Historical Tour

   The history of the Santa Monica Pier rises to tourists' view. The Santa Monica Pier, extending 1600 feet into Santa Monica Bay opened in 1909. A few years later in 1916 Charles Looff began construction of another pier alongside the first where he built the Hippodrome building, a Blue Streak Racer—wooden roller coaster—and other thrill rides. The Santa Monica Pier's arch and entry ramp were built in 1939. The Lobster Restaurant at the entrance to the Pier is just one of many Santa Monica restaurants, which are worth visiting for tourists and natives. The city authorities ordered to damage the Santa Monica Pier in 1973. Concerned citizens organized a strike to save the pier and were able to get it designated into a National Historic Landmark. The helicopter commands a good view of it. Ten miles across at its widest point, fifty miles long, from Point Mugu to Griffith Park, this range lies within an hour's drive of more than six million people. In its many canyons and ridges it preserves thousands of acres of wildness in the midst of the urban area. To protect the best of this magnificent natural area, Congress in 1978 authorized creation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, under which a 70,000 acre park, to be managed by the National Park Service, was to have been acquired by the mid-1980's and added to the 33,000 acres of existing park land. Unfortunately, acquisition of land for the National Recreation Area has been hamstrung by federal and state budget constraints. The hope faded from view. The park barely survived a de-authorization attempt in 1981. Meanwhile, growing development pressures and rising land values have frustrated the acquisition of many key parcels. Land use controls, which were supposed to protect park water-sheds and other privately owned areas from incompatible development, have been weakened or withdrawn, especially in Los Angeles County, which contains the great majority of existing and potential parkland for tourists. Indeed, there are few cities in California that can boast so many beaches. A magnificent view rewards The tourists are awarded with a magnificent view staying in the helicopter.