Douglas Park - Image 1
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Douglas Park

4.6
·1k reviews·Santa Monica, United States

A charming Santa Monica park featuring serene duck ponds, a playground, tennis courts, and lawn bowling.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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Douglas Park - Image 1

Douglas Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Santa Monica park featuring serene duck ponds, a playground, tennis courts, and lawn bowling.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Douglas Park is a beautiful spot in Santa Monica with plenty to enjoy."

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TIP

🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls

Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends.

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Ponds

Duck Ponds

Central area

Observe ducks, turtles, and serene waters. A peaceful spot for quiet contemplation.

Playground Fun

Playground Fun

North side

A vibrant space for children to play and explore. Great for families with little ones.

Lawn Bowling & Tennis Courts

Lawn Bowling & Tennis Courts

East side

Engage in friendly competition or practice your skills on well-maintained courts.

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Planning Your Visit

Park Etiquette & Cleanliness

While Douglas Park is generally clean, some visitors note the pond water can be murky. Be mindful of park rules, especially regarding pets and interactions with wildlife. If you have concerns about playground cleanliness, contacting local authorities might be necessary.Reddit

Peak Times & Parking

Douglas Park is a popular spot, especially on weekends. Expect crowds and plan for parking, which is available but may have meters. Arriving earlier can help secure a good spot and a more peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Question for those in the 26th and Wilshire area

🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls

Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal. Reddit

reddit.com

Cleaning of playgrounds and public spaces

🎾 Active Pursuits

Bring your gear for tennis or lawn bowling for some friendly competition. Reddit

🐢 Wildlife Watching

Spot ducks and turtles in the ponds; they are generally calm and don't bother visitors. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls

Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal. Reddit

🎾 Active Pursuits

Bring your gear for tennis or lawn bowling for some friendly competition. Reddit

🐢 Wildlife Watching

Spot ducks and turtles in the ponds; they are generally calm and don't bother visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Douglas Park is a well-loved urban green space in Santa Monica, praised for its serene duck ponds, enjoyable playground, and sports facilities. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness and ample parking, making it a great spot for families, dog walkers, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape. Some minor concerns about pond water clarity have been noted, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and functional park.

"Location is great!! There is always plenty of parking with parking meters.
I love to walk the park with my Loki. There are the ponds to see the duckies and turtles!!! They are nice and calm, never seen any of the ducks or turtles try to interact with people or dogs. Lots of beautiful trees. My Loki gets happy when we come to this park when I have my doctors appointments!! He cries when I am trying to park because he’s wanting to get out of the car to roam the park!!! The park is clean and usually busy with people at the benches, laying out or just walking."

Marcella

"Nice place to enjoy the weather in Santa Monica. Small and beautiful. There are many benches and picnic tables in the park. There is also a nice playground for children. The park is clean but the water in the ponds is a bit dirty."

Aleksandr Khindanov

"Douglas Park is a beautiful spot in Santa Monica with plenty to enjoy. The duck ponds, playground, and open grassy areas make it perfect for families, and the tennis courts and lawn bowling add something for adults too. It’s a peaceful place to relax or spend an afternoon outdoors."

Keenan Richards

What People Like

Beautiful duck ponds
Nice playground
Clean and well-kept

What People Dislike

Pond water a bit dirty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Douglas Park is conveniently located in Santa Monica, easily accessible by car. Public transportation options are also available, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Parking is available, though it may involve meters and can fill up on busy days.

Yes, there is parking available at Douglas Park. Many visitors mention that there is usually plenty of parking, but it is metered. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, public transport is a viable option. Several Santa Monica Big Blue Bus routes serve the area around Douglas Park, making it accessible without a car. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.

Douglas Park features paved pathways throughout, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The playground and picnic areas are also designed with accessibility in mind.

To avoid traffic, aim to visit Douglas Park during weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially midday, tend to be busier. Planning your visit outside of peak commuting hours can also help.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Douglas Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy its amenities and green spaces freely.

