At Santa Monica Pier, you can go for the rides or just enjoy the ocean view and a walk. Pacific Park is the amusement-park part of the pier. The beach, carousel and other nearby stops have their own arrangements, so you don’t need to buy every activity as one package.
Rides and tickets
The official park guide lists 12 rides, including the Pacific Wheel, West Coaster, Pacific Plunge and Sea Dragon. Check height requirements and operating status before choosing a pass, especially when visiting with younger children.
Work out which rides your group actually wants before choosing between individual tickets and a pass. Look at the price and exclusions for your date. If you mainly want the pier walk, that is a different plan from spending the afternoon on rides.
Ten ideas for a pier visit
- Ride the Pacific Wheel for an elevated ocean view, if it’s operating.
- Try West Coaster if its restrictions suit your group.
- Choose a smaller ride from the current lineup for younger visitors.
- Play a midway game after checking its price and rules.
- Walk the pier and look back toward the shoreline.
- Take a photo by the familiar Route 66 sign without blocking other visitors.
- Choose a snack or meal after comparing the menus around the pier.
- Spend time on Santa Monica State Beach, following posted beach conditions.
- Visit the carousel separately if its current schedule fits; it isn’t a Pacific Park ride.
- Stay for changing evening light if the weather and your transport plans allow.
For another activity on the pier, use the current attraction map rather than expecting a mini-golf course. The carousel is also separate from Pacific Park’s ride lineup.
Our visit and what I would plan around
On our visit, the beach atmosphere and a slow walk along the pier were as enjoyable as the rides. That is what I would leave time for again. A packed schedule can make it easy to rush past the part of Santa Monica you came to enjoy.
Pick two or three things you really want to do and leave the rest flexible. Sort out parking or transport before leaving, and bring a layer if you’ll be there into the evening. The breeze off the water can feel cooler once the sun goes down.
Is it worth visiting without a ride pass?
Yes, if the setting is what interests you. You can enjoy the pier and beach views without making the day all about rides. If rides are the main draw, look at the lineup and height restrictions first so the pass suits the people using it.
For a wider itinerary, use our Los Angeles destination guide. Santa Monica pairs more comfortably with nearby Westside stops than with a tightly timed trip across the city.
