Pelican Pier Pavilion sits on the second floor of Shoreline Village, a waterfront entertainment district that anchors the south side of downtown Long Beach, California. The arcade shares Shoreline Village’s nostalgic pier-side character with neighbors that include casual seafood spots, novelty shops, and a vintage carousel just steps away. It’s a setting that pairs naturally with Long Beach’s broader mix of family attractions along the harbor.
Long Beach has long been one of Southern California’s more eclectic gaming towns, mixing seaside tourism with a deep bowling alley tradition. Pelican Pier Pavilion fits into that mix as a multigenerational stop where kids, parents, and casual visitors can spend an afternoon without a big ticket price. Compared to larger chains, the Pavilion leans into its retro roots, mixing classic arcade cabinets with carnival-style attractions under one roof.
What sets the venue apart is its blend of carnival rides, prize redemption, and a token-card system that keeps play simple. The Pavilion has been a fixture here long enough to celebrate two decades of its Honor Roll Program, which still rewards local students with free tokens each quarter. That kind of longevity says a lot about a place that targets families as much as it does arcade enthusiasts.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 411 Shoreline Village Dr BX5, Long Beach, CA |
| Phone | +1 562-980-1415 |
| Hours | Monday–Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM; Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM |
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 from 462 Google reviews |
| Best For | Families, kids’ parties, large groups, and casual visitors |
The Scene
Built from the venue’s own homepage materials rather than aggregated reviews, Pelican Pier Pavilion presents itself as a family-friendly retro arcade with a nostalgic, welcoming atmosphere. The space blends classic arcade cabinets, a vintage carousel, and indoor carnival rides, with outdoor seating that rounds out the pier-side entertainment feel. Staff and operators position it as a multigenerational spot where kids, parents, and dedicated arcade players can all find something to play under the same roof.
The vibe leans casual and inclusive rather than competitive or late-night. Visitors are likely to see plushies being won at the prize redemption center, families picking up tokens for younger players, and groups moving between video games, cranes, and ticket games in one continuous loop. The venue’s own language describes it as an “all ages welcome” destination, and the second-floor location near the Family Lounge reinforces that family-first positioning.
Games & Machines
The Pavilion runs on a token-card system called E-Tokens, with card tiers at 16 (with a $12 bonus), 40, 80, 120 (plus 12 bonus tokens), 160, and 200 (plus 26 bonus tokens). Mobile wallet and VIP card options are also available for repeat visitors. Listed machines on the homepage include Pearl Fishery, Photo Motion, Fantastic Prize, NBA Hoops, a Super 250 crane, and a Team Play setup, with Pearl Fishery and Fantastic Prize flagged as signature games.
Beyond individual cabinets, the venue leans on broader category features: classic arcade games, retro titles, vintage carousel rides, indoor carnival rides, carnival games, video games, ticket games, cranes, and a prize redemption center stocked with plushies. The mix is deliberately varied, so players can move between traditional arcade play, redemption hunting, and old-school ride experiences in a single visit. Cranes and ticket games anchor a generous redemption setup, which tends to be a draw for younger players and parties.
Visiting
Pelican Pier Pavilion is located at 411 Shoreline Village Dr, Suite BX5, on the second floor of Shoreline Village near the Family Lounge. Shoreline Village is a walkable waterfront complex on the south side of downtown Long Beach, with parking options in the surrounding lots and easy access from the Long Beach Freeway. If you’re planning a Southern California arcade trip, you can browse nearby options on our interactive arcade map or use the arcade finder directory to search by city.
Hours shift by day: Monday through Thursday run from 12 PM to 9 PM, Friday extends to 11 PM, Saturday opens early at 10 AM and runs through 11 PM, and Sunday closes at 10 PM. The age policy is straightforward: it’s family-friendly and open to kids, adults, and families, with all ages welcome. The venue’s homepage references a food menu under a ‘FOOD’ navigation tab, though specific food and drink items are not listed, and there is no mention of alcohol service.
Parties can be booked through the ‘BOOK YOUR PARTY’ button on the venue’s official site, and the Pavilion also runs recurring events including its quarterly Honor Roll Program, VIP card events, Double Dollar Day, and seasonal promotions. For nearby alternatives in Long Beach, consider Sandbox VR for immersive group play or Cal Bowl for the city’s classic bowling tradition. Arcade owners can claim their listing to keep hours, events, and pricing current on RetroArcade.com.