Pacific Park: Santa Monica Pier's Thrilling Heart
Experience classic seaside thrills at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, featuring the world-famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, exciting rides, midway games, and stunning ocean views.
Pacific Park, perched on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, is a vibrant amusement park offering classic seaside thrills and stunning ocean views. As the only admission-free amusement park on the West Coast located on a pier, it provides a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Home to the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel, the park features a mix of rides, midway games, and over-the-ocean dining, making it a quintessential Southern California destination. From the exhilarating West Coaster roller coaster to family-friendly attractions like Inkie's Air Lift, Pacific Park captures the nostalgic charm of a classic amusement park while embracing modern technology and sustainability. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or a leisurely stroll along the pier, Pacific Park promises a memorable day by the sea.
A brief summary to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
- 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, 90401, US
- +1310-260-8744
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-9 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9 pm
- Friday 11 am-10 pm
- Saturday 11 am-10 pm
- Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the late afternoon or early evening for stunning sunset views from the Pacific Wheel.
- Check the Pacific Park website for daily operating hours, as they can vary depending on the season and special events.
- Consider purchasing a ride wristband for unlimited access to all of Pacific Park's rides if you plan to ride multiple attractions.
- Take advantage of the nearby public transportation options, such as the Metro Expo Line or Big Blue Bus, to avoid parking hassles.
- Explore the Santa Monica Pier beyond Pacific Park, including the Heal the Bay Aquarium and the historic carousel.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Downtown Santa Monica Expo Line Station (4th and Colorado Ave), walk west on Colorado Avenue towards the ocean. Cross Ocean Avenue and continue onto the Santa Monica Pier. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and well-signposted. The Metro Expo Line fare is $1.75 per person each way, including two hours of free transfers. Alternatively, several Big Blue Bus lines stop near the pier at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. A local trip on the Big Blue Bus costs $1.25 per person.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Santa Monica or nearby areas, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) can drop you off directly at the Santa Monica Pier entrance at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. Expect to pay around $8-$15 for a ride from Downtown Santa Monica, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
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Driving
If driving, take the ramp located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue down to the Pier. Parking is available on the Pier itself, or in the adjacent beach lots. Parking rates on the pier vary, with typical rates ranging from $7 to $18 per day, but can be higher during peak season or special events. Beach Lot 1 North, located immediately north of the Pier, is another option. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and sunny days. Metered street parking is also available in the area, typically costing $1-$2 per hour with a 2-hour time limit.
Discover more about Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Beach Crossing Staircase
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Will Rogers Highway Marker
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Santa Monica Place
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Viceroy Santa Monica
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Clock Tower Building
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Crescent Bay Park
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Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
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Downtown Santa Monica
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Historic Belmar Park
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Santa Monica Statue
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Miramar Moreton Bay Fig Tree
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Edwin Building
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Horatio Court (Point of Interest - Architecture)
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Santa Monica History Museum
1.3 km
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Old Rte 66,
1.4 km
Discover the western end of the legendary Route 66 in Santa Monica, where the iconic highway meets the Pacific Ocean, offering a blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Pacific Wheel
0.0 km
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West Coaster
0.1 km
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Santa Monica Pier
0.1 km
Explore the historic Santa Monica Pier, where fun meets history against the stunning backdrop of the California coastline.
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
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Route 66 End of the Trail
0.1 km
Experience the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier, where history meets breathtaking ocean views and vibrant culture.
Santa Monica Pier Carousel
0.2 km
Experience a nostalgic ride on a hand-carved carousel at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark offering timeless fun and breathtaking ocean views for visitors of all ages.
Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome
0.2 km
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Heal the Bay Aquarium
0.3 km
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Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica
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Chess Park
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Santa Monica Pier Arch
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Yacht Harbour, Santa Monica
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Surf City Tours
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Essential places to dine
The Albright
0.2 km
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Seaside on the Pier
0.2 km
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The Lobster
0.4 km
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Bruno's Italian Restaurant
0.4 km
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RED O CANTINA
0.5 km
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Chez Jay
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Meat On Ocean
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Santa Monica Whaler
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1 Pico
0.6 km
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Sol Agave - santa monica
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True Food Kitchen
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Water Grill
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North Italia
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Coast
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LouLou Santa Monica
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pier Gear
0.0 km
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Beachcomber Gift Cart
0.1 km
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Santa Monica Pier Rock Shop
0.1 km
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Oatman Rock Shop
0.1 km
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66-To-Cali
0.2 km
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Santa Monica Pier Bait and Tackle (Route 66 Gift Shop)
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Gift & Souvenirs Santa Monica
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Sand 'n Surf
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LA Gift Stop
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Free People
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UNIQLO Santa Monica Place
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Johnny Was
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Urban Outfitters
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Anthropologie
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Wonders of the World
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
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The Backyard
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The Living Room
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Bar Chloe
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Lanea
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Ye Olde King's Head
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The Coco Club
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THE BUNGALOW
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Esters Wine Shop & Bar
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Bodega Wine Bar
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Basement Tavern
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Jameson’s Pub
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Tavern on Main SM
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JuneShine - Santa Monica
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Library Alehouse
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Harvelle's
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Jame’s’ smoothies
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TR!P Santa Monica
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Nameless Santa Monica
1.8 km
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Senator Jones
3.0 km
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Gas Lite
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Acts Of Service Sounds
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The Venice West
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Club Sunset
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Busby's West
4.1 km
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thelma todd's sidewalk cafe
6.8 km
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Nightlife Empire
10.3 km
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Nightclub Rescue
10.3 km
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Grand Havana Room
11.3 km
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Jim
11.8 km
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