Photo of Playland Arcade in California
Bowling

Playland Arcade

πŸ“ Santa Monica, CA

β˜…4.1(349 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Historic arcade on Santa Monica Pier featuring classic games, pinball, air hockey, and bowling. Family-owned since the 1950s with excellent staff support when machines break.

βœ“ Great game varietyβœ“ Helpful staffβœ“ Good for all ages
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Π’Π°ΠΌΠ°Ρ€Π° Π“ΡƒΠ»ΠΈΠ½Π°

Playland Arcade on the Santa Monica Pier is a great place for gamers of all ages, offering a huge selection of games: pinball, air hockey, racing games, arcade machines, bowling, a dance machine, water skiing, a crane with prizes and much more. It is open until late and is perfect for the whole family and for the young people who walk along the pier at night. On the weekends, the atmosphere is lively and energetic. Be sure to check it out when you are in Santa Monica. This place is great. I recommend it πŸ‘

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids of all ages who enjoy classic arcade games and don't mind paying premium pier prices. The staff is exceptionally helpful and the game selection is excellent, making it worth a visit despite the higher costs. Be prepared for crowds and noise, especially on weekends.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Expect to pay premium prices - $2 per grab on claw machines
⏰Staff quickly helps when machines break and offers fair compensation
🎟️Gets very crowded and loud on weekends
πŸš—Open late which is great for evening pier visits

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.1
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349 Google reviews

Wide variety of games available80%
Excellent customer service60%
High prices/expensive40%
Can be crowded and loud40%
Good for all ages40%
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Π’Π°ΠΌΠ°Ρ€Π° Π“ΡƒΠ»ΠΈΠ½Π°

11 months ago

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β€œPlayland Arcade on the Santa Monica Pier is a great place for gamers of all ages, offering a huge selection of games: pinball, air hockey, racing games, arcade machines, bowling, a dance machine, water skiing, a crane with prizes and much more. It is open until late and is perfect for the whole family and for the young people who walk along the pier at night. On the weekends, the atmosphere is lively and energetic. Be sure to check it out when you are in Santa Monica. This place is great. I recommend it πŸ‘β€

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Ollie Montejano

3 months ago

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β€œLiterally the best staff in the business, very quick to assist when a machine breaks, very generous with compensation, super kind and helpful, and also good at their jobs! The arcade machines weren't too overpriced, and the prizes were decent as well, so we had a really good time here and would definitely come back! *we also won this clock lol”

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Mert E. ZurnalΔ±

4 months ago

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β€œFun little arcade with working machines and good energy. Great spot to kill some time.”

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Jim Kara

2 years ago

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β€œI’ve had good memories here going back to the first video games ever played! Now with computer animation and simulated effects, the games have advanced to the latest level. It may be a bit crowded and loud at times, the fun and competition comes with the territory! The arcade is a great addition to the pier, as non-fishing visitors can find more recreation activities to include with their time here!”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Historic family-owned arcade on Santa Monica Pier featuring classic arcade games, pinball machines, air hockey, racing simulators, bowling, dance machines, and water games. Dating back to 1954, the venue offers birthday party options, game card systems with ticket rewards, and has been featured in numerous Hollywood films including Forrest Gump and The Kissing Booth.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 23:00
Tuesday10:00 – 22:00
Wednesday10:00 – 22:00
Thursday10:00 – 22:00
Friday10:00 – 22:00
Saturday10:00 – 23:00
Sunday10:00 – 23:00

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