Pacific Park is a famous, oceanfront amusement park that is situated on the world-renowned Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, and is the only amusement park constructed on a pier on the West Coast. The park was opened in May 1996. It was established in place of the separate Pacific Ocean Park, which was closed in 1967 and later demolished. The park covers a land area of two acres with 12 rides, 14-game midway, oceanfront food and retail stores, and a seaside dining plaza. Its main attractions and events are rides on the Pacific Wheel, the first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, and the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that provides a view of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the traditional boardwalk games and food, such as funnel cakes and burgers, and shopping for souvenirs.
What Can You See & Do at Pacific Park?
Here are the six best things to see and do at Pacific Park, California:
- Ride the Pacific Wheel: The Pacific Wheel is the last and most iconic Ferris wheel in the world, which is solar-powered and provides a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier. It was established as a landmark in many movies and TV programs. The Wheel also has a changing computer-generated light show during the evenings, comprising 16.7 million colour combinations with the 160,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
- Experience the West Coaster: The West Coaster is the only pier-based, oceanfront, steel roller coaster on the entire West Coast that offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean on a roller coaster ride. The speed of the ride is up to 35 mph, and the ride is based on two 450-degree helices. It is now a landmark of the Santa Monica Pier that has been featured in thousands of movies, TV shows and commercials.
- Play Classic Boardwalk & Arcade Games: Pacific Park has different types of midway games where visitors can challenge their abilities as well as get prizes. Visitors have an opportunity to play traditional carnival games such as Ring Toss, Water Race, Whac-A-Mole, and Balloon Bust. Visitors can also play in the Playland Arcade, where games for all ages are available.
- Try the Pacific Plunge: Pacific Plunge is a 44-foot drop tower ride that gives its riders a sense of brief weightlessness for those who want to feel the rush. Riders are raised 90 feet above the Santa Monica Bay and then dropped towards the pier deck. This is a junior drop tower that provides spectacular scenery and an exciting adrenaline rush.
- Enjoy Family & Kids Rides: Pacific Park is a family theme park that has rides of all types to be enjoyed by every member of the family. Among the rides that younger guests can enjoy are the frog hopper, which is a mini drop tower that bounces, as well as the inkie wave jumper, which lets you ride a wave. Other family-friendly attractions are the Sea Dragon, a swinging wooden ship, and Shark Frenzy, which is a shark ride Tilt-a-Whirl.
- Capture Photogenic Moments Shop for Souvenirs & Park Merchandise: The visitors can visit the seaside shops after they have fun in the rides and games. At such establishments as Pier Gear and Marlene Beachcomber, you can get gifts, clothes, and beach toys. Other carts and shops at the park sell differentiated products like collectable magnets, handmade art, and decorations.
How to Get to Pacific Park?
Here are the five best ways to go to the Pacific Park, California:
- By Metro: To reach Pacific Park, take the Metro or bus to the downtown Santa Monica Station, 4th and Colorado Avenue, and walk to the pier. It is possible to drive, and it may be costly to park in the city. It costs $1.75 per ride.
- By Bus: To ride on a bus, go to the station at 4th and Colorado Ave, which is the Downtown Santa Monica Station and then walk to the pier.
- By Limo Service: To have a more intimate and high-end experience, you can book a limousine service Los Angeles, which will drop you off at the Santa Monica Pier.
- By Car: Going by bike or scooter, take the bicycle path to Pacific Park, go through the part of the area that is near the ocean, and the Ocean Front Walk is a scenic street where there are cafes and hotels.
- By Bike/Scooter: It’s an easy way to go to the park for those who know the location. In case you are not well acquainted with the area, it is advisable that you avoid parking problems by taking public transportation, like the Metro or bus.
What Are the Entry Fees & Timings for Pacific Park?
The Santa Monica Pier has no entrance fee. The visitors pay ride by ride, which costs between $8 and $20. For unlimited access to all 12 rides, you have to buy the unlimited ride wristband online. The hours of operation in a park depend on the season and are altered in case of special events or weather. On weekends, it opens between 11 AM and 10 PM and 12 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. Before visiting the park, it is advisable to visit the official schedule on the park website at www.pacpark.com.
Where to Eat at Pacific Park? (Cost, Ambience, Menu, Staff)?
Here are the four best eating places at Pacific Park, California:
- Pacific Park Food Court: The Pacific Park Food Court is streamlined, sells hot dogs, pizza, or burgers, has a casual high-volume atmosphere, and serves in a fast-food style. This is the place to have a quick lunch so as to resume the rides.
- Beachside Bowls: Beachside Bowls offers a healthier choice of salads, grain bowls or acai bowls that are made of fresh ingredients in a casual and open-air environment. It is an excellent option when visitors want a lighter meal and to enjoy the seaside location of the park.
- Whac-A-Mole Tacos: Whac-A-Mole Tacos has a narrower, playful menu of tacos, and presumably in a casual and colourful theme that harks back to the theme of the park. It’s best for the people who need Mexican-inspired food and a taste of the playful mood of the park.
- Scoops Ice Cream & Treats: Scoops Ice Cream & Treats focuses on satisfying the sweet taste by providing a variety of ice cream, milkshake and desserts in a vintage, fun and cheerful atmosphere. It is a perfect location where visitors can get a snack to calm down and have a walk in the park.
Is Pacific Park Worth Visiting?
The Pacific Park in Santa Monica is worth visiting with its iconic Southern California atmosphere, oceanfront location, and family-friendly environment. Being the only amusement park on the West Coast on a pier, the theme park provides a rare commodity of classic rides such as the Ferris wheel, the West Coaster, midway games, and a variety of food, all whilst giving beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. The park has no entrance fee, but you have to pay per ride or purchase a wristband for unlimited fun and rides. It’s a loose touring spot to spend an afternoon as part of a bigger exploration, and to enjoy the Santa Monica Pier and the surrounding Venice Beach region.
