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Pacific Pinball Museum
1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
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Su
Review №1

This place is awesome. An amazing collection of pinball machines of all kinds are here to be played.Lots of light and sound from all these machines take you to a different world.We live far away (about 45-min drive) but it’s worth the trip.Teenagers have a great time and pay one fee to play unlimited all day is great way to spend 3-4 hours easily.A quick bite of pizza next door, we were all back here to play another 1-2 hours of pinball.Great staffs to help us out and lots of room for everyone, and not being crowded.This place would be a great adults hangout place. Good place to try something different for an evening hours & weekends.If you live in Bay Area, I would recommend this place as a one of top ten places to visit as it’s so unique.

Ch
Review №2

Didnt know about this place. Got a library card got a free entrance played as long as I wanted. Unlimited play is still not if you pay for it. Would definitely recommend

Al
Review №3

A really interactive, fun museum of pinball machines. You can play as many as you like in the included price, and you can EASILY spend multiple hours here. Playable machines all the way from the 50s to current day. There are probably about 70 machines total! Each machine also has a sign explaining its history and special features. A party room is also out the back. Very clean and staff friendly and passionate about their job. Hours are great too - some nights theyre open to 9pm. Very affordable - support this non-profit!!

Al
Review №4

4+ rooms of fun!! Each filled with pinball machines from different era. All machines are playable except for a few in the main room, I would have loved to play it, but $20 seems to be a lot of 15 minutes of fun. But then again, I have to admit, I have never been a huge pinball fan since I grew up in the video game era. However, if you love pinball, this is the place for you. Go check them out!

Da
Review №5

Youll find Pacific Pinball Museum in a busy, yet comfortable neighborhood on Alameda Island.If you love pinball, you have got to check this place out!PPM is clean, well maintained, affordably priced and lots and LOTS of fun!Expect to find nearly 100 games, both new and vintage, set up for free play (all day) with admission. You will also get the chance to see first had how the game has progressed through time.Worth mentioning is the well stocked gift shop up front, and a reasonably priced vending area for snacking in the rear.Also found the staff to be knowledgeable and helpfull as well. - -

Ka
Review №6

Friendly staff, some great exhibits and great price.

Fi
Review №7

Lots of great pins to play for a single admission. If you buy annual combo pass, share it, becomes a better value. Can do parties and field trips for your group/club. Parking is generally easy. Cool merch. Fun for kids and families.

Ke
Review №8

Came here for the pinball and pints fundraiser. Great event where you play pinball and taste from many local craft brewers. Super fun event.

Ju
Review №9

This is a pinball fanatic’s dream!! A wide variety of beautiful machines from every era of pinball, from 19th-Century bagatelle to brand new LCD machines, each lovingly curated and perfectly-maintained. I got a whole tour from a very knowledgeable (docent?) who walked me through all that makes it special. I spent six hours playing and felt like I could have spent two dozen more!

Al
Review №10

Super fun time, really awesome see to play the history of pinball and see how it evolved. Absolutely returning to try and beat my high scores. Motivated!

P.
Review №11

HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDAbove and beyond being merely a Pinball spot, (As if that wasnt good enough already this place is an actual living, breathing slice of american culture, lovingly curated by people who really have an affinity for pinball and its history, and the staff, is ultra knowledgeable and helpful, (The man on staff today, sat the 29th, I forgot his name. My bad! ) and basically gave me a spot history lesson on the origins and history of pinball, from the 1930s to the present)You cant really get it all in one visit so I will be back, and now I marvel at how much time I spent at these things, how the kinetics, an bumping, and lights, and bright shiny rewards of bells and whistles, allowed me and million of others to vent some of our teen frustration and angst, while playing games that actually gave you the feeling that you were getting somewhere in life, and doing something important.The spot is definitely for the purists, as they only have kinetic pinball games there, and when I asked about electronic and digital, he mentioned another spot a few blocks away, with my favorites like Galaga, Blastroids, Bezerker, and Missile Command.But this, is strictly an old school heaven for those who know what they like.I have always had a fascination with the Black Knight pinball machine, (both the 1980 and 1889 versions) with the MagnaSave and Multiball, as well as some of the games I remember of the 1960s from the subterranean UCB Golden Bear Lounge and Bowling Alley in Berkeley, like Flipper Clown and Road Race leading into the 70s and the ever-present Evil Knievel (Arguably the most popular modern pinball game of all time), and into the 80s with some of the then cutting-edge games like Black Knight, and FIREPOWER, which I recalled fondly from my time at Silverball Gardens in Berkeley on Durant in the late 70s and early 80s.This pace will flood you with so many memories you will need a paddle and canoe.I was told by the staff that the Smithsonian Museum refused to acknowledge or enter these machines into its vast catalog, of objects and collections deemed worthy of memory, which in my opinion was a MASSIVE FAIL for the Smithsonian, as this collection represents a time and a culture, that influenced everyone around it, and is absolutely culturally relevant. But, one thing at a time, I guess. Their loss is your gain, at this one-price-at-the-door, all you-can-play spot, a great and loving tribute to a bygone time that still resonates with people globally.I got a special kick out of seeing a lady well into her 80s rocking the Tron machine like a champ, and I will certainly come back.Thanks, PPM!!!

