Santa Monica Pier Reopens, Face Coverings And Distancing Required

SANTA MONICA, CA — Officials announced Wednesday that the Santa Monica Pier is reopening with safety measures in mind.

The pier was closed for several months during the pandemic but will reopen for visitors Wednesday, city officials said. The city has introduced new health precautions for entering the park and area, including face coverings and social distancing, which will be required.

During the initial reopening phase, restaurants and businesses on the pier, including Pacific Park and the historic carousel will remain closed.

"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)," city officials said in a news release. "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,” Interim City Manager Lane Dilg said in a news release. “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.

Visitors will enter and exit on Ocean Front Walk at the beach level and will walk through the queue line to limit the number of people, city officials said.

Parking will remain closed at the parking deck, 1550 Lot 1 (1 North) and at other lots near the pier. 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," city officials said.

The city is planning to follow county, state and federal reopening guidelines by continuing to social distance, clean and disinfect at the pier. The following are some of the requirements and safety practices that are expected there:

• 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.
• Visitors 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.
• Visitors 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," city officials said.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, more than 8 million visitors came to Santa Monica each year, with many visiting the local beach and Santa Monica Pier.

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