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Santa Monica Pier | Things to do in LA

We’ve been to the Santa Monica Pier a handful of times when we visited LA as tourists, but we haven’t had a chance to go while we’ve lived here. When our friends from Atlanta came to visit, it was fun being tourists again! Right before we left Atlanta, we did the entire tourist experience, and I want to make sure we hit up all the LA tourist spots as well as those off the beaten path before we move again.

Read Our Full Guide: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica if You’re a First Timer

Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin

We kept hearing about the amazing burgers at Father’s Office, so we decided to eat there first. I had no idea that it’s more of a bar that serves food rather than a restaurant that serves beer. Kids were not allowed, so we picked up some burgers to-go and headed to the hotel where my friends were staying instead. The burger was good. Can’t say it’s the best I’ve ever tried.

Also, don’t forget to ask for ketchup for your fries! You’re in for a real treat. ;) I’m glad I got to taste the burger once, but I’ve had enough of their pretentious hipster garbage. It’s LA. People say it’s a burger town. I’m sure there are better burgers.

I hope the best burger I ever had wasn’t just in my imagination. Remember the HIMYM episode where Marshall talked about the best burger in NY and made it sound like it was out of this world! Who knows if that actually place exists… Next time I’m in NYC, I’m going to find out!

The Burger at Father's Office. The Father's Office Burger. things to do in santa monica & things to do in LA.Pin

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the pier. It’s definitely a tourist location with a lot of out-of-towners walking around, but it was a nice day for a nice walk.

Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin
Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin
Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin
Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin
Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin

Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin
Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin

There happened to a farmer’s market at the Promenade which was nice to look around. I’ve been reading the Omnivore’s dilemma, so it’s been making me want to eat cleaner and support the farmers.

Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market at the Promenade. things to do in santa monica. free things to do in la.Pin

The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market is located on Arizona Avenue between 2nd Street and 4th Street.
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Can’t remember the last time the three of us took photos together! It’s been so long.

Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. things to do in LA.Pin

It reminded me of our Destin trip in 2007. Do we look different?

destin tripPin

I’m no graphic designer, but I’m having a fun day putting text over my photos. How do they look?

Santa Monica Pier. things to do in santa monica. santa monica pier pictures. santa monica pier ferris wheel. things to do in LA. free things to do in la.Pin

P.S. Don’t eat at the Mexican restaurant at the end of the Pier. Great view, but worst Mexican food ever.

Where’s the best burger you’ve ever had? Where do you take out of towners when they visit you? Do you have go-to places in mind? I always have a hard time figuring out where to take visitors. Is there a tourist location in your city that you haven’t quite explored yet?

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Emily

    I know I am a little late to this discussion but just stumbled upon your blog and love it! I saw you now live in Vegas…have you tried Burger Bar in Mandalay bay? I think it has some pretty great burgers and amazing shakes!
    http://www.vivreblog.com

    1. Thank you so much Emily! :) We actually haven’t been exploring the food here as much as we should! I will definitely put that on my list to check out soon. Thanks for the recommendation!

  2. Jennifer Chong

    so then.. where do you find the best burger esther has ever ate?

    1. esther julee

      I honestly can’t even remember because I don’t love burgers as much as I love asian food and I eat them so sporadically.. :( Sounds really weird, bc I never kept track of my burgers, but I just know I set the bar for myself somewhere along the way. I wasn’t a fan of father’s office bread, so I’d even say I liked umami’s truffle burger better than this one too. what about you? i want to check out a few more places before we leave.

      1. Jennifer Chong

        hmm… for LA I would maybe say Fathers and a maybe Umami though I don’t actually like the Umami burger. Bocado (Holeman and Finch) Burger is pretty delicious in ATL, super basic but juice and flavorful.

        1. esther julee

          I tried H&F! :) Although.. we shared it with four people bc there was only one left even with a few hours wait. haha it was hard to tell by a couple bites.. but it was pretty solid in my memory. :)

        2. esther julee

          There must be more places in LA though! :) But I guess Father’s and Umami are ones that I keep hearing over and over again from other people. It could also be that the people at Father’s just left a bad taste in our mouths.

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