Ra
Review №12

This place is what is missing across communities! A safe and fun place to play games - especially the kind that bring back fond memories of yesteryear and allow for shared memories. Games are in great working order, the place overall is very clean and tidy, and the price is unbeatable! I will be back, but with more friends!

Ed
Review №13

Fun spot in Alameda. Check out your local library’s Discover & Go program for admission passes! There are 90 pinball machines from the 60s to today and almost all are free play with admission. The newer ones near the entrance are $1 to play. There are small exhibits around the museum, and you do learn the history of each machine. The jukeboxes are a nice touch too! Friendly staff and convenient location on Webster.

Wa
Review №14

Interesting place, fun if you are into pinball.All you can play, $20 adults, $15 over 62, etc.Tuesday & Thursday 2 for $20 call for times.Wrist stamp allows you to cone and go.Good representation of games. A few unique and non pinball games. The history is there if you want to learn, most folks just play.Galaxy is a classic and I still love to hear that replay thud...

Ho
Review №15

My children (ages 5, 9 and 10) and I visited this museum for the first time back in April 2018. SUCH AN AMAZING PLACE! I appreciated the fact that we could learn a little history and have fun at the same time. We talked a great deal about when various pinball machines were built (the little bios at the top of each machine are so incredibly informative) as well as the engineering behind them; STEM at its best here! There are also later model machines available for play. I certainly dont consider myself to be a pinball enthusiast, but the Pacific Pinball Museum surely has made me one! The staff are helpful and engaging which is definitely a plus too. And for a Saturday, it didnt feel crowded as there are plenty of machines for everyone to use. I highly recommend this place as a fun family outing as it offers entertainment and a unique history lesson as well. Lastly, and most importantly, paying a flat fee to get in with FREE play on all the machines is a HUGE BARGAIN! Pacific Pinball Museum is fun and affordable which made for an AWESOME family experience!

Ad
Review №16

Awesome space, friendly staff, and so much fun!

Al
Review №17

Pay a fee to get in and then play all the games for free. Lots of fun. Lots of games from the 50s up to the 90s.

Al
Review №18

This place is AWESOME! Even my 4yo enjoyed games. All machines work fine, tons of different kinds.

ni
Review №19

Only giving it 4 stars cause i lost my boyfriend in this place for many hours. They need somthing for people that dont play pin ball todo.

Je
Review №20

Legitimately cool, unpretentious museum...Didnt even realize this place existed until a friend told me. Nice variety and assortment of old and new pinball machines to play as much as you like. I went on a weekday and imagine that this place can get pretty busy on the weekend. This place also has juke boxes to use as you desire for free. Who doesnt wanna play pinball with sweet tunes playing in the background?!

La
Review №21

I love this place!! It takes me back to my youth. Some of those iconic games like eight ball and evel knievel. Even some way older. The panorama of games is great. New games that are fun to play. One proce for all the play. You can even leave and come back when that need for feed hits you. Go and enjoy!!

Da
Review №22

Great place to play some classic pinball games. Well kept, clean.

Lo
Review №23

If you enjoy pinball then you will really enjoy this place, they have some absolutely legendary machines and theres a huge one thats larger than most people!

El
Review №24

A really fun place. Had a little kids area in the back which was quieter and a nice break for my son with autism after all the bright lights and sounds. Theres various sized stools too, so even my 2 year old had a great time playing pinball. The guy who was working the deal was really nice and you could tell he was passionate about the history and details of pinball. Definitely worth checking out.

An
Review №25

Great selection of pinball games - from the antique to the classic to the modern. Play all you want at one flat fee thats reasonable

Si
Review №26

They have a really large collection including some unique games. Spare at least 3 hours if you want to play every single one of them. Theres also some pinball history and mechanical parts demos, which make it more of a proper museum than just an arcade room.

