase of Pier reopening.

The cleaning and safety measures outlined above will apply indefinitely until further notice. Given the fluidity and nature of the situation, Santa Monica Pier is prepared to modify procedures as necessary.

During the initial reopening phase, Pier restaurants and businesses, including Pacific Park and the historic Carousel will remain closed.

The City of Santa Monica issues updates via SMAlerts, social media, and email. We recommend you sign up to any or all of these channels:  

Santa Monica emergency alerts: santamonica.gov/alerts or text SMALERTS to 888-777   
SaMoNews community email: santamonica.gov/newsletter
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