From Los Santos to Santa Monica: Recreating GTA 5 at Pacific Park

Published on January 5, 2026

Recently, Pacific Park collaborated with The Scenic Gamer to bring GTA 5 to real life. If you have ever spent time exploring Grand Theft Auto V you may have noticed that the game takes heavy inspiration from real life iconic destinations around Los Angeles. One of the most recognizable locations—both in the game and in real life—is the Santa Monica Pier. In GTA 5, players can explore a seaside amusement park inspired by Pacific Park and even ride a roller coaster modeled after our very own West Coaster. That connection made Pacific Park the perfect real-world setting to recreate the game’s iconic Pier scenes.

The Scenic Gamer is a social media influencer who has gained popularity from playing nostalgic games surrounded by beautiful scenery. His equipment includes a small box TV, gaming console, and a blanket to make things cozy. Working with The Scenic Gamer, the team recreated visuals inspired by GTA 5’s Pier scenes, translating familiar in-game camera angles into real-world shots. We shot an angle next to the West Coaster to mimic the in-game coaster ride, as well as captured gaming content while running the rides for a perfect backdrop.

The Pacific Wheel isn’t just a ride—it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in both the game and real life. For the key moment of this collaboration (and the best view), The Scenic Gamer played GTA 5 nearly 90 feet above the Pacific Ocean while riding the Pacific Wheel— bringing a whole new meaning to scenic gaming.

Watch the full YouTube video HERE

Want more? Catch the complete GTA-inspired content rolling out on Pacific Park’s social channels, and be sure to follow @thescenicgamer for his next mind-blowing scenic gaming adventure. Whether you’re a longtime GTA fan or just love the thrill of the pier, there’s no better time to visit Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

Feature image courtesy of @thescenicgamer