Pacific Park Lights Up Santa Monica Pier with Romantic 'Love Lights the Pier' Display Ahead of Valentine's Day

SANTA MONICA, CA - As Valentine's Day approaches, the iconic Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is transforming into a glowing beacon of romance with its annual "Love Lights the Pier" celebration, drawing couples, families, and visitors to the oceanfront landmark.

The centerpiece of the event is the Pacific Wheel - the solar-powered Ferris wheel - illuminated nightly with an impressive 174,000 LED lights in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white. The display features animated hearts, romantic messages scrolling across the wheel, love emojis, and other heartfelt animations that create a magical backdrop over the Pacific Ocean.

The special Valentine's lighting kicked off prominently from February 9 through February 15, though the overall "Love Lights the Pier" festivities run from February 1 to February 15. Admission to Pacific Park remains free, with individual ride tickets available from $5 to $10, or unlimited wristbands for those wanting to enjoy multiple attractions.

Adding to the romantic atmosphere, a Ferris Wheel Serenade is scheduled for Valentine's Day itself - Saturday, February 14 - featuring live romantic DJ performances adjacent to the wheel from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors can ride the wheel under the glowing lights or stroll the pier for an unforgettable date night experience.

Photo opportunities abound with heart-themed setups, including souvenir photos captured during Pacific Wheel rides or at on-site booths, plus a giant, rollercoaster-red flower-covered heart bench near Inkie's Scrambler - perfect for couples' portraits or family selfies.

The event ties into the Santa Monica Pier's broader Month of Love campaign, which invites people worldwide to share personal stories and memories from the pier - from first dates and family outings to proposals under the Ferris wheel lights. Submissions are open through the end of February via the pier's website.

Pacific Park officials describe the celebration as a "festive, feel-good" way to embrace the season of love, with the illuminated wheel reflecting over the water at dusk and into the night. For those unable to visit in person, a live stream of the wheel is available at pacpark.com/live.

With Valentine's Day just days away, "Love Lights the Pier" offers Santa Monicans and tourists alike a sparkling, low-key way to celebrate amid the pier's classic charm and ocean views. Head to the end of Colorado Avenue for a dose of romance - the lights are shining bright through the weekend!

For more details, visit pacpark.com or santamonica.com.