Jo
Review №27

$20 to play all day. Lots of great games. No video games though.

Al
Review №28

Go on Tuesday for a deal. Play the wooden machines. It’s a good time!

Mi
Review №29

Cool museum to visit. All kind of pinball machines. I spent a lot of time playing here. Loved the retro look.

Al
Review №30

A real museum, there are over 100 pinball machines available to play, chronologically arranged from the 40’s to the present (well, the near present.) both Lynn (early afternoon) and Chris (?) (evening) are more than clerks, they are docents; attentive, knowledgeable and helpful.3 large rooms to play in, plus a rentable party space. No Quarters Required; all machines are open for play; a flat fee of $20each at the door (although we found a free coupon on the library’s Discover and Go Program.) Multiple restrooms and vending machines to take breaks.What a great date! We played 2 hours of (free) pinball, walked a few blocks, shopped, ate appetizers and drank cocktails, walked back and played nearly 3 hours more! No quarters required!

Ni
Review №31

So fun! Each room is a different decade and the music is thematic. Great place for a date

Co
Review №32

So many amazing pinball games through the years. A great walk down memory lane of classic pinball games.

Jo
Review №33

Excellent! Fun for the whole family. We loved it. Will come again!

Ab
Review №34

I had a lot of fun. Ive always had a passing interest in pinball machines and this visit ended up being pretty entertaining. The history is interesting to see unfold, and its cool to be able to play with the machines from different eras. If you feel any satisfaction in playing with clicky mechanical things then this definitely a place to go to town. Fun with friends and family.

Ca
Review №35

Interesting and fun. Worth the drive!

Co
Review №36

Fantastic! Machines in great shape, clean environment, friendly staff. Thursday is 2 for $20 day, cheapest entertainment in the bay! If you like pinball you will not be disappointed, this is a must stop.

We
Review №37

Pacific Pinball Museum is a true gem. Arranged across a couple of storefronts and by era, youll find everything from early American machines that have the charm of hobby projects, to big budget, multi-ball dynamo machines referencing the cinematic legacies of Iron Man and Transformers.Step stools are provided to help introduce the youngest generation to this classic game genre, and it is normal to see all ages playing side-by-side. Chairs are provided for attending parents to sit and chat over the staccato din of the machines. Pay once at entry and play all you want is the rule here, so plan ahead and stay for hours.

An
Review №38

This place has over 90 machines that you can play as much as you want for one small entrance fee. Pinball machines from the earliest machines up to the modern ones. They also have a kids play room, and you can rent their party room for special occasions.

Na
Review №39

Pinball lovers this is your place on earth, you wont be happier than here, I assure you.

Ph
Review №40

Great pinball place just play pinball until youre done

Ma
Review №41

Great place to learn a bit of history on pinball, and experience the fun.

Al
Review №42

Great line up of machine from all decades. Love the past one price to play all day. Great fun and walk down memory lane

Cr
Review №43

So many machines! Reasonable admission price

Do
Review №44

What a blast. Even my wife, who was never really into pinball had a great time. For me it was a serious walk down memory lane and a chance to explore more modern machines. If you like pinball at all, this is the place to spend some time.

Br
Review №45

Great fun way for the whole family to spend an hour playing vintage pin ball machines and another 45 minutes viewing their vintage artwork and posters.

Va
Review №46

Great place. So much fun. Never played on a fifty year old Pinball. Just great

Mi
Review №47

Great vintage collection of Pinball Machines that you can actually play. Tue and Thu is $10 for all day play. Loved it!

Na
Review №48

Cool museum. Fun pinball. Meh parking.

Mi
Review №49

Excellent venue! I would still go even without a Groupon or a AAA discount, as they are truly dedicated to preserving these machines and keeping the excitement of pinball alive for our current and future generations to enjoy.Pacific Pinball museum has rooms separating each style of machine. Theres examples of non flipper machines, the first sets of machines with flippers, electro mechanicals, solid state, modern machines, and even machines from Jersey Jack Pinball, Dialed In!

Mi
Review №50

Quite a few had week flippers but in all it was awesome

Gr
Review №51

Lots of fun, they hundreds of pinball machines, old and new. Just pay a reasonable price of $20 and with the press of one button your having a blast. I went with my dad and we stayed for 4 hours. It was a blast.

Je
Review №52

Went there for a private party. Staff was super nice and knowledgeable. Machines were fun to look at and play. Would definitely go back with out of town guest.

