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The Daily Insight

How tall is the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier?

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Updated on March 27, 2026

The world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel gives visitors a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier. Measuring 85 feet, the Wheel moves at 2.5 revolutions per minute with intermittent stops to pick up passengers.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how high is the Santa Monica Pier from the water?

The nine-story tall Ferris wheel lifts riders more than 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Prior to Pacific Park's opening, the Santa Monica Pier overcame a rough journey to reach its present-day landmark status.

Beside above, how old is Santa Monica Ferris? The nine-story tall Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel first debuted in May 1996 with the opening of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and was adapted as the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel in November 1998.

Also question is, how much is the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel?

Rides and attractions are priced individually and range in price from $5-10. You can purchase tickets at the ticket booth for individual rides or play more by purchasing an Unlimited Ride Wristband.

What time do rides close at Santa Monica Pier?

Pacific Park's rides, including the Pacific Wheel, are currently closed to the public. The Santa Monica Pier is now accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not all businesses on the Pier will be open during this limited operation.

Related Question Answers

Are there sharks in Santa Monica?

“It is very common to see young white sharks in Santa Monica Bay and throughout Southern California, especially in the late summer and early fall,” said Kristen Macintyre, communications manager at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Is Santa Monica Pier safe?

Santa Monica Pier is nothing great IMO. Pretty trashy rides and pretty trashy people. Its pretty safe and I wouldnt worry about the cold-its been very warm here recently.

What movies were filmed at the Santa Monica pier?

Movies filmed on the Santa Monica Pier
  • A Night at the Roxbury (1998) IMDB. Directed by: John Fortenberry.
  • Bean (1997) IMDB. Directed by: Mel Smith.
  • Beverly Hills Cop 3 (1994) IMDB.
  • Black Eye (1974) IMDB.
  • By The Sad Sea Waves (1917) IMDB.
  • Cellular (2004) IMDB.
  • Clean Slate (1994) IMDB.
  • Dark Ride (2006) IMDB.

Is the Santa Monica Pier open 24 hours?

The Santa Monica Pier is open year-round, as well as the rides in Pacific Park (weather permitting). The Pier is open 24 hours a day since we offer overnight fishing (and there is 24/7 coverage of the Pier by the Harbor Guards).

Is it safe to swim in Santa Monica Beach?

Yes, the ocean water is safe for swimming in Santa Monica. The only caveat is stay out of the water after a rainstorm as the urban runoff can cause issues. But during the dry season (i.e. summer) that is not an issue. Heal the Bay rates beaches if you want more details.

Are beaches in CA Open?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has imposed a regional stay-at-home order and banned non-essential travel statewide. California's state, national, county, and city beaches remain open for day-use. In communities affected by the order, campgrounds and lodgings are closed.

What year did the Santa Monica pier collapse?

1973

Can you swim at LA beaches?

You can surf, swim, walk or run, and—at county-run beachesyou can now sit, sunbathe or picnic (the City of L.A. still maintains that beaches are for active recreation only).

Is Venice Beach or Santa Monica better?

I would characterize Santa Monica as a bit more big-city meets the beach - generally IMHO its nicer and more upscale than Venice (though home prices in both places might make one's eyes water) which is also big-city meets the beach, but in a more urban grit sort of way.

Can you walk from Venice Beach to Santa Monica?

Can I Walk From Santa Monica to Venice Beach? The short answer here is that it is possible though its roughly a 45 minute walk (just over two miles or three and a half kilometers) so if it's a nice day and you enjoy walking, go for it!

What beach has a Ferris wheel?

Santa Monica Pier

How many rides are at Santa Monica Pier?

twelve

Does Venice Beach have a Ferris wheel?

The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. 310-260-8744.

How much does it cost to go to Santa Monica?

A vacation to Santa Monica for one week usually costs around $1,174 for one person. So, a trip to Santa Monica for two people costs around $2,347 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $4,695 in Santa Monica.

How much is an unlimited ride wristband?

On-site price $37.99 – save $2 by purchasing online! The unlimited ride wristband allows you to experience every ride in the Park as many times as you'd like - from open to close!

What restaurants are on the Santa Monica pier?

