Santa Monica Pacific Park Ferris Wheel July 4th 2026
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Celebrate the 4th of July 2026 at Santa Monica Pier — where Pacific Park's iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel transforms into a 130-foot animated American flag display of red, white, and blue for the most Instagrammable Independence Day in Los Angeles.
DATE: Saturday, July 4, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM PDT
LOCATION: Pacific Park, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
ADMISSION: Free to watch; rides ticketed
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park is one of LA's most recognizable landmarks — and on July 4, its solar-powered Ferris wheel becomes a 130-foot-tall patriotic spectacle. As darkness falls, the Ferris wheel illuminates with an animated waving American flag in red, white, and blue — with dynamic patterns and transitions that make it one of the most photographed July 4th moments in all of Southern California. The pier itself is packed with rides, games, food, and the energy of thousands celebrating America's 250th birthday against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at golden hour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• 130-foot animated American flag on the solar-powered Ferris wheel
• Red, white, and blue light show with patriotic patterns
• Iconic Santa Monica Pier atmosphere on July 4
• Pacific Ocean backdrop at sunset — stunning photo ops
• Free to watch the light show from the pier or beach
TIPS:
• Take the Big Blue Bus or Metro Expo Line (Downtown Santa Monica station) — parking is brutal
• Best photo spot: from the beach looking back at the pier from the south
• The Ferris wheel animation peaks after full darkness — arrive by 7 PM to explore the pier first
Santa Monica's Ferris wheel American flag display is one of LA's most unique July 4th 2026 photo opportunities. More info: pacpark.com
DATE: Saturday, July 4, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM PDT
LOCATION: Pacific Park, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
ADMISSION: Free to watch; rides ticketed
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park is one of LA's most recognizable landmarks — and on July 4, its solar-powered Ferris wheel becomes a 130-foot-tall patriotic spectacle. As darkness falls, the Ferris wheel illuminates with an animated waving American flag in red, white, and blue — with dynamic patterns and transitions that make it one of the most photographed July 4th moments in all of Southern California. The pier itself is packed with rides, games, food, and the energy of thousands celebrating America's 250th birthday against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at golden hour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• 130-foot animated American flag on the solar-powered Ferris wheel
• Red, white, and blue light show with patriotic patterns
• Iconic Santa Monica Pier atmosphere on July 4
• Pacific Ocean backdrop at sunset — stunning photo ops
• Free to watch the light show from the pier or beach
TIPS:
• Take the Big Blue Bus or Metro Expo Line (Downtown Santa Monica station) — parking is brutal
• Best photo spot: from the beach looking back at the pier from the south
• The Ferris wheel animation peaks after full darkness — arrive by 7 PM to explore the pier first
Santa Monica's Ferris wheel American flag display is one of LA's most unique July 4th 2026 photo opportunities. More info: pacpark.com
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Where is it happening?
Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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