Los Angeles Is Getting California’s Tallest Ferris Wheel as Part of a Massive Waterfront Transformation

30 May 2026

Los Angeles is preparing for a dramatic waterfront makeover, and at the center of it all will be a towering new Ferris wheel that is set to become the tallest in California. Rising 175 feet above the San Pedro waterfront, the attraction will serve as one of the signature features of the ambitious West Harbor development, a project carrying a price tag of roughly $500 million and designed to transform the historic port area into a major entertainment destination.

The massive wheel is expected to open later this year and immediately redefine the skyline of the harbor district. For decades, California’s most recognizable waterfront wheel has been the Pacific Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier, which stands at approximately 100 feet tall. The new San Pedro attraction will surpass that height by a significant margin, creating a new landmark that developers hope will attract visitors from across the state and beyond.

Unlike traditional seasonal amusement rides, the Ferris wheel has been designed for year round operation. Enclosed passenger cabins will allow guests to ride regardless of weather conditions while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. From the top, riders will be able to see notable local landmarks including the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the bustling Port of Los Angeles, and the historic USS Iowa Battleship Museum. The experience is intended to combine sightseeing with entertainment, offering a perspective of Southern California that few attractions can match.

The wheel is only one piece of a much larger vision. West Harbor is being developed as a 300,000 square foot waterfront district filled with restaurants, shopping spaces, recreational activities, and public gathering areas. Developers have positioned the project as a destination where visitors can spend an entire day exploring, dining, and enjoying the oceanfront atmosphere. The goal is to create a vibrant district that feels active from morning until late at night.

One of the most anticipated elements of the project is a 6,200 seat amphitheater overlooking the water. The venue is expected to host concerts, community events, and large scale entertainment throughout the year. Even before the broader waterfront development officially opens, the amphitheater has already begun drawing attention with scheduled fan events connected to major international sporting competitions. Developers believe the venue will become a cultural hub that brings new energy to the harbor area.

Restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities are expected to further strengthen the district’s appeal. Plans include a mix of local favorites and new concepts, along with recreational experiences designed to encourage both tourism and community engagement. As construction continues and opening dates approach, excitement is building around what could become one of Southern California’s most significant waterfront developments. With its record breaking Ferris wheel serving as the centerpiece, West Harbor is positioning itself as a destination that blends entertainment, dining, and coastal scenery into a single landmark experience.