Pacific Park Santa Monica
Oceanfront amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, featuring the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and classic rides with stunning Pacific views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Pacific Park Santa Monica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oceanfront amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, featuring the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and classic rides with stunning Pacific views.
"A classic California experience with unbeatable ocean views and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere."
🎟️ Ride Tickets vs. Wristband
Entry is free! Buy individual ride tickets if you only want a few rides, or a wristband for unlimited fun.
🌅 Sunset Views are a Must
The Pacific Wheel offers stunning sunset panoramas. Aim for late afternoon for the best light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pacific Wheel
Pacific Park
Iconic Ferris wheel offering breathtaking ocean and city views, especially at sunset.
Roller Coaster
Pacific Park
A thrilling, short coaster ride that zips over the ocean, offering unique seaside thrills.
Vintage Carousel
Santa Monica Pier Entrance
A charming, beautifully preserved carousel with a rich history, a hidden gem for nostalgia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Tickets & Rides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Santa Monica pier parking
🎟️ Ride Tickets vs. Wristband
Entry is free! Buy individual ride tickets if you only want a few rides, or a wristband for unlimited fun.
🌅 Sunset Views are a Must
The Pacific Wheel offers stunning sunset panoramas. Aim for late afternoon for the best light.
Are The Rides at Santa Monica Pier worth it??
Visiting Santa Monica Pier alone - is it safe/worth it?
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and around the park.
📸 Capture the Memories
Plenty of photo ops, especially from the Ferris wheel and along the pier.
First time going to the Santa monica pier . Recommendations?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ride Tickets vs. Wristband
Entry is free! Buy individual ride tickets if you only want a few rides, or a wristband for unlimited fun.
🌅 Sunset Views are a Must
The Pacific Wheel offers stunning sunset panoramas. Aim for late afternoon for the best light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and around the park.
📸 Capture the Memories
Plenty of photo ops, especially from the Ferris wheel and along the pier.
💡 Hidden Carousel Gem
Don't miss the vintage carousel near the entrance – it's a charming, nostalgic spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is celebrated for its unbeatable oceanfront location, iconic Ferris wheel, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a classic California experience. Visitors appreciate the free entry and the option to pay per ride, offering flexibility. While not a destination for extreme thrill-seekers, it's highly recommended for families and couples seeking nostalgic fun, great views, and a lively seaside vibe.
"Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit for its unbeatable mix of views, vibe, and family fun. The solar-powered Ferris wheel offers stunning panoramas of the Pacific and the coastline — especially magical at sunset — while the compact size makes it easy to enjoy with kids. With a dozen rides ranging from gentle attractions to a small roller coaster, plus classic games (arcade) and plenty of food stalls, it’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a laid-back California experience. Entry is free, you just pay per ride (or grab a wristband), making it flexible and budget-friendly. Overall, it’s not about extreme thrills, but about great atmosphere, ocean views, and memorable family time."
Arian Rassoul
"A Classic Slice of California – With a Carousel Surprise!
Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you have to visit at least once — a true California classic. Don’t go in expecting Disneyland-level thrills or cutting-edge rides, but if you take it for what it is — a nostalgic, colorful, oceanfront amusement park — it’s honestly pretty great.
The whole atmosphere is full of energy: street performers, cotton candy, roller coasters over the ocean, and that iconic Ferris wheel you’ve seen in a hundred movies. It’s fun, it’s lively, it’s a little chaotic — but in a charming way.
But the real hidden gem? The old wooden horse carousel tucked away right at the entrance of the pier! It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing toward the rides, but it’s by far the most magical part of the whole place. Beautifully preserved and full of vintage charm, it feels like stepping back in time.
And here’s the coolest part (for movie fans like me): it’s the carousel from the final showdown in my favorite film, Falling Down with Michael Douglas. That little detail made the whole visit even more special — surreal, even.
All in all, don’t expect too much — but expect to enjoy yourself. It’s a perfect little dose of seaside fun and nostalgia. Definitely worth a visit!"
Christoph Thomas
"Visiting this place brought us back to scenes from all the great 80's and 90's movies. We visited this park to specifically ride the roller-coaster, which was a short ride but fun. There are lots of other carnival type games and rides here as well. The Santa Monica Pier makes for a great date night or a place to visit with a young family."
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What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pacific Park is located on the Santa Monica Pier. You can reach it by car (parking available at the pier's parking structure), public transport (bus lines serve the area), or ride-sharing services. Many visitors also walk or bike to the pier.
Yes, there is a large parking structure directly attached to the Santa Monica Pier. Rates vary, so check the official Santa Monica Pier parking information for current pricing.
Absolutely! If you're staying in Santa Monica or Venice Beach, walking or biking along the beach path to the pier is a scenic option.
For convenience and to avoid parking hassles, consider ride-sharing services or public buses. The Metro E Line (Expo) also has a station near the pier.
