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Pacific Park Santa Monica

4.6
·15k reviews·Santa Monica, United States

Oceanfront amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, featuring the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and classic rides with stunning Pacific views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Океанический парк

Pacific Park Santa Monica

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(15k reviews)

"A classic California experience with unbeatable ocean views and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 14,877 reviews

Type

Amusement Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pacific Wheel

Pacific Wheel

Pacific Park

Iconic Ferris wheel offering breathtaking ocean and city views, especially at sunset.

Roller Coaster

Roller Coaster

Pacific Park

A thrilling, short coaster ride that zips over the ocean, offering unique seaside thrills.

Vintage Carousel

Vintage Carousel

Santa Monica Pier Entrance

A charming, beautifully preserved carousel with a rich history, a hidden gem for nostalgia.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a popular spot, especially during peak season and weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Check their operating hours in advance, as they can vary seasonally.

Tickets & Rides

Entry to Pacific Park itself is free, but you'll need to purchase ride tickets or an unlimited ride wristband. Decide if you'll be riding multiple attractions to determine the best value. Many visitors opt for a few key rides rather than a full wristband.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Magical views from the Ferris wheel
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, ocean breeze
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Purchase a $25 Wristband and receive $25 in FREE gameplay. If you’re local to LA or planning to visit for the holidays. Make sure to come check out Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier. This Offer is valid until Dec 31, 2024 and can be redeemed at the ticket booth on site by showing the barcode either printed or screenshot on your phone #pacpark #santamonicapier #santamonica #holidays @Pacific Pa...
@waitwhatdelb
3K likes • 73.5K views

🎟️ Ride Tickets vs. Wristband

Entry is free! Buy individual ride tickets if you only want a few rides, or a wristband for unlimited fun. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views are a Must

The Pacific Wheel offers stunning sunset panoramas. Aim for late afternoon for the best light. Reddit

How plus size friendly is Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier in California? #california #santamonicapier #santamonica #pacificpark #amusementpark #amusementparkrides #rollarcoaster #rides #thrillseekers #beach #beachvibes #beachday #ferriswheel #shark #sharks #sharkweek #tryingrides #Venice #venicebeach #familytime #familyfun
@plussizeadventures
78 likes • 3.2K views
🎡 Santa Monica Pier | Wonders of California 🇺🇸 | Iconic Beach Vibes, Sunset Views & Fun Rides 🌊🎠 Step into the heart of California’s coastal charm at the Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles, California 🇺🇸. From Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel 🎡 to endless ocean views 🌊, this historic pier blends entertainment, beach culture, and oceanfront beauty like no other. #SantaMon...
@timeless.travel.diaries
148 likes • 6.4K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and around the park. Reddit

📸 Capture the Memories

Plenty of photo ops, especially from the Ferris wheel and along the pier. Instagram

🎢 West Coaster 📍 Pacific Park The coaster is meh, but the views can not be beaten! #westcoaster #pacificpark #santamonicapier #rollercoaster #coasterpov
@rollercoasterbuffoon
490 likes • 23.9K views

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. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views are a Must

The Pacific Wheel offers stunning sunset panoramas. Aim for late afternoon for the best light. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and around the park. Reddit

📸 Capture the Memories

Plenty of photo ops, especially from the Ferris wheel and along the pier. Instagram

💡 Hidden Carousel Gem

Don't miss the vintage carousel near the entrance – it's a charming, nostalgic spot. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(15k reviews)

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.

"The perfect California evening!

We came here for a casual evening and ended up having the most iconic Santa Monica experience. The energy on the pier is just infectious, everyone is smiling, laughing, and just enjoying the moment.

We rode the West Coaster as the sun was setting, and the views of the ocean and the coastline were absolutely breathtaking. It was the perfect mix of a fun ride and a stunning vista. We also picked up some cute souvenirs from the gift shop, great prices and a nice memento.

But honestly, the best parts were free: feeling the ocean breeze, watching the incredible sunset paint the sky, walking on the sandy beach, and standing at the symbolic end of the historic Route 66. You can just feel the history and the joy here.

It's a must-do for locals and tourists alike. A quintessential, feel-good spot that reminds you why we love California!"

Diddy L

"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

"Had a fantastic time at the Santa Monica Pier We just got off the plane from Houston Texas to visit my father here and had to stop and enjoy everything We had a good time saw a few celebrities and tried to relax before we checked into our hotel Love the food love the vendors love the excitement and of course the beautiful breeze and sites need to show these pictures to Galveston Texas Pier and need to upgrade ASAP cuz I love my beach at home and I love this beach also haven't been here in 15 years🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🥥🥥🥥🏖️🌊🐚👙🩴⛱️🌞🌅🌻☀️😎🕶️👙🫡"

KeKe Tha' DON

What People Like

Iconic Ferris wheel views
Oceanfront location
Free entry, pay per ride

What People Dislike

Rides can be short
Can get crowded

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, purchasing tickets or wristbands online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to save time and potentially money. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎡 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. Reddit+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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While not guaranteed, the Santa Monica Pier is a popular spot, and sightings of celebrities are not uncommon, especially during events or peak times. Reddit

Expect a lively, energetic, and colorful atmosphere with street performers, music, and the general buzz of a seaside amusement park. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, the Santa Monica Pier and the surrounding Third Street Promenade area offer a wide range of dining options, from casual to more upscale. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Classic pier foods like churros, funnel cakes, and seafood are popular choices. Don't forget to grab some cotton candy for a sweet treat! Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Pacific Wheel offers incredible panoramic shots, especially during sunset. The roller coaster tracks against the ocean backdrop are also popular. Instagram

Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos. Daytime offers bright, clear views, while evenings are magical with the park lights. Instagram

Yes, absolutely! The views from the Pacific Wheel are spectacular and offer unique photographic opportunities of the coastline and the pier. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits, so check with park management if you have specific needs. Instagram

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. Instagram

Pacific Park Santa Monica (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide