Is Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park worth visiting?

Pacific Park on the historic Santa Monica Pier is Los Angeles's only admission-free amusement park, offering 12 rides, games, food, and shopping. It provides a vibrant atmosphere with stunning ocean views and is considered one of the world's most photographed locations.

What are the best things to see and do at Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park?

Visitors can enjoy a dozen thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, which is the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The park also features various midway games, oceanfront specialty food vendors, and unique seaside shops.

How much does it cost to go to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier?

Admission to Pacific Park itself is free. However, rides and attractions are individually priced. Guests can purchase an Unlimited Ride Wristband for all-day ride access, with savings available for online advance purchases. Check the official site for current prices.

What are the opening hours at Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park?

Rides and games are open daily. Hours vary significantly by day and are subject to change due to weather and scheduled events. Check the official site for date-specific hours before your visit.

Is Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

Pacific Park is a family-friendly amusement park suitable for all ages, offering fun and entertainment for everyone.

Is there food available at Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park?

Yes, visitors can find oceanfront specialty food vendors throughout Pacific Park.

Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

Write a Review Santa Monica, California All ages Verified•Theme Park

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Maëlick via Openverse, CC-BY-SA-2.0
Photo by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view via Openverse, CC-BY-2.0

Visit Website

About Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

An admission-free amusement park perched over the ocean on the famous Santa Monica Pier.

Set on one of the world's most photographed landmarks, this seaside park lets you ride above the surf with Malibu and Catalina on the horizon.

What you'll see and do - Ride a dozen attractions including the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel - Try your luck at midway games along the pier - Browse oceanfront specialty food vendors and unique seaside shops - Soak up views of Malibu, the Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island with ocean breezes throughout

Attraction Details

Facilities

Food court
Gift shop

Events at Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

Wheel Lighting: AAPI Heritage RED | Pacific Wheel
May 1, 2026
The Pacific Wheel will be lit in AAPI Heritage Red from dusk until midnight.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 2, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Santa Monica Airport Antique Market
May 3, 2026
A fun outdoor and dog-friendly market with many great dealers offering furniture, antiques, collectibles, art, vintage clothes, jewelry, rugs and more.
Wheel Lighting: Cinco de Mayo | Pacific Wheel
May 5, 2026
The Pacific Wheel will be lit for Cinco de Mayo from dusk until midnight.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 6, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 9, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 13, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Beach Boys 5k & Wellness Event
May 16, 2026
An event with 500 to 1000 runners, featuring a stage, speakers, canopies, freebies, and a VIP area.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 16, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
May 17, 2026
Downtown Farmers Market
May 20, 2026
The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, featuring fresh produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, foods, and live music.
Locals’ Night
May 21, 2026
A curated series for locals, by locals, held every third Thursday of the month from September to May.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park is at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Get Directions Visit Website

This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026