Yes, several bus lines stop near the Santa Monica Pier, and the Metro E Line (Expo) terminus is a short walk away, making it accessible via public transit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Pacific Park itself is free. You only pay for the rides you want to go on, either individually or by purchasing an unlimited ride wristband.
Ride ticket prices vary per ride. You can also purchase an all-day unlimited ride wristband. Check the official Pacific Park website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Look for potential deals or promotions on the Pacific Park website or through third-party ticket vendors. Sometimes, special events or seasonal offers are available.
Yes, purchasing tickets or wristbands online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to save time and potentially money.
Pacific Park's hours vary seasonally and can be affected by weather. It's best to check the official Pacific Park Santa Monica website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel offers amazing views, and the roller coaster provides a fun, quick thrill over the ocean. The vintage carousel is also a unique highlight. +1
Yes, it's very family-friendly! With a variety of rides suitable for different ages, games, and the iconic Ferris wheel, it's a great spot for a family outing.
You'll find classic carnival-style games on the pier, offering chances to win prizes. It's a fun way to add some friendly competition to your visit.
While not guaranteed, the Santa Monica Pier is a popular spot, and sightings of celebrities are not uncommon, especially during events or peak times.
Expect a lively, energetic, and colorful atmosphere with street performers, music, and the general buzz of a seaside amusement park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous food stalls and eateries on the Santa Monica Pier offering classic amusement park fare like hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and cotton candy.
Yes, the Santa Monica Pier and the surrounding Third Street Promenade area offer a wide range of dining options, from casual to more upscale.
While there are many food vendors, bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted for consumption on the pier, but check specific park rules.
Pacific Park itself focuses more on quick-service kiosks for snacks and treats. For full meals, explore the many restaurants located along the Santa Monica Pier.
Classic pier foods like churros, funnel cakes, and seafood are popular choices. Don't forget to grab some cotton candy for a sweet treat!
📸 📸 Photography
The Pacific Wheel offers incredible panoramic shots, especially during sunset. The roller coaster tracks against the ocean backdrop are also popular.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos. Daytime offers bright, clear views, while evenings are magical with the park lights.
Yes, absolutely! The views from the Pacific Wheel are spectacular and offer unique photographic opportunities of the coastline and the pier.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits, so check with park management if you have specific needs.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a versatile lens to capture both wide shots and details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Pacific Wheel for stunning views that even kids will enjoy, and the vintage carousel is a charming, less crowded option. Plenty of classic carnival games offer fun challenges, and the pier itself has street performers and the aquarium, providing entertainment beyond the rides. Pack snacks or enjoy the numerous food stalls for a complete family outing.
💑 Couples
Stroll hand-in-hand along the pier, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and perhaps try your luck at some carnival games. The pier also offers numerous dining options, from casual bites to more intimate settings, making it easy to plan a full date night. The vintage carousel also adds a touch of nostalgic charm to a romantic visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you want to ride, consider purchasing individual tickets for just one or two attractions, like the Pacific Wheel or the roller coaster, rather than an all-day wristband. This allows you to experience the highlights without a significant expense. Exploring the pier's free entertainment, like street performers, also adds value to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Pacific Wheel
For the best experience, aim to ride during the 'golden hour' before sunset. This timing allows you to capture stunning photos of the coastline bathed in warm light. The gentle rotation of the wheel provides ample time to soak in the scenery and snap memorable pictures. It's a perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic moment or families wanting to create lasting memories.
While the views are the main draw, the Pacific Wheel also offers a unique perspective of the bustling pier below. You can see the roller coaster weaving through its tracks, the arcade games in full swing, and the crowds enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a moment of calm amidst the energy of the pier, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of the California coast from a unique vantage point.
Rides for Every Thrill Level
For younger visitors or those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the Carousel is a true gem. This beautifully preserved vintage carousel, often overlooked, offers a nostalgic journey with its classic wooden horses and charming music. It’s a delightful spot for photos and a step back in time. Other family-friendly options include the Tea Cups and the West Coaster, which provides gentle dips and turns.
Beyond the rides, the park also features a variety of carnival games where visitors can test their skills and win prizes. These games add to the classic amusement park atmosphere and are a fun way to engage with the park's entertainment. While Pacific Park isn't known for extreme roller coasters, its charm lies in its accessible rides, stunning oceanfront location, and the overall joyful ambiance it provides.
Navigating the Santa Monica Pier
When visiting Pacific Park, it's easy to get caught up in the rides, but take time to explore the rest of the pier. Walk along the boardwalk, enjoy the ocean breeze, and watch the waves crash below. The pier offers fantastic vantage points for photos of the coastline, the park, and the ocean. Many visitors find that the pier itself is as much of an attraction as the amusement park.
Parking is available in a large structure adjacent to the pier, which is convenient but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or using ride-sharing services to avoid parking challenges. The pier is also a popular destination for cyclists and pedestrians, with dedicated paths and walkways.
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