Pacific Park is a small amusement park at the end of Santa Monica Pier, anchored by a large Ferris wheel powered entirely by solar panels. The park has about 12 rides — roller coasters, a swing ride, midway games — and the Ferris wheel provides genuine views over the bay when it reaches height. The scale is family-focused rather than thrill-seeking, and the prices are accordingly modest.
The Ferris wheel is the visual landmark of the pier, visible from most of the beach and from the PCH, and lit at night. It is the right ride to do if you are doing only one thing at Pacific Park: the car-free elevated view of the beach and city from the top is worth the ticket on a clear day.