Santa Monica, CA is home to Pacific Park, the only West Coast amusement park located directly on a pier and one of Los Angeles’s best-loved attractions. Since opening in 1996, it has become an iconic place where visitors enjoy panoramic ocean views, bright lights, and a dozen exciting rides—all without paying admission to enter the pier.
Twelve Exciting Rides for Every Thrill-Seeker
Pacific Park features 12 rides suited to all ages and thrill levels. The signature Pacific Wheel is the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, lifting riders more than 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean with over 16 million possible LED color combinations. The West Coaster is a steel roller coaster that runs around the park’s perimeter, reaching speeds of around 35 mph and heights of 55 ft, with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay during the ride. Other attractions include the swinging Sea Dragon, the spinning Inkie’s Scrambler, the thrilling plunge of Pacific Plunge, and kids’ rides like Shark Frenzy and Seaside Swing more suited for younger guests.
A Coastal Destination Brimming with Atmosphere
Beyond rides, Pacific Park offers classic midway games, ocean-front food vendors, and unique shopping along the pier. Street performers, including musicians and acrobats, add to the festive vibe, creating a lively atmosphere that engages every sense. The pier’s history is deeply rooted in the community: once nearly demolished, it was saved by local activists and celebrities and later restored as a historic landmark, now drawing nearly 10 million visitors annually and contributing significantly to the city’s economy.
Why You Should Visit Pacific Park
A visit to Pacific Park in Santa Monica, CA combines excitement and scenery like no other. Whether you’re riding the solar-powered Ferris wheel at sunset, testing your courage on the coaster, or enjoying carnival games with the ocean as your backdrop, it delivers fun for couples, families, and solo visitors alike. With no ticket to enter the pier, flexible ride pricing, and convenient year-round operation, this park remains a vibrant and accessible coastal destination.