Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Santa Monica Pier

I have lived in California pretty much all my life. 18 of those years I lived in Southern California. Now you would think in all that time maybe, just maybe I would have been to the Santa Monica Pier. But no. Never. So on a recent trip to see my brother's newJanuary 2008 042  baby kitten Sofia Cheetara (do you like the Thundercats reference?), I made the executive decision to have lunch at the pier.

 

There is just something quintessentially LA about the Santa Monica Pier. Maybe its the beach that is so wide that it seems to stretch on forever. Or perhaps it is the vendor trying to sell you a picture of yourself next to a cardboard cutout of your favorite star. It could even be the family wearing matching Mexican ponchos that are way too small for them which they probably purchased earlier in the day at Olvera Street. Or maybe it is all of those things combined. The day we went was cold and dreary but I can just imagine the beach full of bikini clad girls and middle aged fat European men in speedos come summer.  It isn't as big as I thought it would be. Certainly no Santa Cruz Boardwalk but there is a charm to it. Carnival rides, souvenir shops, and locals trying to cast a line and get lucky. Not a bad place to spend the afternoon.

January 20083

 

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PS- Anyone know what movie this is from????

16 comments:

Christy said...

Looks like a great time! I will make it out there one of these days... I can't wait to experience all the cool places you go to!

btw... I know I have seen that zoltar thing... can't think of what movie it was in though... dang it!

Unknown said...

BIG! Haha...trivia taken care of. I love the pier. Only been like once though.

Mashel said...

of course, it is from BIG with Tom Hanks! I don't know that I knew it really was there though. Sounds like fun. What a neat place. I am sure it would be packed on a summer day.

Anonymous said...

Can I borrow Chris' kitty?? That place looks cool...looking at the pics it reminded me of 'Big', then you had the pic of Zoltar...! :)

Anonymous said...

Though Big was actually filmed at the Playland boardwalk in NY...I think...

Sharlene said...

Yes Big took place in New York and was filmed there. But Zoltar is in Big. Probably not the same machine.

debi9kids said...

Big, of course!

Looks like such a great time!! I can't believe this was your first time there! WOW!

kelly said...

love the pier & love BIG! such a fun adventure, especially with the kiddies!

Alisha said...

love that the kids look like they were having fun!

Jane said...

I know a guy named Zoltan and we constantly make references to Zoltar. Awesome movie.

Terri said...

Love Tom Hanks! Love Big!
The Pier looks awesome! So. Cal is such a great place. I SSOO wish we had great places here to go!

Tamara Mitchell said...

BIG! I love Tom! The SM pier is quit the place! I can't believe you've been in SoCal so many years and yet never been...and aren't you from SB and never been to the zoo? Girl, we need to make some dates so you can see the areas!

Star Forbis said...

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Come back anytime.

The Romero-Schroeder said...

BIG..... JAJAJAJJA

Anonymous said...

I live maybe 4 miles from the Santa Monica Pier, it's a great "fall back" when we find ourselves with no plans on a Saturday or Sunday. I do hope you went in and enjoyed the amusement park - my kids LOVE the dragon ride and roller coaster (and I like the churros and cotton candy, unfortunately).

Hope you make it back up here soon!
:)

Tonya Staab said...

We love Santa Monica pier. We are going to be staying near there on our road trip this year. So fun.