Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Pacific Park delivers classic amusement park thrills with breathtaking ocean views from its iconic location on the Santa Monica Pier. This family-friendly park features 12 rides including the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel that rises 130 feet above the Pacific, plus midway games, and that unbeatable combination of carnival fun and beach atmosphere that kids absolutely love.

• ✓The solar-powered Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel with stunning 360-degree ocean and city views
• ✓West Coaster - a compact steel roller coaster that reaches 35 mph with drops over the pier
• ✓Sea Dragon swinging ship and Pacific Plunge tower drop for thrill-seekers
• ✓Inkie's Scrambler and classic carousel perfect for younger children
• ✓Midway games and photo opportunities with unbeatable beach backdrop

1. 1.Purchase an unlimited wristband ($39.95) if you plan to ride more than 6 attractions - it pays for itself quickly and kids can re-ride favorites without parent guilt about costs
2. 2.Arrive weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday) around 1-2 PM for the shortest lines and cooler temperatures, avoiding weekend crowds and peak summer heat
3. 3.Park in the Santa Monica Pier parking structure directly under the pier ($3/hour) for easiest access, or use nearby beach lots and make the walk part of the adventure
4. 4.Bring layers - even on warm days, it gets breezy on the pier by evening, especially on the Ferris wheel at the top
5. 5.The arcade and midway games add up fast; set a budget with kids beforehand or skip them entirely to focus on rides

Visit Tuesday through Thursday afternoons between 12:00-3:00 PM for the smallest crowds and comfortable temperatures. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather without summer's peak crowds and marine layer fog that sometimes rolls in during early summer mornings.

Admission to the pier and park is free; you pay per ride ($5-10 each) or purchase an all-day wristband. Parking runs $3-5/hour at the pier structure. Food options include pier vendors and nearby restaurants, though prices are tourist-oriented, so consider eating before or after your visit.

The park operates year-round but with reduced hours during winter months (typically closing earlier on weekdays). Summer brings extended hours until 11 PM or midnight on weekends, plus special fireworks displays. Some rides may close during rain or high winds for safety. Holiday periods (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving-New Year's) bring maximum crowds but festive decorations.

The Albright on the pier offers fish and chips with ocean views and a kids menu, while Rusty's Surf Ranch (also on the pier) serves burgers, tacos, and has a casual atmosphere perfect for sandy, excited kids post-rides.