Photo: Jackie Edwards collection. View full-sized image.
Coastal living and coaster riding go hand in hand. Beachside roller coaster venues are the envy of the coaster world! Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier (California) is no exception. The pier has been the site of a few different amusement parks since it opened in 1916, and during that time it has hosted several different roller coasters. Pacific Park, the current occupant, has been entertaining those visiting the pier since 1996. The Santa Monica West Coaster roller coaster, built by D.H. Morgan, has been operating since then.
Some attendees began their day with a visit to the Santa Monica History Museum.
Photo: Jackie Edwards collection. View full-sized image.
Fifteen ACEers gathered on the pier on Sunday, November 2, to celebrate this park and its history. Attendees started the day at the Santa Monica History Museum, which is just a short walk from the pier and offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
After an informative visit to the museum, which displays Santa Monica history along with some artifacts from the pier amusement parks, attendees stopped at Pier Pizza and Subs for lunch and check-in for those who didn’t attend the museum visit. After lunch, it was time to visit the pier!
Santa Monica West Coaster surrounds many other rides on the busy pier.
Photo: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
The group made good use of their unlimited-ride wristbands and enjoyed all the park had to offer. Pacific Park opened its new funhouse (with inspiration from the previous “Toonerville Funhouse” that existed on the pier in the 1920s and 1950s) in September 2025, and the park gave all attendees tickets to experience this one-of-a-kind walkthrough attraction! The group had an amazing day, with beautiful Southern California weather, and the sunset from the Ferris wheel was the perfect end to the day!
— Jackie Edwards, ACE Pacific Southwest Regional Representative
#ACENews