There are places like Pacific Park in Santa Monica that we have to visit every time we are in Los Angeles. The kind of places that are “clichés” and we could probably avoid. And yet … we systematically go back there during each stay in Los Angeles (a bit like Universal Studios Hollywood …). It is expensive, there are ultimately quite a few rides, but it’s impossible not to take a ride on the famous Pacific Wheel, with a feeling of diving into the ocean …
Park your car on the wooden platform, just to be in the mood (and yes, it will take you quite a few long minutes to go out if you leave at the end of the day, that’s the game!). You will then have direct access to Pacific Park. There, before embarking on the great adventure of the typically American luna park, you will need to choose your formula. Choose the unlimited wristbands, especially for kids, because clearly, the attractions are made for them.
If you don’t like rides, noisy places, seeing kids running around and a luna park atmosphere … quickly turn around and escape … Because that’s what awaits you at Pacific Park. A dive into a 100% American atmosphere (you will probably come across, like us, one or two actors who came with their family), but which we love to relive again and again.
Good to know
A must do
If you only want to pick one ride, it has to be Pacific Wheel. It is amazingly quiet up there and you will have a magnificent view of the entire coast. The tour is long enough to fully enjoy the panorama, the sun, well … life in California. Relax … today is good, today is enough!
The princess loved
Everything, absolutely everything. She did the rides dozens of times for some of them and enjoyed them all immensely. Even the Sea Dragon that terrified her at first left her with lasting memories. She could live all year round in Pacific Park. She especially loves the rides that spin such as Shark Frenzy.
The ups for kids
Your kids are over 8 years old
Buy them an unlimited pass and let them spend a memorable afternoon in the West Coaster, the only roller-coaster located on the seafront on the west coast of the United States, or the famous and nevertheless terrifying Sea Dragon. A bit like a pirate ship, but much worse.
Your kids are less than 8 years old
The wristband is pretty cheap (around $16) for the fun they will have doing the same ride 50 times in a row. The highlights? Shark Frenzy which makes you turn in all directions, Frog Hoper which springs young riders straight up and down to heights of over 18 feet, but also the Inkie’s Scrambler, a crazy ride that makes you turn very fast.
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Practical information
Rates
Around $ 16 for an unlimited pass for a child aged 7 and under; $ 30 for ages 8 and up.
Details
Pacific Park
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California
Website: https://pacpark.com/
The park is open 7/7, generally from noon until 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. on weekdays, but until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Our advice: pick the Santa Monica Pier car park, even if it can take a long time to go out sometimes, because city car parks can be a scam, with a cash payment and crazy amounts to pay.
There are several ways to eat in and near the park, but overall, it’s just junk food.