If you're anything like me, you avoid family-friendly tourist destinations like the plague, as they usually mean long lines, noise and chaos! The ferris wheel in Santa Monica is an exception. It is located on the Santa Monica Pier within Pacific Park, and is aptly named the "Pacific Wheel". If you are already on Santa Monica Beach or Pier, it is an easy in and out, and you can only buy the one ticket without being stuck paying entrance fees.
The Pacific Wheel reaches heights up to 150 feet and surprisingly gives you an awesome view of the city, totally unexpected from its location perched over the water. The Pacific Wheel is unique in that it is the only solar powered ferris wheel in the world. You can view the beautiful Pacific sunsets from the wheel, but the wheel itself is also a source of visual entertainment: it has over 160,000 LED lights and provides a nighttime light show that is different every night!
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"New Beverly Cinema" Los Angeles is a 35mm only theatre. Q. Tarantino is head programmer and it only plays double features, the true way to enjoy films!
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Cafe Grano in Burbank blends cozy vibes, brain-fueling smoothies, and creative buzz — perfect for working, chilling, and soaking in the local film culture.
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"Tao Comedy Club" in Los Angeles is a hidden gem of a comedy club. It's also a school of comedy, where you can follow Bobbi Oliver's different approach...
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"HD Buttercup" is a furniture and home decor store in a historic Los Angeles building that also hosts a bread museum - the original site of Helms Bakery...
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"Venice Beach Skatepark" in Los Angeles is the birthplace of skateboarding. This skatepark has two giant pools, a spot for tricks and even a live webcam!
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"Los Liones Canyon Trail" one of my favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles. It always makes me feel as if I've escaped city life and gets my heart pumping.
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The "Santa Monica Stairs" in Los Angeles is one of my favorite stairways for some outdoor activity. I find is inspiring because the the fittest go there!
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Part of The Big Lebowski was filmed at this otherwise unassuming community in Los Angeles, 'Faircrest Heights'.Please remember this is a private residence.
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The "405 and 10 Intersection" in Los Angeles is one of the busiest in America. This intersection is so famous, it even has its own facebook page!
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The "Sunbathing Sea Lions" in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey are huge, playful and charming, but they can also be dangerous. The fishermen know their names!
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"Kippy's" in Los Angeles makes healthy, vegan coconut milk ice cream and it's my #1 favorite local spot. I go there as many as 5 times a week!
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"Father's Office" in Los Angeles is an upscale gastropub with 'bar food' prepared by acclaimed chef San Yoon. The vegatarian in me is in for a treat here!
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135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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