Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier announces updated guidelines for guests planning to visit the Pier.

Pacific Park has resumed ride operations at the Santa Monica Pier. The reopening of the rides is in alignment with other amusement parks in Los Angeles County and a result of collaboration on safety guidelines with local and state officials to continue a phased reopening based on the California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Guests should expect things to look a little different on their next visit to Pacific Park:

Purchase rides tickets in advance at dev.pacpark.enki.tech/tickets

To purchase a ride ticket, visit dev.pacpark.enki.tech/tickets. You can purchase individual ride tickets for any ride in the Park. Tickets will be delivered via email – just go to the ride and scan the barcode provided. A ride ticket does not guarantee entrance into the rides area. All guests wishing to enter the rides area must do so via the entrance at the east gate. Unlimited Ride Wristbands are available Monday-Thursday (except Monday, May 31st – Memorial Day) and must be purchased at the ticket booth once inside the rides area. At this time, Annual Passes are not available for purchase.

Enter the rides area through Pacific Park’s east gate, behind the Playland Arcade

The number of people in the rides area will be monitored to allow plenty of space for guests to maintain social distancing. The normally un-gated amusement park will have temporary fencing around the perimeter and the number of guests entering the rides area will be controlled. As guests exit through the north entrance, more guests will be allowed to enter. Guests waiting their turn to enter the rides are can queue up outside the Park’s east entrance in the upper pier parking deck on the south side of the Pier. All guests wishing to enter the rides area must do so via the entrance at the east gate. The queue line may be closed early depending on wait times. During peak times, including weekends, the wait time to enter the rides area may be over an hour.

All guests must wear a mask or facial covering inside the rides area

State and local guidance has changed regarding face masks. In Santa Monica “face coverings must continue to be worn indoors and around crowds, including for those who have been vaccinated… The City has defined crowded space as a space outside of one’s residence where a person cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance from non-household members and it is unknown whether all persons present are fully vaccinated.  A crowded space includes, but is not limited to, live performances, parades, sporting events, and the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Front Walk, and the Third Street Promenade on weekends, national holidays, and after 12 p.m. on Fridays.”

State guidelines for amusement parks still require guests to wear their face coverings, even on rides.

Pier Subject to Periodic Closures

The Santa Monica Pier is open to the public and remains accessible on a limited basis. The Pier is closed nightly at 10 PM. Public safety officials continue to monitor the Pier and may close portions or all of the Pier on a temporary basis with limited notice to prevent groups from gathering and to provide visitors with ample space to practice social distancing. Please note that the North Beach Stairs located next to Bubba Gump are closed until further notice. For more information about what to expect when you visit the Pier during this limited operational phase, read about the Pier’s reopening plan here.

Letter from Pacific Park General Manager, Jeff Klocke

Dear Pacific Park Friends,

More than 12 months ago we could not have imagined being at this point in the Park’s 25-year operation and presence on the Santa Monica Pier. This has been a very long journey. We have strived to navigate the situation safely with the well being of everyone associated with the Park.

I look forward to welcoming you back to Pacific Park. In getting to this point, we are grateful for the support of City of Santa Monica officials and appreciate everyone’s efforts to return open access to the Pier.

During this reopening phase, Pacific Park will operate with the health and safety of guests and employees at the forefront of planning and operations, which will be guided by health experts and industry standards to promote safe distancing and sanitation throughout the Park.

I’m now filled with the excitement that brought me to work in the theme park business more than 40 years ago, first as a costume character and now general manager. I can’t wait to see families and visitors in the Park together once again riding the West Coaster roller coaster, playing a midway game or sharing a funnel cake.

It will be spectacular to watch the world-famous solar-powered Ferris wheel turn again against the backdrop of the setting sun and Pacific Ocean. So, here’s to safe, clean and more fun times to come!

See you in the Park,

Jeff Klocke

Efforts to ensure the health and safety of our guests and employees

Pacific Park’s top priority is the health and safety of its guests and employees. The Park has implemented procedures advised by IAAPA’s Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the Attractions Industry to limit guests’ potential exposure to public-use surfaces and each other.

• Guests and employees are being asked to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness
• Guests who have been advised to self-quarantine or are considered high-risk to COVID-19 infection should not visit the Pier
• While on the Pier, guests will be asked to keep at least 6 feet between parties
• The Park has enhanced our already-stringent cleaning protocols considering the COVID-19 pandemic
• Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer will be available to guests throughout the Park
• Areas of the Park, including some rides and games, may be closed for periodic cleaning or operated for limited times to reduce the Park’s capacity

For the safety of all our guest and team members, we have increased all health and safety measures at the Pacific Park. Guests are expected to follow all posted instructions and instructions given by our team members during their visit. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health departments advise that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 while in any public place where people are present. By visiting the Pacific Park, you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

The reopening strategies being implemented at Pacific Park align with the practices of other businesses reopening in this stage of the states reopening plan and the best practices of other amusement parks and attractions reopening globally.

During this limited operational phase, Pacific Park will offer access to a limited number of games and attractions to a limited number of guests on the Pier as regulated by the City of Santa Monica. The Park’s hours are expected to change daily and the current operating schedule can be found online at dev.pacpark.enki.tech/hours.

For more information about what to expect when you visit the Pier during this limited operational phase, read about the Pier’s reopening plan here.

Updated May 20, 2021