Sc
Review №53

I would say this place is awesome, but that doesnt even come close. Friendly staff, and a huge variety of pinball tables from the 40s on up. My 14 and 12 year old girls had a blast. Will definitely visit again soon.

sp
Review №54

I love the idea and I suppose I should have thought deeper about the name. Pinabll museum would imply the games would either be classic or old... They had lots of old classic versions, but not much newer variety. And not some of my favorite pinball games. The admission and free play all day is cool though. I will go again.

Sh
Review №55

More than 90 machines set on Free Play! Machines from the 1940s up to the latest electronics. Doesnt get much better than that!!!! $20 bucks and you can play (and learn) from opening to close if you want. Go out for a bite and come back for more fun. Its very well set up, very nicely decorated and clean!All the people who work there are super nice and knowledgeable.All in all a great place to go for fun!

Ae
Review №56

Great pinball, but a little expensive. If you go, plan on staying at least a couple hours.

Ta
Review №57

Great collection of games. Great staff. Drove all the way from Redding CA on my only day off. It was very full, an oddity according to the staff. Was told they were not selling entry Any more but was kind enough to squeeze me in after I told him about my trip. Loads of fun for a good price.

St
Review №58

Awesome! Well worth the full day fee. Get to play to my hearts content those machines from those good old days. The older ones are also very interesting. Does gives you a brief sense of the evolution of pinball machines.

Te
Review №59

Fabulous place! So fun! Our whole family had a great time!

Co
Review №60

The best place for pinball in the Bay Area. Classic vintage pinball machines just about impossible to find most anywhere else as well as popular favorites from more recent releases. Free to play with admission. Museum funds go to support their valuable larger preservation efforts.

Sh
Review №61

I feel like a kid in a candy store here. I love mechanical things and pinball is the ultimate mechanical game machine. Some of those early machines are the most fun to play.I just hope one day to have enough hours to spend here and really get into a few tables.

Ne
Review №62

Awesome place. If you stay all day. Its worth the price. Saw machines from every decade. Theres sure to be a few machines you like if you were an avid pinball wizard. Lol

Ra
Review №63

Amazing selection of pinball machines from old to new. All set on free play so you can keep playing as long as you like. $10 for an hour or $20 all day and you can go in and out. We like to make a day of it and take a break with a cocktail and come back. Love this place!

Sa
Review №64

Been going to this place for thebpast 5 years. It has really blossomed since our first visit. A little crowded on the weekends, but still fun, with new machines coming in every so often.

Wi
Review №65

Tons of great tables to play from across the history of pinball, including favorites of mine, Theatre of Magic, Addams Family and Medieval Madness.

Ma
Review №66

Stupendous awesome boss. LOL. We loved it. The baby art room is spot on.

M
Review №67

Great place to relive the past and introduce kids to pinball machines

Ia
Review №68

Excellent place to come to and hang out to have fun on your old school pinball games. Such a cool place and wish they had more to go to in the Bay Area and with bowling allies and cool bbq spots and vegan food and cool dance floors and roller skating as well to. With retro themes to host parties of old school 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s to of dress style retro dance parties and Dj jams to have a fun good times and a ball room and host old school movies to of a bigger all of one type thing of cool clubs and games and board games to.

Da
Review №69

An amazing selection of machines organized by time period! I also cant say enough good things about the man at the front desk. His joy was contagious and made our spontaneous date night better than we could have imagined.

Ka
Review №70

This is a fun place to go and bring the family! My teenage girls and my grandsons love this place. Met some nice people and staff was friendly

Cu
Review №71

Great Memories when I was little girl played pinball until I saw and enjoyed moment!

Ne
Review №72

If you like pinball this is fantastic. The machines are grouped together by decade and its really cool to see them change over the years.However, unless you really like pinball, you might get bored (I really enjoyed it but 1 of my 3 guests were expecting more museum vs arcade).

ru
Review №73

Yeah. Go here. Take a 2 or 3 hour chunk of your day, set it aside, and go here. 15 dollars gets you entry to four rooms, organized by year. They are tight rooms, and in a strip mall, but they are filled with pinball machines and pinball players. Dont be fooled by the first room. They have awesome newer games in the way back. They also have some really new games in the front, but those arent free. Dont be fooled by that.I recommend when you go here, you write your scores down. Then, try to beat them. Learn the machines. Get the hang of some intermediate ball trapping skills. You arent playing per game, and unless you just went to a Gameworks in Vegas or something, when was the last time you were at a pinball arcade set to free play for a flat entry fee?

