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Pacific Park- The Family Amusement Park in Santa Monica, California

by Philippa Lane

Are you looking to have a fun time at the beach? How would you like to experience exciting rides, games, delectable food, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean breeze all at the same time?

If you are on vacation or are visiting southern California, why not head over to an exciting and fun filled amusement park that is located on the pier in Santa Monica, California.

I have lived in California for a very long time and have gone on many trips to Santa Monica and played on the beach since I was a little child. The pier was a special place for me and when I would lie on the sand, I would always look at the rides, such as the giant roller coaster and wonder what it would be like to ride it. At that time it was called Pacific Ocean Park, but we used to call it “P-0-P.” Finally, the day came when I was able to take a ride on the big wooden roller coaster. Wow, what an experience that was. That was many years ago and Pacific Ocean Park is no longer there. It has been replaced with a new amusement park, which is now called Pacific Park.

Pacific Park is the only amusement park located on a pier in the entire West Coast and provides a distinctive experience that is fun for both children and adults. There are eateries with stunning views of the ocean, 18 interactive carnival games, 12 exciting rides, and shops filled with wonderful gifts for people of all ages.

The new amusement park has some of the rides that remind me of the ones that I had gone on years ago, the only difference is that the rides are situated very close to one another and is no longer a “theme park”. The Ferris wheel is in close proximity to the egg beater ride, pacific plunge, rollercoaster, and the sea dragon ride. There are many rides to choose and each one has a unique style.

The ticket booth is located right next to the sea dragon ride, which I was not very pleased with, because I did not feel comfortable standing there with the large and heavy dragon repeatedly swooping over my head and making a loud dragon sound.

I was able to go on many rides at Pacific Park, but my favorite ride was the Ferris wheel. The ride itself is very colorful with a seating area that resembles a giant bowl. It slowly takes you more than 130 feet high up in the sky, providing an exhilarating, panoramic view of the coastline and ocean below. The Ferris wheel has more than 160 lights that illuminate the sky and provide entertainment in the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride tremendously, because it allowed me to see the beautiful Pacific Ocean and miles of glistening sand.

If you are hungry there are many places to eat at Pacific Park and along the pier, such as the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Taco Bell, Funnel Cake Factory, Pizza Hut, Harbor Grill, and more.

I will say that when I was younger and when it was called Pacific Ocean Park or P.O.P, it was more like a theme park in those days, but now it has become an amusement park with mostly rides, without any definitive themes, but even though Pacific Park is not a theme park, it still offers a lot of wholesome fun filled adventure for everyone.

After hours of fun and excitement at Paradise Park, I walked with my daughter along the pier and there was a young man playing his guitar and singing. He politely called us over and asked if we wanted to hear him sing a song. He sang pretty good and played the guitar very well. His name is Jason Hurley and he also gives guitar lessons, so if you ever want to hear him sing and play the guitar, you may just have the pleasure of seeing him when you visit the Santa Monica Pier.

An all day unlimited ride wristband for children 7 and under are about $13.95 and for ages 8 and up, it is about $18.95 for an all day unlimited ride wristband. Individual rides range from $3.00-$5.00 per ride. To enjoy Pacific Park throughout the year, you can purchase an annual pass for only $99.00. Parking down at the pier is $8.00 (cash only) for an entire day and you can lay on the sand, take a dip in the ocean, take a stroll along the pier, and then hop on some fun and exciting rides to top off your day at Pacific Park.

If you are looking for an exciting amusement park to take your family to that has fun rides, great games, and delicious food with a stunning ocean view, then I highly recommend that you visit Pacific Park.

For more information about Pacific Park, please go to: http://pacpark.com