15. The iconic neon Santa Monica Yacht Harbor sign

Erected in 1941, the sign was built to promote the pier and the newly constructed breakwater, which was intended to create a safe harbor for yachts. While the yacht harbor never fully materialized, the sign remained, becoming an enduring emblem of Santa Monica's coastal charm.

The sign is a beautiful example of mid-century neon art. Its bright blue and white letters, arching gracefully over the pier entrance, evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic Americana. It is especially striking at night when the neon tubes glow brightly against the dark sky.

No trip to Santa Monica is complete without a photo under the Yacht Harbor sign. It serves as the official starting point for a stroll down the pier, framing the Pacific Ocean and the amusement park in the distance.

When is the best time to photograph the sign?

Dusk is the best time to photograph the sign, as the neon lights are visible but there is still enough ambient light to capture the details of the arch and the pier behind it.

Was there ever a real yacht harbor?

A breakwater was built in the 1930s to create a harbor, but it was largely unsuccessful due to shifting sands and storms. The sign outlasted the harbor it was meant to promote.