I'm not sure how long this arcade has been around. But I remember playing games here as a kid when we had family trips to California. I was a big arcade junkie in my youth and happy that arcades have been making a comeback. Playland Arcade is located on the historic Santa Monica Pier right next to Pacific Park. There are more than 200 games here at this arcade. Playland Arcade also hosts a variety of events throughout the year from movies to holiday events. It is family owned and has been featured in many movies over the years. I am a big fan of classic video games and they have many of them here at Playland. I also like many of the interactive ones too. There are so many different type of games here at Playland Arcade. Skee-ball and air hockey are a couple of my longtime favorite games. I am also a fan of basketball and any arcade games with a steering wheel. There is also a Zoltar machine out front if you want your fortune told. read more

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[ December, 2025 ] Wha the f*(k happened here? They changed all the air hockey tables to tables that aren't level/don't have enough air coming up through the vents. Also, the pinball machines are almost all gone and several other classics gone. It's a damn shame.... read more

I enjoy a great arcade. About 15 years ago, I saw a man dance on the dance beat game for well over an hour. Finally, 15 years or so years later I was back. And I soon realized I was better at Mario Bros and Pac-Man than I was at the dance game. That guy will forever be a missed connection. Looking back, if I knew then what I know now, I would have applauded him. What a skill! Playland Arcade will always be one of my favorites. Dance dude, I hope you're dancing somewhere pro and living your best life! read more

Playland Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This place seriously needs an upgrade. We bought game cards and went to play, and honestly it was disappointing. Most games are $2+, but the machines are in rough shape, worn out and not working properly. The basketball games had deflated balls, one machine only had two balls instead of five, and another kept getting stuck. The air hockey table just stopped mid game and we didn't even get to finish, plus no one mentioned it was time based. At other places you play to a set score, here the time ran out when we were at 4. Overall, this place has really gone downhill. Not a great experience. read more

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We just had our child's birthday party here and at Pier Burger for the second year in a row. Monique, Ishmael, and the entire team at the arcade makes it such an easy, fun experience for the kids and families. We'll be doing this party again for years to come. 11/10 recommend! read more

What a great family outing! As a SoCal local we played tourist and I think the adults had more fun than the kids. The Arcade is top notch, SO clean, and the staff is so friendly (even after an extravagant amount of time for the littles to pick their prizes) Would be a great date night without kids. read more

Located on Pacific Park (Santa Monica Pier), this arcade is popular and busy on weekends. I came on Labor Day Weekend with my son, and he loved it. We spent a reasonable amount of time playing arcade games before we went to the boardwalk. Most games are $2; the air hockey tables are $1 per game. A few games are $5. A few games were not working, and the claw machines needed strength to hold the prizes. It's like every other arcade; know that you won't get your money's worth on the prizes. You can earn tickets for some of the games. read more

Playland Arcade - $1 dollar games - Arcades Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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A lot of the classic games with some new ones sprinkled in too. Located in the heart of the Santa Monica Pier, this arcade is a nice addition to all the fun nearby. Played pinball, shot some hoops, got beat at air hockey, and even got some foosball games in with my 14 year old. We had a blast! At first I was complaining about the cost of the card. Spent $25 which included an extra $5 in game play. But there was a $2.95 service fee and a small percentage charge as well to use my debit/credit card. But the money went a long way! We played a ton of games before the money was all gone. The arcade was clean and the workers were helpful and nice as well. read more

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Nice arcade. It's lively and crowded with a good variety of games. When it came time to cash out our prizes, the staff was friendly. My kid was happy, so I was too. read more

The selection of games are quite abundant. There's your classic arcade games along with some newer games to play as well. Buy the card at the kiosk and you can receive some free game play depending on how much money you add to your card. We added $20 to the card and received $5 for free. It was enough money to keep our toddler son occupied for about an hour. I swiped my card a few times and it deducted money, but the game didn't run. I let the staff know and they refunded me the money. Don't forget to cash in the tickets on your card for prizes read more

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Spent $27.95 for a $30 play card. They advertise it as $25 for $30 but you have to factor in the $2 card fee and another 2-3% for credit card use. Right from the start it feels like they're charging for every possible thing. The tries on the plush toy crane games cost $3 each for prizes which you'd probably find at your local $5 store. For "$30", we walked away with one so-so looking small smurf plush toy. Definitely don't come here to expect to win anything much. Its all just for playing the game itself and not the prizes within. read more

