What SkySlide is and where to find it

SkySlide is a 45-story outdoor slide attached to the outside of the OUE Skyspace building in downtown Los Angeles. It runs from the 70th floor down to the 69th floor and is made of stainless steel. The slide itself is about 456 feet long, though the actual descent is shorter because of the angle. You sit on a burlap sack and slide down in about 10 seconds.

OUE Skyspace is located at 633 West Fifth Street in downtown Los Angeles, near the Crypto.com Arena and the Financial District. The building is a 70-story office and observation tower that opened in 2017. SkySlide is one of the main attractions that draws visitors to the building, alongside the observation deck on the 70th floor.

Key Takeaways

  • SkySlide costs between $20 and $30 per person depending on whether you buy a ticket online or at the building, and you must be at least 42 inches tall to ride.
  • You can ride SkySlide as a standalone ticket or bundle it with a ticket to the observation deck, which costs more but saves money if you want to visit both.
  • The slide operates during the same hours as the observation deck, typically 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though hours vary by season.
  • You will be given a burlap sack to sit on and must remove loose items like phones, keys, and glasses before riding.
  • The ride takes about 10 seconds, and you exit on the 69th floor where staff help you stand up and collect your sack.

Ticket prices and where to buy them

SkySlide tickets are sold at the box office inside the OUE Skyspace building on the ground floor. A single ride costs around $25 to $30 depending on the day and current pricing. You can also buy tickets online through the official OUE Skyspace website, which sometimes offers discounts or bundle deals.

If you want to visit both the observation deck and ride SkySlide, a combo ticket is usually cheaper than buying them separately. The observation deck ticket alone costs between $25 and $35, so a bundle might save you $5 to $10. Prices change seasonally and may be higher during peak tourist times like summer and holidays.

Children, seniors, and military personnel sometimes receive discounted rates, though you will need to show proof of age or military status at the box office. Check the OUE Skyspace website before you go to see current pricing and any active discounts.

Height and age requirements

You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride SkySlide. This is a hard requirement for safety reasons — the slide is designed for people of a certain minimum size, and riders shorter than this may not have enough friction or control during the descent.

There is no maximum age limit, and adults of any age can ride as long as they meet the height requirement and are in reasonable physical health. If you have back problems, heart conditions, or other health concerns, you should check with OUE Skyspace staff or your doctor before riding, since the slide does involve sudden acceleration and impact when you land.

Children under 18 typically need a parent or guardian present to ride, though the adult does not have to ride at the same time. Pregnant people should not ride SkySlide due to the physical forces involved.

What to bring and what to leave behind

You cannot bring phones, keys, wallets, glasses, or any loose items onto SkySlide itself. These items will fall off during the ride and be lost. OUE Skyspace provides find lockers on the 70th floor where you can store your belongings while you ride. Locker rental costs a few dollars and is worth it to keep your items safe.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose clothing like long scarves or oversized jackets that could get caught or blow around during the ride. The burlap sack you sit on provides some grip, but smooth fabrics like silk or satin may cause you to slide faster.

If you wear glasses, you will need to remove them before riding. The staff will hold them for you, or you can leave them in a locker. Sunscreen and a hat are good ideas if you are visiting on a sunny day, since you will spend time on the observation deck before or after your ride.

Hours of operation and how to get there

OUE Skyspace and SkySlide are open daily, typically from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours may be shorter in winter or extended during summer. The building is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the website before you visit to confirm hours, since they do change.

The building is located at 633 West Fifth Street in downtown Los Angeles. If you are driving, there is a parking garage in the building itself, though it fills up during peak hours. Street parking is available nearby but can be hard to find. Public transit is a good option — the building is a short walk from the Pershing Square Metro station on the Red and Purple lines.

If you are coming from the airport, take the Red Line from LAX toward Union Station and transfer to the Purple Line toward Wilshire/Western. Get off at Pershing Square and walk south on Olive Street to Fifth Street. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic and wait times.

What happens during and after your ride

When it is your turn to ride, staff will give you a burlap sack and walk you to the starting platform on the 70th floor. You sit on the sack with your legs stretched out in front of you. The staff member will push you off, and you will slide down the outside of the building for about 10 seconds. The speed and sensation depend partly on your weight and the friction of your clothing.

At the bottom, you will land on a padded platform on the 69th floor. Staff members are there to help you stand up and steady yourself — the landing can feel jarring, and some people feel dizzy or disoriented for a moment. This is normal. You will collect your burlap sack and exit through a door back into the building.

After your ride, you can visit the observation deck if you have a combo ticket, or you can leave the building. Many people take photos at the bottom of the slide as a souvenir. The staff do not take photos for you, so bring a friend or ask another visitor to take a picture if you want one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride SkySlide if I am afraid of heights?

SkySlide is not recommended for people with severe fear of heights. Although the slide itself is enclosed on the sides, you are riding on the outside of a 70-story building and can see the ground far below. The ride is fast and the sensation of falling is real. If you are uncomfortable with heights, the observation deck may be a better choice.

What if I am too heavy or too light for the slide?

There is no official weight limit for SkySlide, but very heavy riders may slide more slowly, and very light riders may slide faster. Staff can advise you on whether the slide is safe for your body type. If you have concerns, ask at the box office before buying a ticket.

Can I ride SkySlide more than once?

Yes, you can buy multiple tickets and ride as many times as you want. Some people ride twice in one visit. Each ticket is a separate purchase, so you will pay full price each time unless you buy a multi-ride package if one is available.

What happens if it rains or is windy?

SkySlide may close during heavy rain, high winds, or lightning. Check the OUE Skyspace website or call ahead if the weather looks bad. If the slide closes after you buy a ticket, you can usually get a refund or reschedule your ride for another day.

Is there a bathroom near the slide?

Yes, bathrooms are available on the 70th floor near the starting platform. Use the restroom before you ride if you need to, since you cannot bring anything with you onto the slide itself.