Charles Brittin Photographs: The Decay of Pacific Ocean Park

Pacific Ocean Park, better known as POP to locals, was the last of the great amusement parks in the Santa Monica/Venice area, boasting a series of aquatic rides, Tikki-themed environments and more. The park burned down in 1971 and became a dangerous and enticing playground for local surfers, who rode the wave breaks under the dilapidated pier. The photos below by Charles Brittin captures the gloom of the area during its final phases. Photos courtesy of the Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin Archives.