Pacific Park 🇺🇸

Looking for classic oceanfront amusement park fun in Southern California? Head to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Located directly on the pier facing the Pacific Ocean towards Santa Catalina Island, this two-acre full-scale family amusement park opened in 1996.

It holds the distinction of being the only amusement park on the West Coast situated directly on a pier, as well as the only admission-free amusement park in Los Angeles County. You do not need an admission ticket to enter and stroll through the park, though individual rides charge a fee. When you visit, you can explore thirteen rides, play midway games, browse retail shops, or grab a bite at various food outlets.

Ride highlights include the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster running around the park's perimeter that reaches speeds of 35 miles per hour, and the Pacific Wheel. Standing 85 feet tall, the Pacific Wheel is famous as the world's first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel, offering a vantage point over 130 feet above the pier. You will also find thrill rides like the 45-foot Pacific Plunge drop tower and Shark Frenzy, along with fun bumper cars and kids' rides like Inkie's Frog Hopper.

What to see at Pacific Park

• The world's first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel.
• The West Coaster steel roller coaster reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour.
• The West Coast's only pier-based amusement park and LA County's only admission-free park.
• Thrill and family rides including Pacific Plunge, Sea Dragon, Shark Frenzy, and Sig Alert EV bumper cars.
• Midway games, food outlets, shopping, and scenic oceanfront views.

Visiting tips

Because entry to the park is admission-free, you can walk through to enjoy the atmosphere, food, and games without paying a gate fee.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Flexible

How to get there & what’s nearby

Pacific Park is easy to reach on Santa Monica’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Santa Monica Pier. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santa Monica travel guide.