The Santa Monica Pier Sign Is Coming Down This Fall for a Restoration in Las Vegas
The 1941 neon landmark will be restored by YESCO while the Pier Bridge is replaced, with a return expected in late 2027.
The Santa Monica Pier sign, unveiled on June 17, 1941, will be temporarily removed this fall as the City of Santa Monica replaces the 1939 Pier Bridge, which no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. The sign will travel to YESCO in Las Vegas for restoration of its neon tubing, rust removal, repainting and structural repairs, and is expected to return in late 2027, set higher atop the new bridge for better visibility.
Built by the Pan-Pacific Neon Sign Company for $2,000, the sign reads "Santa Monica Yacht Harbor, Sport Fishing, Boating, Cafes" and is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources. During construction, a lit, half-scale replica stands just before Pier Burger.
The pier and its restaurants, shops and attractions remain open, and the new bridge is targeted to reopen before the 2028 Olympics.
Need to know
- Where
- Santa Monica Pier, Colorado Ave and Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Hours
- Sign removal fall 2026; return expected late 2027.
- Price
- Free to visit. The pier, restaurants, shops and attractions stay open.
Source: City of Santa Monica