Ever dream of a place where the ocean breeze meets the thrill of amusement park rides? That’s Pacific Park. It sits right on the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It is Los Angeles’s only admission-free amusement park.
Pacific Park opened in 1996. But the pier’s history stretches back much further. The Santa Monica Municipal Pier first opened in 1909. Later, Charles I.D. Looff added the Pleasure Pier. It featured a carousel and roller coaster.
Today Pacific Park has 13 rides. There are also midway games and food. The most famous attraction is the Pacific Wheel. It is the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. It gives riders views of the Pacific Ocean. You can even see Santa Catalina Island.
The West Coaster is a steel roller coaster. It runs around the park’s edge. For a thrilling drop try the Pacific Plunge. Shark Frenzy puts a twist on the Tilt-a-whirl.
Kids will love Inkie’s Frog Hopper. There is also Inkie’s Wave Jumper. Don’t forget the bumper cars called Sig Alert EV. It is named after California’s unique traffic alert.
Pacific Park is more than just rides. It has appeared in over 500 movies and TV shows. These include “Fat Albert” and “Hannah Montana”. It also featured in the video game “Grand Theft Auto V”.
In 2016, Pacific Park celebrated its 20th birthday. It introduced a new Ferris wheel lighting package. This package can display 16.7 million colors. It created dynamic light shows at night.
The park is also eco-friendly. Solar panels generate power for the Ferris wheel. They produce over 71000-kilowatt hours of energy.
Pacific Park loves to celebrate. Moms get a free Ferris wheel ride on Mother’s Day. The park also supports the Santa Monica Police Activities League. It hosts PALpalooza to raise money for youth programs.
Pacific Park creates lasting memories. It offers fun for everyone. It is the perfect place to enjoy the California sun. It is also a place to experience the magic of the Santa Monica Pier. Come and experience Pacific Park. Feel the excitement for yourself.