Best Santa Monica Pier Restaurants in Santa Monica, CA
  • Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe. 1.2 mi. 561 reviews.
  • Del Frisco's Grille. 1.1 mi. 1174 reviews.
  • JAPADOG California. 1.3 mi. 277 reviews.
  • Heal the Bay Aquarium. 1.2 mi. 139 reviews.
  • Pier Burger. 1.3 mi. 560 reviews.
  • The Albright. 1.3 mi. 1459 reviews.
  • Santa Monica Pier. 1.2 mi. 13 reviews.
  • Santa Monica Pier. 1.2 mi. 1980 reviews.

How far is Santa Monica from LA?

Distance from Los Angeles to Santa Monica is 23 kilometers.

This air travel distance is equal to 14 miles. The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Los Angeles and Santa Monica is 23 km= 14 miles.

How much did it cost to build the Santa Monica pier?

The final phase of a major structural upgrade to the historic Santa Monica Pier will cost about $8 million and require 12 months of construction, according to city officials. The public works department is working with the contractor, selected Jan. 22 by the City Council, to determine a start date and schedule.

Why was Santa Monica Pier built?

The pier was originally built to satisfy the sanitation needs of the city of Santa Monica. It took sixteen months to build and opened to the public in September of 1909. Thousands of visitors flocked to the pier to enjoy festivities, and local entrepreneurs soon identified a business opportunity.

What happened to Pacific Ocean Park?

The Park closed on October 6, 1967. Like many iterations of the Pier before it, Pacific Ocean Park later suffered a fire, leaving much of the Park in ashes.

What is Santa Monica known for?

Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation's creative economy and startup scene. Santa Monica is also home to three renowned and respected health facilities, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.

How far is Santa Monica Pier from San Diego?

119 miles

What beach is Santa Monica Pier on?

Santa Monica State Beach – South Beach

The south part of Santa Monica State Beach is located south of the Santa Monica Pier and north of

When was the Santa Monica Pier roller coaster built?

When it opened it 1909, the Pier had no amusement park as you might imagine, but very few people know the real reason the Pier was built. It wasn't for fishing or boating or anything along those lines.

Is it safe to walk around Venice beach at night?

Venice is not dangerous at all. There are people in the area that would be considered "undesirable" by the new faux-riche residents, but it's perfectly safe to be at during the night.

Does the Santa Monica Pier close?

The Santa Monica Pier is temporarily closing daily at 10PM.

Are beaches open in Venice CA?

All public beaches are open for active recreation only (running, walking, swimming & surfing – no group activities, no crowds/gatherings, chairs, canopies, coolers, grills, or sunbathing allowed on wet and dry sand). City managed public beach parking lots are open with limited capacity. Piers remain closed.

Where can I park for free in Santa Monica?

Best Free Parking in Santa Monica, CA
  • Santa Monica Parking Structure. 1.0 mi.
  • Santa Monica Public Parking Structure 7. 0.9 mi.
  • Public & Beach Parking. 1.7 mi.
  • Third Street Promenade. 1.0 mi.
  • Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure. 0.9 mi.
  • Santa Monica Public Library - Pico Branch.
  • Santa Monica Public Parking Structure 10.
  • City of Santa Monica Public Parking Lot 3.

Is Santa Monica Pier close to Venice Beach?

Since most of the action on the boardwalk is nearing the end, it's time to decide if you want to walk the rest of Venice Beach to Santa Monica or rent bicycles. You can see the Santa Monica pier at this point, and it may look close but it is about a 2-mile walk.

Is Pacific Ocean Park still open?

Intended to compete with Disneyland, it replaced Ocean Park Pier (1926-1956).

Pacific Ocean Park.

Vintage postcard circa 1959 showing the entrance plaza of Pacific Ocean Park
Location Santa Monica, California, US
Opened 26 July 1958
Closed 6 October 1967
Status Closed

Is Santa Monica Beach Dog Friendly?

You can feel the sand beneath your toes at Santa Monica's beautiful public beaches, but your pets have to enjoy the ocean view from a distance, as pets are not allowed on Santa Monica State Beach. They can, however, take a leashed stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding boardwalks.

What time does Venice Beach close?

The boardwalk is closed between midnight and 5:00 a.m. everyday. If someone hands you something, they are going to ask to for money. So, if you don't want to pay for it, don't take it.