On this lovely afternoon while spending quality time with my son. I was sitting in a corner near the back exit with my two rented scooters waiting for my son to finish playing. A Hispanic male named Gabriel mid 50s-60s approached very rude and unpleasant demeanor and said I needed to move now. He demanded me 3 times as I was trying to get up. I felt like this was a racial gesture as several employees walked by me multiple times and didn't say anything. He stated that their where signs posted outside the premises that said I couldn't sit there. As I removed myself to the outside benches there was no where in site of any signs stating that. I will be going online to file a complaint on him as I felt threatened and targeted. read more

Love this arcade! It helped break up the ride experience at the theme park. I do wish they offered an unlimited play for an hour or two type of card like some other arcades do. read more

Playland Arcade is filled with incredible games and experiences any kid - or adult kid - can imagine! I loved the classic Zoltar featured in the film BIG with Tom Hanks! I saw a ton of parents with their kids, making memories. this place is a true Pier treasure. read more

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Sadly this place needs quite a lot of work and many of the machines are badly damaged, not working or in poor condition. Half of their pinball machines were damaged or broken with limited functionality, such as no lighting, broken flippers, etc. The ball toss had broken clowns that would not stand up thereby skewering your score. Many of the machines did not dispense tickets when they should have, the vintage blow guns where you get to knock down clowns and their teeth did not shoot balls, or they only gave you a handful of shots for 2 dollars. In addition to this they had delayed triggers, would skip your shots, etc. the penny machine was broken, and on and on. Everything about this place suggests that ownership and management have checked out. read more

Love the Playland Arcade! I've been coming here for years and love to see all the new games and prizes! The staff are so friendly and helpful too. Definitely recommend a visit if you are in town. read more

Had a fabulous birthday party for my daughter here. They were very attentive to our needs and made our daughter feel very special. Definitely recommend. Fun times even without a birthday party. read more

I wish they had workers wipe down machines every hour or so like they do in the casinos, or at least have wipes nearby. Some of the machines were a wee bit sticky. Other than that, this place is fun. I am an adult with an adult child. This was our weekend and we went to the pier and we had to make a pit stop in the arcade. We had so much fun. We raced each other, played air hocked, and then played pinball (we even got a few free games). The people in the arcade are just there to have a good time and you can feel the energy. I will definitely stop in again the next time I am on the pier. . . . .. . read more

Pretty typical amusement park arcade. It was pretty well kept as far as arcades go. The kids had fun.

We had a such a fun time here, playing arcade games and posting for goofy Photo Booth pics. Unfortunately the Photo Booth charged us $10, took our photos and then was unable to produce any prints. I called the number posted, but unfortunately it seems to be a scam. read more

Playland Arcade - George Gordon 310-451-5133 - you owe us $10. - Arcades Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I really enjoy this arcade. It's in a great location. They have great games and the prices are reasonable. They don't close as early as the other businesses around which is nice and refreshing. The staff is nice and very organized. I'm definitely going to go here every time I'm in the area. read more

Playland Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Amazing service and great games!!!! Love the game cards and the prizes!! I went there for a birthday with a bunch of friends and had the best time. read more

One of the most iconic places in LA that you must go to! Super fun to go to with friends and family.

