From Seaside Icon to National Treasure: Pacific Park “Sp30tlights” Part 2

Published on May 24, 2026

Welcome back to our 30th anniversary celebration! In Part 1 of our Sp30tlights: 30 Years of Fun series, we looked at Pacific Park’s early roots on the historic Santa Monica Pier from 1996 to 2005.

Today, we are diving straight into our second decade: 2006 to 2015.

This was a decade defined by major expansion, massive technical upgrades, and a rise to national prominence. From breaking world records to taking home the crown for California’s best theme park, here is how Pacific Park cemented its status as a world-renowned destination.

Going Big: Milestones and National Recognition (2006–2015)

The second ten years saw Pacific Park growing rapidly, finding new ways to innovate while keeping the classic, family-friendly beach charm alive.

2006 — “Best of America”: Reader’s Digest officially names our iconic attraction the “Best Solar-Powered Ferris Wheel” in its Best of America issue, right as the ride crossed a massive milestone of over 3 million riders.
2007 — Coaster Traditions: Following our Mother’s Day success, we officially launch the annual Father’s Day West Coaster tradition.
2008 — A $1.5 Million Upgrade: We bid farewell to our original Ferris wheel and debut a brand-new Pacific Wheel, complete with 160,000 cutting-edge LED lights.
2009 — Century on the Pier: Pacific Park helps celebrate a massive milestone—the 100th anniversary of the historic Santa Monica Pier.
2010 — Family Fun Expands: We add five brand-new family rides to the park, giving our youngest visitors even more ways to play.
2011 — A Seamless Transition: The park goes through an ownership transition, ensuring local operations remain intact so the community spirit never skips a beat.
2012 — Breaking World Records: LAPD Officer Gus Martinez sets a historic Guinness World Record on the Santa Monica Pier, riding the Pacific Wheel for an incredible 25 hours straight to raise money for the Special Olympics.
2013 — Globally Cool: Travel + Leisure names the Pacific Wheel one of the “World’s Coolest Ferris Wheels.”
2014 — Romance by the Ocean: The park is recognized on the national stage as one of the top romantic destinations in all of Los Angeles.
2015 — The Best in the Golden State: In a state packed with mega-theme parks, Yahoo! Travel officially names Pacific Park the Best Amusement Park in California for its unbeatable atmosphere and nostalgic charm.

Evolution of the Pacific Wheel

The standout moment of this decade was undoubtedly the 2008 installation of our second-generation Pacific Wheel.

While the wheel kept its title as the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the technological leap forward was staggering. The upgrade introduced a computer-programmed system that allowed us to put on high-definition evening light shows over the Pacific Ocean, establishing the wheel as a true beacon of the Los Angeles coastline.

Plan Your Next Visit

Ready to make some new memories where history was made? Join us this weekend to experience the magic for yourself!

We aren’t done celebrating! Keep an eye out for Sp30tlights Part 3, where we’ll explore the recent history, modern innovations, and unforgettable milestones of our third decade leading up to our 30th anniversary.