Pacific Wheel

The Pacific Wheel is a 130-foot tall Ferris wheel with 24 gondolas located in Pacific Park right on the Santa Monica Pier. Each gondola holds up to six people and offers views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and surrounding coastline during the approximate ten-minute ride.

The wheel opened in 1996 as part of Pacific Park and was retrofitted in 2011 to become the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel. This transformation made it a pioneer in sustainable amusement park technology.

The wheel has become a gathering place for families and visitors since its opening and now defines the character of the beachside amusement park. It sits directly on the pier alongside restaurants, arcades, and other rides that together form the heart of Santa Monica's entertainment scene.

The ride lasts about ten minutes and gives visitors plenty of time for photography and exploring the surroundings. Access to the pier is straightforward and the wheel operates year-round, with the best time to visit during clear weather.

The wheel is illuminated by thousands of LED lights after dark, creating colorful light patterns. This nighttime display is visible from across the pier and from distant sections of the beach, making the structure a recognizable landmark after sunset.