If you are looking for a day of fun in the sun, a day out to Santa Monica and enjoying the Santa Monica Pier rides could be just what you need. Located around 16 miles out of Los Angeles, it can be a fun way to get out of the City of Angels and see the Pacific Ocean.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier opened all the way back in 1909. Even back then, the potential for fun amusements and attractions was recognised and rides on the Santa Monica Pier started to appear with merry go rounds and wooden roller coasters bringing thrills and fun to Pier visitors.
The tradition of Santa Monica Pier rides continues till today. At Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, thrill seekers and merry makers can enjoy a variety of rides.
Santa Monica Pier Rides at Pacific Park
Pacific Wheel
Riders can enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel.
The 85-foot-long wheel rotates at 2.5 revolutions per minute while stopping occasionally to pick up passengers. It has more than 174,000 energy-efficient LED lights. At night, these are used to create a vibrant, computer-controlled light show on the Santa Monica Pier ride.
The height requirement for the Pacific Wheel is 42″ or accompanied by an adult is under 42″.
West Coaster
The West Coaster is The only oceanfront, steel roller coaster situated on a pier over the Pacific Coast. The Santa Monica Pier ride take riders up to a height of 55 feet. Experience ocean sprays while traveling at 35 mph along the track. Also be sure to soak in the breathtaking views of Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean as you coast along.
Shark Frenzy
Climb into the mouth of one of seven different shark species, such as a tiger shark or white shark. Hang on as you go for a spin around the track in this dizzyingly fun ride. Riders need to be 48″ to ride alone, or 36″ to ride with a chaperone.
Sea Dragon
The Sea Dragon is Pacific Park’s Viking Ship ride. Riders will feel as if they are flying through the air on this swinging wooden ship which has shaking seats and a misting system.
The original Sea Dragon that opened in May 26, 1996, was been replaced by a new $1.5 million Sea Dragon in March 2023. The original Sea Dragon will be displayed at the City Museum in downtown St. Louis.
Inkie’s Scrambler
Inkie’s Scrambler is a 12-car, high-octane, swirling ride. Riders will get whipped about in circles, while going around in circles! It is a ride that goes in all sorts of unexpected directions at a rate of more than 11 revolutions per minute. Up to three people can fit in each car on Inkie’s Scrambler. It is a fun family amusement for both parents and kids.
Pacific Plunger
Want to experience weightlessness with a view of the Pacific Ocean? The 44-foot Pacific Plunge thrill ride allows riders to experience both weightless and offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Get lifted up into the air and then enjoy as the ride takes you down. The ride has two 5-seat gondolas that lift passengers 90 feet above Santa Monica Bay before taking the plunge!
Sig Alert EV
These futuristic bumper cars have bumper tubes covered in neoprene, which safely withstand bumps and provide a hover-like ride. The protective high back headrest, which is the pinnacle of safety and style, is exclusive to these cars.
Seaside Swing
Get panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on the leisurely Seaside Swing ride. Up to 16 people can sit in the Seaside Swing, which has a beach theme and swings in a 45-degree arc.
Frog Hopper
Frog Hopper is great for children. Young riders will enjoy the ride as they rise and fall straight up and down to heights of over 18 feet. They will even be able to get a sense of weightless on the ride. Frog Hopper accomodates up to seven passengers, including adults!
Sea Planes
With up to four children and adults safely and comfortably seated for the family flight, brightly colored Crop Duster-style aircraft take off. The height of the planes can be controlled from inside the cockpit.
Inkie’s Wave Jumper
On this pier-top surf ride, riders “jump” up and down and bounce around like they are riding a wave. It rotates about at 6 rpm in a clockwise direction.
Inkie’s Air Life
The movement of tea cup and hot air balloon racing movements are combined in Inkie’s Air Lift. While the balloon rises and falls, passengers can control the direction of the vehicle from inside. Inkie’s Air Lift has eight hot-air balloon-like cars with flashing lights and painted in bright rainbow colors. The cars can accommodate both children and adults.
Tickets for the Santa Monica Pier Rides
You can freely enter and leave the Santa Monica Pier amusement park. However, the rides and attractions are ticketed.
There are two options if you wish to go on the rides. You can choose to either pay for the rides individually or purchase an Unlimited Ride Wristband that allows you to go on the rides all day.
Find out more about the ticketing for the Santa Monica Pier rides here.
Carnival Games at the Santa Monica Pier
Beside the various Santa Monica Pier Rides, there are also boardwalk style games at Pacific Park. It is great for a day out and fun with friends and family.
Carnival games you’ll find at Santa Monica Pier include Water Race, Balloon Bust, Whac-a-Mole, Roll a Ball and others.
Find out more about Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier.
If you enjoyed this story and are looking for things to do over the summer, read this story about California waterparks.
