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United States/Things to Do in Los Angeles, solo trip

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier?

74%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 74% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can enjoy free pier access, people-watching, and buy a wristband for thrill rides, but many games and photo spots feel designed for groups so some may find it less engaging.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 14,794 reviews)
We played EVERY Carnival game at the Santa Monica Pier! - Pacific Park
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We played EVERY Carnival game at the Santa Monica Pier! - Pacific Park
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Santa Monica Pier (Pacific Park) Tour & Review with The Legend
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Pacific Park - Santa Monica, CA - Full Review, Tour, Ride Ratings, Size Ratings - Big Guy Rides
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Pacific Park - Santa Monica, CA - Full Review, Tour, Ride Ratings, Size Ratings - Big Guy Rides
3.9K views • 1 year ago
Pacific Park Review, Santa Monica Pier Amusement Park | The Famous Park You Don't Know by Name
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Pacific Park Review, Santa Monica Pier Amusement Park | The Famous Park You Don't Know by Name
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Pacific Park Vlog Santa Monica Pier June 2024
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Pacific Park Vlog Santa Monica Pier June 2024
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Pacific Park Vlog at Santa Monica Pier January 2023
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Pacific Park Vlog at Santa Monica Pier January 2023
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Positives:

  • Free Park Access: Walking the Pier and boardwalk is free all day.
  • Oceanfront Views: Many rides and benches offer direct Pacific Ocean panoramas.

Challenges:

  • Ride Sharing on Ferris Wheel: Solo riders must share a gondola with another guest or wait for staff to join.
  • Peak Hour Lines: Lines for popular rides grow long after 5 PM on weekends and holidays.
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🏖️ Explore Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier?

  • An oceanfront amusement park on the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
  • A mid-sized park hosting 12 attractions, including a nine-story solar-powered Ferris wheel and a five-story steel roller coaster
  • An energy-efficient facility powered in part by solar energy and illuminated by over 160,000 LED lights

What is so special about Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier for solo trip?

  1. Free entry to stroll the oceanfront Pier
  2. Ride a solar-powered Ferris wheel with coastal views
  3. Experience the West Coaster steel roller coaster by the sea
  4. Find easy single-ride options or unlimited wristbands
  5. Enjoy games, snacks, and street performances along the boardwalk

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: 2-3 hours lets you ride key attractions and explore the Pier at a relaxed pace.

(View Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Solar-powered Ferris Wheel:

Board the nine-story Pacific Wheel for 130-ft panoramic Pacific Coast views.

Tip: Share a gondola with another solo rider or ask staff to join. Ride late afternoon for sunset lighting.

West Coaster Roller Coaster:

Experience a 35 mph drop on a steel coaster that runs along the ocean edge.

Tip: Sit on the right side for best ocean views. Use single-ride tickets or an unlimited wristband to save.

Pier and Boardwalk Stroll:

Walk north and south along Ocean Front Walk to watch street performers and surfers for free.

Tip: Pause on benches to watch waves and volleyball. Visit early evening for cooler air and sunset.

Midway Games and Snacks:

Test your aim at carnival games and try funnel cakes or milkshakes at park stands.

Tip: Bring small bills for games. Sample seafood snacks at nearby vendors for local flavor.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

  1. Buy Wristbands Online: Purchase unlimited ride wristbands online to skip ticket lines and save if you plan 3+ rides.
  2. Time Your Visit: Arrive before opening or after 3 PM on weekdays to avoid peak crowd and midday heat.
🏖️ Tour Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

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Antonio Neves

Antonio Neves

Dec 2025

The park is really fun (and busy). The lines to ride are long but they go fast, so that is not a problem. I recommend the wheel to get astonishing views from the top, I was afraid of the gondolas because they swing a little bit when they stop the wheel on top but that was nice actually! I think this is a must go!

Diddy L

Diddy L

Nov 2025

The perfect California evening! We came here for a casual evening and ended up having the most iconic Santa Monica experience. The energy on the pier is just infectious, everyone is smiling, laughing, and just enjoying the moment. We rode the West Coaster as the sun was setting, and the views of the ocean and the coastline were absolutely breathtaking. It was the perfect mix of a fun ride and a ...

Arian Rassoul

Arian Rassoul

Aug 2025

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit for its unbeatable mix of views, vibe, and family fun. The solar-powered Ferris wheel offers stunning panoramas of the Pacific and the coastline — especially magical at sunset — while the compact size makes it easy to enjoy with kids. With a dozen rides ranging from gentle attractions to a small roller coaster, plus classic games (arcade) and p...

A R

A R

Jul 2025

Visiting this place brought us back to scenes from all the great 80's and 90's movies. We visited this park to specifically ride the roller-coaster, which was a short ride but fun. There are lots of other carnival type games and rides here as well. The Santa Monica Pier makes for a great date night or a place to visit with a young family.

Christoph Thomas

Christoph Thomas

Jun 2025

A Classic Slice of California – With a Carousel Surprise! Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you have to visit at least once — a true California classic. Don’t go in expecting Disneyland-level thrills or cutting-edge rides, but if you take it for what it is — a nostalgic, colorful, oceanfront amusement park — it’s honestly pretty great. The whole atmosphere is full of e...

When is the best time to visit Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles, United States)?

Summer evenings draw larger crowds and warmer temperatures—arrive before sunset to skip lines. Winter afternoons can be windy; bring a light jacket.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Los Angeles on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Solar-powered Ferris Wheel rideUSD 16
Unlimited ride wristbandUSD 40
Midway gameUSD 10
Snack (funnel cake or milkshake)USD 8
Total EstimatedUSD 74

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles)?

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About Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Opening Hours

Monday:12:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday:12:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday:12:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday:12:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 310-260-8744

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