Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Playland Arcade

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022

1. Playland Arcade Marker

Inscription.
In 1954 George and Eugene Gordon, under the direction of their father "Pops", opened up an arcade business in the Billiards Building. Since then, four generations of the Gordon family have operated amusements on the Santa Monica Pier, including the carousel, children's rides, a shooting gallery, a billiard parlor and an archery range.

Playland Arcade is still operated by the Gordon family and features amusements from the present as well as the charming past.

Erected by City of Santa Monica, and Ken "KG" Ward.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.

Location. 34° 0.545′ N, 118° 29.864′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Colorado Avenue west of Ocean Avenue. Located at Santa Monica Pier, outside the arcade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 356 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA 90401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Muscle Beach (here, next to this marker); Sinbad's & Moby's Dock (here, next to this marker); La Monica Ballroom (here, next to this marker); Santa Monica Harbor and Breakwater

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Monica Pier (about 600 feet away); The Santa Monica Pier Carousel (about 600 feet away); The Purser Hotel and Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colorado Avenue Viaduct (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Monica.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022

2. Playland Arcade Marker

Located on Santa Monica Pier in front of the arcade.

Playland Arcade and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Playland Arcade and Marker

The marker is at far right.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on July 5, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.