Spend the day at Santa Monica Pier and Beach is ranked #4 out of 33 things to do in Los Angeles. ... From Santa Monica Pier, head south to Venice Beach or Marina Del Ray to grab lunch by the water.

Location: Santa Monica Pier vs. Venice Beach. Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are around 20 mins away from downtown Los Angeles and both offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Located a less than 3 miles south of Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach stretches for 3 miles along the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Santa Monica, Culver City and Marina del Rey.It features the ...