I was stationed at 29 Palms, had just come back from 2 years in Okinawa, and had a failed engagement. A mutual friend told me I should hang out with her friend who was staying in Santa Monica, and working as a Nanny for an Australian musical group. I drove 3 hours on a whim to see her, and we had our first date at the Santa Monica Pier. I knew I loved her instantly, but she said it first on the ferris wheel. We had dates every weekend to the pier, and we even got married 6 months later. That was in 2011. We're still in love, and raising 2 beautiful daughters.

Santa Monica is my hometown. I love coming to the Pier and taking a stroll down the boardwalk. When I started dating my wife 25 years ago, we would come take a walk enjoy the sunset, have dinner at the pier, and bring back good memories. And here we are still going strong.

In 1952, my parents met at a dance on the Santa Monica Pier. My Mom, Barbara, a young lady from Kansas was sent to Marina Del Rey to stay with her aunt Jess for the summer. My Dad, Tony, a sonar Navy man from Minnesota just off ship from the Korean War. Both were enticed to the dance by friends and were instantly enamored with one another. By the end of the evening, they talked of marriage and having six kids. They did marry and I am kid number 6. Their story always filled me with the belief that love can be known in an instant. They remained married over 60 years…and had incredible stories. Though one of my favorites was how they met at the pier. After they both passed, I actually came to the LA area to be closer to a part of them (from the Midwest) and when visiting the pier, feeling their spirit with me. The pier is a reminder that love is not only a possibility, but evidence that it can be unwavering through it all - good, bad, exceptional, indifferent, and difficult times. Life and love is a journey that reminds us that when we are holding hands with reverence, trust, and honor, we are blessed to get through mostly anything together.

After a week-long journey from a small town in Vermont, exploring the iconic stretches of Route 66, with only what they could fit in the back of their car, Lance proposed to Ryan at the end of the road in Santa Monica as they embarked on their new life together in Los Angeles. This May, they will officially tie the knot.

Ada and her family welcomed the New Year on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where love seemed to radiate from every corner. The air was filled with infectious laughter and open hearts as people from all walks of life came together, sharing smiles and embraces like old friends. They found ourselves swept up in conversations with strangers who quickly became friends. The evening glowed with genuine human connection, reminding us that love knows no boundaries. It was one of those rare, magical moments when you can truly feel the world’s capacity for love and unity.

My boyfriend and I finished our first date at Santa Monica Pier. I was supposed to be home early (and didn't know we were even on a date!) but we couldn't stop walking and talking. We shared our first ice cream cone together and it was as awkward but adorable as you'd expect it to be. We walked and watch the sun set together. I knew before we left the pier he was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and it's been heaven ever since. he's my best friend, my fiercest protector and the love of my life (We were both so nervous we forgot to take a photo!!!)

My husband and I, love to have date nights at the Santa Monica Pier. Usually, after a fantastic meal we stroll down the pier to interact with the best local entertainment and arts. We always discover something new and fun! Although we are locals, the Santa Monica Pier is our perfect romantic getaway.

We're from Chile, We've been together for almost 7 years and we went to L.A to celebrate our honeymoon, so, going to the Pier was part of our dream and now an amazing memory, we'll come back anytime soon. Thanks for giving us part of your magic.

I came to Los Angeles from Ohio to see Angel City FC’s inaugural home opener in 2022. When my family and I visited the Pier, I spotted the most adorable couple during a sunset. They looked so in love, so peaceful, so happy (but honestly, how could anyone NOT be happy under a Santa Monica sunset?). As an amateur photographer- and someone who just enjoys taking photos for fun, especially sunsets- I started snapping away on my iPhone. The photos turned out just as I’d hoped they would… but I couldn’t keep them for myself. I was too nervous to speak to them, so I had my mom and brother get their attention. They ended up being THE sweetest people, and if I remember correctly, they were from the UK (I do know they were visiting from overseas!). They were so honored that I used them as my muse, and I asked if I’d be able to send them the photos for their L.A. memories. The woman and I linked our iPhones, and I was able to AirDrop them to her. I’ve been to the Pier quite a few times, and that was, by far, one of my favorite memories.

My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I are from the Midwest and his job brought us to Los Angeles for the first time in 2015. Someone recommended the Santa Monica Pier so it was one of our first stops. We fell in love with it that day and ever since then we come back all the time to watch a sunset on our favorite west end step after some Pier Burger. In 2019, he proposed to me on the compass rose! We got married on the California coast a couple years later and took our photos on the Santa Monica Pier that afternoon. My bouquet was designed to match the colors in Pacific Park and of course we had to get a photo on our favorite step. Our parents, his sister, and a few friends traveled with us for the wedding so we finally got to share our special place with them. The pier has been a part of the biggest days of our lives and we look forward to making many more memories!

I’ve had the pleasure of doing yoga at “Wellness & Waves”, participating in Wanderlust 108: run, yoga, meditation, Pier 360, attending many Local’s nights, Silent Disco night, Dia de los Muertos, Veteran’s Day, Barbie night, enjoying some food at Bubba Gump and Maria Sol, taking our daughter to ride the carousel, watching Cirque de Soliel “Kooza”, sharing the Ferris Wheel with friends and eating my favorite Dipping Dots!

The Santa Monica Pier has been my inner compass. Whenever I lose my way, I just keep returning here. The smell of the ocean, early fishermen catching their meal, birds flying above, shop keeper’s setting up before the bustle of the day begins, the lights of the Ferris Wheel, magnificent sunsets that turn to candy cotton skies, and getting to leave and appreciating Shepard Fairey’s incredible mural on the Pierside Hotel at Ocean and Colorado.

"Where is your true north? Look there. Look there and dance in its direction. You are becoming more YOU through these steps. With every turn and every leap, your heart says, "More of this", "Less of that", "Yes" and "No" and "Maybe" ... and gradually, clarity comes. Through clarity, authenticity. Through authenticity, JOY. What could be greater? Find your True North. And live there, often as you can." Jai Jagdeeth

I moved to Santa Monica in 2019. This place is such a special community. Life is in the little things. #JustBeLove