Santa Monica Pier: Party Like It Was 9/9/09

The last time Angelenos had something to celebrate on September 9, '09 was one hundred years ago today when the Santa Monica Municipal Pier first opened to the public. Ever since its beginning, the 1,600-foot-long concrete pier has been popular with tourists, fishermen, and hungry locals.

To celebrate the "pleasure pier's" centennial, the city of Santa Monica is hosting numerous events this evening including a fireworks display and musical performances by The Big Bamboo Steel Band and the "king of surf guitar," Dick Dale. Hungry visitors are invited to picnic on the beach or visit one of the many restaurants on the pier to watch this evening's firework display at 8:50 PM.

Between the ocean-side amusement rides and trinket stands, there are plenty of eating options that range from gourmet to gut wrenching. Dining choices on the pier include food court fare from Harbor Grill, shrimp and ribs from Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, crustaceans from The Lobster, funnel cakes from the Funnel Cake Factory, and something called Dippin' Dots--an ice cream served in the form of day-glow beads. If a self-catered beach picnic is more your speed, we suggest a stop at Bay City's Deli for basket essentials or just get a Godmother sandwich to go.

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier, circa 1909

Due to this evening's festivities, some streets will be closed and parking rates in certain areas will be increased. For more information about the event or transportation issues, go to the Santa Monica Pier website.

Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; (310) 458-8900.

Courtesy of the City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier, in the 1900's

Dippin' Dots, Funnel Cake Factory, and Harbor Grill are all located at Pacific Park: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; (310) 260-8744., Bubba Gump Shrimp Co..: 301 Santa Monica Pier, Building 9, Santa Monica; (310) 393-0458., The Lobster: 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 458-9294., Bay Cities Deli: 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 395-8279.