Instead of crying about the horrendous experience I had I want to write about it. The manager of this establishment screamed at me and treated me horribly when I asked for help. I understand he was upset but I never cursed at him or treated him badly. I might have raised my voice a little but that's it. He thought I was raising my voice at him but I honestly did not mean too. My family is Salvadorian and we sometimes raise our voice not because we are being mean but because we are always loud. I usually don't have a bad experience when I come here. I usually enjoy my time here BUT once I have a bad experience it ruins it for me. I am not trying to rant. I simply want people to know the truth. I asked to speak to the manager so they can help me instead and to my surprise, that man was the manager. He screamed at me and at my sister. He should be grateful that I did not faint right there and then. I honestly could have probably sued this establishment because he gave me a strong anxiety. I hate that feeling. I respect people when they respect me so this is the first time I experienced this. On the other hand, there was a staff member that I will remember. He should be the manager. He helped me out and I explained to him what had happened. He apologized for what I had been going through. I told him that I have a medical condition that I can not get stressed because I will faint or it will basically turn on my anxiety and my depression. I went to the beach to meditate and relax and I did. But my five-year-old son wanted to go to the arcade. I appreciate the staff member that helped me and thanked him. I told him it was disappointing to be treated like crap for a dollar when I have spent at least a hundred dollars in games. And because of this, I will never return to the arcade. Besides this traumatic experience that I had, I will be honest and say I was having such an amazing time before this went down. I was with my son playing games and the rest of my family. We were having such a great time, laughing, and making memories. I am devasted to say I won't be coming back and spending a hundred dollars on games if I am disrespected by the manager. I rather go to Dave and Buster's than suffer at this establishment. My recommendations is save your money. Enjoy the pier but don't deal with the MANAGER here. Side Note: There is $10 parking downstairs from the pier. They have parking on the pier but I believe it is more expensive. It is fun to come with your family but just ask for the manager to avoid him ruining your beautiful day. Games are so much fun! read more

Great virtual reality Games! Love all the prizes and new games! So much fun! All the newest games!

I love love coming here, my kids just love this place!! Definitely will come back! Nice staff!

I am obsessed with air hockey great staff great place.... I will definitely bring my family back here.

We always love visiting this arcade! It's a must-do while in Santa Monica! They've gotten many new games recently and new updated prizes every time we're there. Staff loves their jobs and are always so welcoming read more

Super rude staff not willing to help us when machines were broken. He ignored us the whole time we were there and we finally talked to his supervisor. Most machines are broken which kills the fun. read more

Playland Arcade - Rude employee who kept ignoring us when we needed help. He walked away from us and never acknowledged us. - Arcades Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I was playing one of the games and my ring came loose and flew into one of the games. I asked Brandon for help and he went above and beyond to retrieve my ring. Great place, vibe, and excellent customer service, especially from Brandon. Would definitely come back!! read more

The claw machines are TERRIBLE they need better grip on the claws the one with the monkeys is the most rigged the monkeys are to heavy and slippery. I kept grabbing them by the head and that's the best way to win those. Then I spent over 30 dollars to get a deadpool and i grabbed it a lot but the claw was so weak it kept slipping. And the ones where you throw balls at clowns it barely has any balls you basically need to take them from the other machine. The ones where you cut the string, you can't play because there already cut bit there still in the machine. read more

Pinball, airhockey and skeeball. What's not to love? read more

This is the second time I brought my large group of 150 kids here, and I absolutely love how Playland Arcade is able to accommodate us every time. This is a family owned business from my understanding and every staff there truly cares about everyone and their clients which makes it even better. Monique is always the one that helps me book the event and she is such a sweet person, and is amazing at explaining all the details to me, and making the experience as easy as possible for myself. Jose, who is the manager, is the one that greets us at the location to help my kids get setup with their cards. In the end of the day, every single one of the kids leaves with a great smile. Thank you Playland Arcade for being amazing and I truly wish you guys the best! read more

Great arcade, diverse selection of games. $1-$2.50 per game with lots of good energy all around. Fun little prizes available. Always a highlight of my Santa Monica experiences. read more

Very reasonable prices, all the games/machines we used worked, and it definitely exceeded our expectations of an arcade on a very commercialized and crowded pier. Tons of the games were only 1-2$ each! read more

Not bad prices and had a great option of games! Staff was super nice and the card was an easy way to play games!

Well this is a sad sad place. Lots of broken machines and games and it feels old and run down. It's nostalgic at best but it's a hard pass if you're looking for real arcade action. read more

DO NOT COME!!!! The staff were alright, but the machines were are broken, some rigged to and the fish game kept giving 4 tickets. I spent $25 there and came out with this plastic chocolate and a small slinky. Go to a different arcade! WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!!! read more

Like every arcade, it's a waste of money, but my friends and I still had fun. My friend found a bug trapped inside the lollipop she claimed at the prize counter. read more

Such a great place to come and visit while at the pier! The owners made some very pleasant renovations in the last year that made the place feel so much nicer! Employees were all super friendly and happy to help us with whatever we needed! Definitely recommending coming here read more