Sayonara Sea Dragon, New Santa Monica Pier Ride To Open This Month

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Sea Dragon ride at Pacific Park Santa Monicans know and love has officially retired, taking its last ride Thursday morning via helicopter to the Port of Hueneme where it will begin its journey to a museum in St. Louis Missouri.

While the classic swinging ride on the pier is on its way out, visitors have nothing to worry about as its replacement is already situated in its place at Pacific Park and will be open to the public on March 29, according to Pier spokesperson Cameron Andrews.

"The original Sea Dragon has provided millions of Pacific Park guests with fun memories with family and friends over the last 26 years," said Pacific Park Director of Marketing and Business Development Nathan Smithson. "The enthusiasm that guests have for the original Sea Dragon and its extreme popularity prompted us to introduce the all-new Sea Dragon and reimagine the ride experience while providing the same classic swing ride that guest know and love so well."

@losangelespatch The beloved sea dragon ride was retired at thw Santa Monica Pier and dramatically airlifted over the beach, headed to St. Louis, Missouri. A similar ride went immediately in its place, and our reporter Rachel watched the first ride! #seadragon #santamonicapier #ride ♬ original sound - LA Patch | Local News

The new ride cost $1.5 million and includes a variety of new features including:

• Custom music and sound to amplify the ride experience
• Wind generators and a misting system that will be useful during hot California summers
• Shaking seats to replicate stormy seats
• Energy-efficient lights lining the car and 40-foot tall ride supports

Going forward, the original ride will be featured at the Downtown St. Louis City Museum, which is housed in an old shoe factory and is known for sporting a thrilling and artist-built playground for visitors to explore.

"Pacific Park's original Sea Dragon has found the perfect place for retirement," Andrews said.