Sight
Santa Monica Camera Obscura
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The Santa Monica Camera Obscura is a historic optical device located at the end of the Santa Monica Pier. Housed in a small building, it uses a lens and mirrors to project a live, 360-degree image of the surrounding beach, ocean, and pier onto a darkened table inside. Built in the early 20th century, it offers a unique and mesmerizing way to see the coastline in real time. Visitors can watch the waves, people, and seagulls move across the screen, making it a fascinating blend of art, science, and history.
Don't miss
- Live projected image of the beach and ocean
- Historic optical device from the early 1900s
- Interactive experience with moving reflections
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Santa Monica Camera Obscura
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inHollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Home Tour from Santa Monica4.9★ · 267 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$59 per personSee dates →
Best full dayFull-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills4.9★ · 2,773 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$95 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate EBike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches5★ · 64 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$119 per personSee dates →More attractions in Santa Monica