Santa Monica Pier is a historic amusement pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. Opened in 1909, it is one of the best-known coastal landmarks in Southern California, with its boardwalk, amusement rides, Looff Hippodrome carousel building, and views over the Pacific. It is also one of the most frequently filmed locations in the Los Angeles area.
Santa Monica Pier appears in numerous films and television productions, including The Sting (1973), Forrest Gump (1994), Ruthless People (1986), Cellular (2004), Iron Man (2008), Her (2013), Modern Family (2009–2020), and Seinfeld (1989–1998). In Seinfeld, the pier was used more than once for reflective outdoor scenes, even though the series was set in New York.
In The Sting (1973), the Santa Monica Pier’s Looff Hippodrome was used as the residence and carousel base of Henry Gondorff, played by Paul Newman. The pier’s older amusement architecture was well suited to the film’s Depression-era setting, even though the story itself is set in Chicago.
In Forrest Gump (1994), Santa Monica Pier is used for the end of Forrest’s cross-country run. The location became especially associated with the moment when he reaches the coast and turns back, making the pier one of the film’s best-known California locations.
In Iron Man (2008), Santa Monica Pier appears as part of the film’s Southern California setting. The pier is among the recognisable coastal locations used to place the story within the Los Angeles area.
In Her (2013), Santa Monica Pier appears in the film’s Los Angeles setting, where its waterfront and amusement area form part of the city’s futuristic but still recognisable urban landscape.
In Ruthless People (1986), Santa Monica Pier is used for the climactic final scene. The pier functions here as a major story location rather than a passing background landmark.
In Cellular (2004), Santa Monica Pier is one of the coastal Los Angeles locations used during the film. Its inclusion helps anchor the action in a recognisable Southern California setting.
In Modern Family (2009–2020), Santa Monica Pier appears in a Season 1 episode. In this case, the pier is used as a familiar Southern California family-outing location rather than as a dramatic set-piece.
In Seinfeld (1989–1998), Santa Monica Pier appears in several episodes as the place where George or Jerry sits alone and thinks through his life and relationships. When their come to their conclusion, both George and Jerry starts running, scaring all the seagulls to fly away. The pier is identified for “The Engagement” (1992), “The Opposite” (1994), “The Invitations” (1996), and “The Voice” (1997).
Seinfeld (1989–1998)
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump was shot across several parts of the United States, but its strongest geographical identity comes from Georgia and South Carolina.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld is inseparable from New York in tone, most of the series was filmed in Los Angeles. The series used real New York locations for key establishing shots.
Griffin Club Los Angeles
Griffin Club Los Angeles appears in the dark comedy thriller series Based on a True Story, where it is used as the private club attended by the characters.
O’Neill House
The O’Neill House is best known as a filming location in two feature films: Breathless (1983) and 8 Million Ways to Die (1986).
Beverly Hills City Hall
Beverly Hills City Hall in Beverly Hills was used in the "Beverly Hills Cop" films, where it appears as part of the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Pann’s Restaurant
Pann’s Restaurant has appeared in several films and television productions, like xXx, Bewitched, Next and the TV series Based on a True Story.
Tavern on Main
In 8 Million Ways to Die, Tavern on Main is used as The Keg Bar. The exterior of the bar is shown on Main Street, with Scudder’s apartment located behind it.
The Viper Room
The Viper Room appears in Valley Girl (1983), The Doors (1991), Be Cool (2005), Daisy Jones & the Six (2023), and Walking the Edge (1985).
Hermosa Beach Community Center
Hermosa Beach Community Center was used as part of Bates High School in the Stephen King classic horror movie Carrie from 1976.
The Shelley
The Shelley appears in Seinfeld (1989–1998). In the series, it serves as the exterior of Jerry’s apartment, even though the character’s address is in Manhattan.
Family Arcade LA
In Dexter: Original Sin, Family Arcade LA appears in episode 9, Blood Drive. Dexter lures Captain Spencer to the arcade, transforming it into a kill room.
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