In addition to gleaming sun and fresh ocean air, there’s now another attraction at Santa Monica Pier.

It’s the new restrooms, which were recently listed among the nation’s top 10 in an online vote conducted by a Cincinnati hygiene products manufacturer.

“We’re thrilled. This has been a quest for 10 years,” said Santa Monica Economic Development Manager Miriam Mack of the $2.8 million loo project completed last year. “We had horrible restrooms and are delighted to have finally captured the fun and whimsy of the pier.”

The building features pastel blue and green tiles, art banners and natural lighting, prompting nominating judges to describe it as “ocean-themed with undulating roof form that evokes thoughts of a vintage wooden roller coaster or ocean waves.” On the more business side, there are a total of 32 toilets and nine urinals, as well as an attached retail kiosk.

Even with all that, Santa Monica’s entry didn’t top this year’s winner: a restroom at the Fountain on Locust, an ice-cream parlor in St. Louis that sports hand-painted murals, ornate fixtures and designer mirrors.

The annual contest conducted by Cintas Corp. allows online voters to choose the best toilets based on photos. Company spokesman Joel Rubin said the award is less silly than it seems.

“Lots of people throughout the country saw those restrooms and will want to check them out next time they go to the pier,” Rubin said.