What the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel is and where to find it

The Pacific Park Ferris Wheel is a 85-foot tall observation wheel located at Pacific Park, an amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier in California. The wheel sits at the western end of the pier, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the few amusement park rides powered entirely by solar panels.

Pacific Park is open year-round, though hours change by season. The park itself is free to enter — you only pay when you ride individual attractions. The Ferris wheel operates during all park hours, weather permitting. High winds or electrical storms close the ride temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pacific Park Ferris Wheel costs a single ticket per person and takes about 12 to 15 minutes for a complete rotation with two stops at the top.
  • The wheel operates year-round during park hours, which vary from 11 a.m. to midnight in summer and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in winter, though specific dates change annually.
  • You do not need to purchase park admission — Pacific Park is free to walk through, and you pay only for rides you choose to board.
  • The ride accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices, though you must transfer from your device into the gondola seat itself.

Ticket prices and how to pay

A single ride on the Ferris wheel costs one ticket. Ticket prices vary depending on how you purchase them. If you buy tickets at the park on the day you visit, prices are higher than if you purchase them online in advance. Exact prices change seasonally and by demand, so check the Pacific Park website or call the park directly before your visit for current rates.

You can purchase tickets at the ride entrance or at the main ticket booth near the pier entrance. The park accepts cash and all major credit cards. Some visitors buy a multi-ride ticket package, which offers a per-ride discount if you plan to ride multiple attractions during your visit.

What happens during the ride

The Ferris wheel has 16 enclosed gondolas, each holding up to six people. Once your gondola fills, the operator closes the door and the wheel begins to rotate slowly. The ride makes a complete rotation, which takes 12 to 15 minutes. The wheel stops twice — once at the top and once at the bottom — to load and unload passengers, so you get two extended views from the highest point.

From the top, you can see the Santa Monica Pier, the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, and on clear days, the Los Angeles skyline to the east. The gondolas are climate-controlled and have windows on all sides. Children often find the slow, steady motion less intense than faster rides, making it a popular choice for families with younger children or people who prefer gentler attractions.

Accessibility and physical requirements

The Ferris wheel accommodates visitors using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. You can wheel up to the ride entrance, but you must transfer from your device into the gondola seat. Park staff can information with the transfer. If you have difficulty standing or transferring, speak with the operator before boarding — they can tell you whether the ride will work for your situation.

There is no height requirement to ride the Ferris wheel. Children of any age can board if accompanied by an adult. Pregnant people should check with the operator, as some pregnancies may make the ride uncomfortable. If you have heart conditions, back problems, or other medical concerns, consult your doctor before riding, as the slow motion and height may still affect some people.

Planning your visit

Pacific Park is busiest on weekends and during school holidays. Weekday visits, especially mid-morning or late afternoon, typically have shorter waits. Summer months (June through August) draw larger crowds than fall and winter. The Ferris wheel itself rarely has a wait longer than 15 to 20 minutes, even on busy days, because the ride capacity is high and the rotation is continuous.

Bring sunscreen and water, especially on warm days — the wheel offers no shade, and you are exposed to direct sun during your rotation. The pier can be windy, so bring a light jacket even if the temperature seems warm. Parking near the pier fills quickly on weekends; consider arriving early or using public transit if you are visiting during peak hours.

What to bring and what is not allowed

You can bring small bags, phones, and cameras onto the gondola. Many visitors take photos from the top. Loose items like hats or sunglasses can fall during the ride, so find them or leave them with a companion on the ground. Do not bring large backpacks, luggage, or items that cannot fit comfortably in a small bag — the gondola space is limited.

Glass containers, weapons, and illegal substances are not allowed in Pacific Park. Smoking is prohibited on the pier and in the park. Service animals are allowed; pets are not. If you are visiting with a service animal, let the operator know before boarding so they can may support the animal is find during the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride the Ferris wheel if I am afraid of heights?

The wheel moves very slowly and stops twice, so you have time to adjust. The enclosed gondola with windows on all sides means you are not exposed to open air. Many people with height anxiety ride it successfully. If you are very anxious, ride during a less crowded time so you can take your time boarding and exiting.

Is there a bathroom near the Ferris wheel?

Yes. Pacific Park has public restrooms located near the main ticket booth and throughout the pier. Use the restroom before boarding if you need to, as the ride takes 12 to 15 minutes and you cannot exit mid-rotation.

What if the weather is bad when I arrive?

High winds, rain, or electrical storms close the ride temporarily. The park will reopen it once conditions improve. If you are visiting on a day with uncertain weather, check the Pacific Park website or call ahead to confirm the wheel is operating before you make the trip.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Pacific Park?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the park. Pacific Park has food vendors throughout, including restaurants and snack stands. Prices are typical for amusement park food — higher than grocery stores but comparable to other pier attractions.

Do I need to buy a ticket in advance or can I buy it at the park?

You can buy tickets either way. Advance online purchase is usually cheaper, but you can also buy at the ride entrance on the day you visit. If you are unsure whether you will ride, buying at the park gives you the option to decide once you arrive.