Cy
Review №74

Great times with playable pinball games from 60 years ago to current. Fun for all ages with tons of information about all the games and the history of pinball. Every room also features fantastic art.

al
Review №75

Pinball Museum. Nice array of older pinball machines. Staff and volunteers super nice and friendly. Well worth the admission price. Plan to spend at least several hours.

Cl
Review №76

A great way to spend a few hours. The price of admission is definitely worth it, since all of the machines are on free-play, with the exception of a few in the entrance that you can play without paying admission. Theres usually a fair amount of people, so a lot of the machines might be in use when you go. Despite this, the wait times are not long by any means, and you can usually go from playing one machine right to another almost immediately. Plenty of the older machines also allow for up to four players, making it a great place to go with friends or family.

Jo
Review №77

Brings me back to my teenage years. Love this place.

Ja
Review №78

Was there today. What fun! Great place!

Se
Review №79

Its an incredible place only made cooler by the juke boxes that are included in the all you can eat play model.Room after room you learn about the progression of the pinball industry while playing until you almost cant stand anymore.Dont want to learn? No worries, ignore the signs and just play youre but off.

J
Review №80

Amazing collection of classic games in playable condition! Really an exceptional place.

Ta
Review №81

Remember a friend’s birthday party here and it was amazing. Great fun every time

Pa
Review №82

Huge variety,you can get your fix of all eras great place spend time. Enjoy!!

St
Review №83

Lots and lots of pinball machines on free play. I love pinball and spent 3 hours until my nephews made me leave. Same games where not working but if you know about these machines you know they go down sometimes. Staff was very friendly on our visit as well. BTW: adults cost $15 and those 16 and under are $7.50.

Pa
Review №84

If you always loved pinball machines from your youth on or you want to show it to your kids - youll find them here. And most of them playable!There is a discounted family-admission.From pure mechanical devices to the Dracula machine - play them!

Mi
Review №85

A fun way to spend a couple of hours! I think the admission fee is a little steep, but its a nonprofit. Seems like a good place for a birthday party; they have a party room and everything.

Ma
Review №86

Bit pricey, but if youre into pinball, look no further. 90 machines, 5 rooms, oldest in the front room, newer ones in the back. And the ultra modern pay-per Ame are at the door.Nothing like your favorite pinball machine set to free play. Dont be a flipper chimp!

Pa
Review №87

Very Cool place!Blast from the past!Lots of pinball machines, love it

ch
Review №88

So so so much fun. Games from before i was born and games from my peak pinball days.

Am
Review №89

My go to hang out place in Alameda. Love going here, best pinball arcade Ive been to!

Em
Review №90

This place rocks! I love all the different pinball machines and that free play is included with the price of admission. The employees are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, too!

Ga
Review №91

So much fun. Went here for my birthday and I ended up spending four hours here! Start with the older machines and work your way back to the newer ones.

Eu
Review №92

An excellent place to get away from it all

Ke
Review №93

After an hour or so here, your head will be ringing. Thats what were going for. Seriously, well maintained machines you are unlikely to find anywhere else be allowed to play for as long as you like for the price of admission.

Ro
Review №94

Very very very very very very very very very super duper hella hecka fun. The best ones were from the 80 s and 90 s. #Pinballforall!!!

Je
Review №95

This is a museum of pinball machines, from the very earliest 19th century boards, to the electronic monsters of the last few years. You can play most of them, included in the price, and there are free juke boxes for music. The kids room is great - colouring, train sets, Lego, etc.Its 20 USD admission, with reductions for seniors & kids, lets you in all day. Nice touch - plastic stands for younger people so they can play too.No food & drink, but you can go out and come back in, so thats not an issue.Staff really friendly, knowledgeable, its a non-profit organisation. Great !!!

Ch
Review №96

Lots of pinball machines, jukeboxes and an old soda machine. Brought back some memories. Good place to lettuce youre childhood or being youre kids too experience it. They have a different room for each group of decades

Ra
Review №97

Awesome pinball museum with a huge history told thru the machines they have. If your a pinball fan its a must visit. You will spend hours here

Ch
Review №98

This place is great. Go early and get a day pass. Play pinball for free all day... Leave and come back. Its great!

Ju
Review №99

Fun place for the entire family. Staffs are very helpful. Has washroom.

He
Review №100

I had a lot more fun than I expected. This is a really cool place!

Information
92 Photos
100 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
  • Site:https://pacificpinball.org/
  • Phone:+1 510-769-1349
Categories
  • Amusement center
  • Museum
  • History museum
  • Pinball machine supplier
  • Tourist attraction
Highlights
  • Active military discounts:Yes
  • Women-led:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
Crowd
  • Family friendly:Yes
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