Playland-Not-at-the-Beach

10979 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA

Address:	10979 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA
Phone:	+1 510-592-3002
Site:	playland-not-at-the-beach.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–5PM Closed Closed Closed Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Amy Schroll

7/9/13 MAGIC AND PINBALL This place is pretty amazing. Its great for adults and children alike, though, next time we visit will probably be on an adult-only night. "If youre old enough to buy, youre old enough to bring". (Hint: adult beverages allowed). On this day, our group of 3 (adults) showed up on a weekend afternoon. We got out of the car in their private parking lot around the back, and first noticed it was easily 20 degrees cooler here than in Concord, where it had just been about to break 100 degrees. We entered and had to speak quietly at the front desk because the magic show was taking place right behind the woman helping us. We had seen a Yelp check-in offer for a couple dollar$ savings but the lady said she has contacted Yelp many times and they no longer want this to appear on the mobile app. She honored the offer though and gave us all the discounted price of $13 each (reg. $15). Once inside, we explored several rooms filled with memorabilia from the original Playland-At-The-Beach, as well as displays with miniatures. Those were really amazing. A circus-themed display with animals and a big top was my favorite. You could spend hours looking at all of these items if you really took your time. The displays in the Haunted room were interactive, and youd need to press a button to light it up for viewing. At this point we came to a kitchen. Great to know that a kitchen is available if youre planning a party. They also have private rooms for kids (there was a party the day we were there and one room had popcorn and snacks in it, and a cake in the fridge). They sell ice cream and I saw one parent drinking coffee from a mug - not sure if it was sold to her, or free, but it smelled great. :) The next hour was spent playing old boardwalk games and pinball machines. I cant even begin to describe all the neat antiquey games they had. And they were all set to free-play. Midway games like skee ball were also free, and you could win tickets and prizes. We actually won lots of tickets, which I gave to a little girl right before we left. Her face was priceless - and I could totally remember being a kid and having a stranger give me a stuffed animal he had won at Circus Circus midway. Best feeling ever! My husband loves pinball so he was in pinball heaven. I found an Elvira machine in the black light pinball room that ended up being my favorite. Many (or all) of the machines had their year and a little information about them, posted near the top. Before leaving we watched the magic show, expecting something meant for little kids only. However, it was very entertaining. It was the first magic show my husband had seen live and he loved it. And while it was pretty much geared toward the younger crowd, the magician was great. His final trick involved a little white rabbit. I didnt like thinking about it being stuffed into the space he pulled it out of, but I liked getting to pet it before we headed home. Where it was still almost 100 degrees out!

Duke Ferris

A hidden gem inside you would never expect from the bland exterior. Over 30 pinball machines all set to free-play, but rather than just being an arcade, there are lots of other old penny-arcade amusements and meticulous museum displays from the historic San Francisco Playland Boardwalk. Bringing your own food and drink is encouraged, making it an incredible bargain. Great for kids and parties. Or, if you have no kids like me, I recommend one of the twice-monthly adult nights when the admission is cheaper and... well.. there arent any kids!

Shawn Clover

Its great to see theres still a flicker left in the flame of SFs greatest amusement park Playland at the Beach. Its really a shame that Playland was bulldozed for condos in the early 70s but the tradition lives on at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach. We booked the whole place for a party once and the staff couldnt have been kinder to everyone. Theres so much to do that no one wanted to go home at the end of the night.

Mike Warren

A fun mix of pinball machines, older arcade games, and a small midway where you can win tickets for prizes. Comprised of a few small rooms theres something for kids and adults here. 30 pinball machines from vintage to new. Flat rate gets unlimited games. They were having a kids magic show when I was there, and theres an "after dark" night for adults only every month!

Lisa Moon

I was nervous because another review said there was displays and pictures featuring minstrels shows etc. I didnt see anything like that thank goodness. It was very interesting but I felt unsettled there. Strange energy. I also felt like staff followed us and kept an eye on us even though everything is on camera. They were friendly and helpful, just too much presence.

Andreas Michlmayr

Awesome repository of original arcade games and pinball machines, old menu boards and other artifacts from the original SF Playland and elsewhere. Two (2!) Laffing Sals, one from Ohio I think (the Playland Sal ended up in at the Santa Cruz boardwalk), one new. Good for everything from a childs birthday party to a rainy day.

A Private User

One word: PINBALL! They have machines ranging from ancient band and bell machines to Machines with screens integrated into the playfield(star wars EP. 1) and my personal favorite, DEMOLITION MAN PINBALL! The cost of admission($15) easily payed for itself within an hour compared to how much itd cost if they werent on freeplay.

Vee Dotmitch

Distasteful. Antique games like shoot the Indians, minstrel-esque figurines, this place made my child very uncomfortable. A trip back to a socially horrific era. However most of the staff was extremely personable, helpful and friendly. The displays and games left a sour taste so we definitely will not return.

Shirell B.

This place is amazing. I love that they explain the history of Playland and have memorabilia from the site. I have never seen dioramas wig as mug detail as those found at Playland. And if you have a love for pinball machines, there is a variety to choose from.

Neal Bhandarkar

Visited here with my younger brother on a weekend. They have many different pinball machines and a few interesting dioramas with various themes. They did a fun comedy magic show and also have a some classic carnival games.

Bertha Orellana

thing you have seen this place is a fun place to be especially when some you love was involve is helping i so happy to have gone their and i am planing to take my courses son he love magic the will be a place to be too

Brandy Esparza

Very cool vintage arcade with lots of nostalgia. Limited hours, but rental time available. Small, with lots of fun packed in for adults or kids. Come on a weekend when they tend to have magic acts booked!

Leah Edun

I always thought this place was small, until I walked inside! I have gone twice for the adult night and had a blast! Free games, cool art and artifacts, and its its in the freezer!

John Murphy

Almost unknown home of dozens of coin operated machines and no coins needed. Allow at least 90 minutes. Terrific fun for any age and especially for kids.

Karin

Playland is a great time. The games are fun, a nostalgic "back t the basics" pinball and skeeball experience. My six year old lobes it!

Melina Mocling

Brought my little cousins there 2 times. Been there once with my boyfriend. I love it. Its fun. Something to do on a boring day.