Douglas Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public space, so hours are generally consistent with daylight. Always check local park advisories for any temporary closures or changes.

There is no admission fee to enter Douglas Park. It is a free public park for everyone to enjoy.

While there are many picnic tables and benches, reservations are generally not required or offered for standard use. For larger events or specific facility rentals (like the clubhouse), you would need to contact the park administration.

General park rules apply, such as no littering and respecting wildlife. Alcohol may be restricted, and amplified music might require a permit. Always check posted signs for specific regulations.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Douglas Park offers a variety of activities including walking, picnicking, playground fun for kids, lawn bowling, and tennis. The duck ponds are also a popular spot for observation. Reddit

Absolutely! Douglas Park features a nice playground that little ones and bigger kids can enjoy. The open grassy areas and duck ponds also add to the family-friendly atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome in Douglas Park. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs around the park's paths and green spaces. Reddit

The ponds in Douglas Park are home to ducks and turtles and offer a nice view. Some reviews mention the water can be a bit dirty, but the wildlife is generally calm and enjoyable to observe. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available within Douglas Park, typically located near the playground and other central facilities. They are generally kept clean for visitor use.

📸 📸 Photography

The duck ponds with their calm waters and surrounding greenery offer picturesque scenes. The mature trees provide lovely shaded spots, and the playground can be fun for candid shots. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light.

Yes, Douglas Park is a good spot for nature photography, especially for birdwatching around the ponds. You can capture ducks, turtles, and various plant life. The mature trees also add to the natural beauty.

For casual personal photography, Douglas Park is generally welcoming. However, for professional photoshoots, especially those involving large equipment or requiring exclusive use of an area, it's advisable to check with the park administration for any permit requirements.

Late afternoons, particularly during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photography. Weekday mornings are also great for softer light and fewer distractions.

The central duck ponds with the resident wildlife are a key photographic subject. The mature trees offering shade and the well-maintained tennis courts and lawn bowling greens also provide distinct visual elements.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Douglas Park is a fantastic choice for families. The playground is a major draw, offering plenty of space for children to run and play. The duck ponds are also a hit, providing a gentle way for kids to observe nature. Many reviewers highlight the park's suitability for families, noting that both little ones and older kids can have a good time.Reddit Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are many picnic tables perfect for a family outing.

🐶 Dog Owners

Bring your furry friends along! Douglas Park is dog-friendly, and many visitors enjoy walking their pets through the park's green spaces and around the ponds.Reddit It's a great place for dogs to get some exercise and for owners to enjoy the outdoors. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash as per park regulations and clean up after them.

🎾 Active Individuals

If you're looking to get active, Douglas Park has you covered. The tennis courts and lawn bowling green are available for those who enjoy sports. It's a great way to spend an afternoon being active in a pleasant environment. Bring your own equipment or check if rentals are available for lawn bowling.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Douglas Park's Amenities

Douglas Park is a cherished urban oasis offering a diverse range of activities for all ages. Its duck ponds are a central attraction, providing a tranquil setting to observe waterfowl and turtles. Visitors often find these ponds to be a calm escape within the city.Reddit The park also boasts a well-maintained playground, making it a popular destination for families with young children. Beyond recreation, Douglas Park features two tennis courts and a lawn bowling green, catering to those seeking more active pursuits or friendly competition.Reddit

For those looking to relax or socialize, numerous benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, offering ample opportunities for leisurely meals or quiet contemplation under the shade of mature trees. The park's layout is designed for easy navigation, with paved pathways making it accessible for walking, jogging, or strolling with strollers and wheelchairs. The presence of a rental clubhouse suggests it can also accommodate small events or gatherings, adding to its community function.

While the park is generally praised for its cleanliness and beauty, some reviews note that the water in the ponds can appear a bit murky.Reddit However, this doesn't detract from the overall positive experience for most visitors who appreciate the park as a "nice spot of green right off Wilshire".Reddit It strikes a balance between being a place for active recreation and a peaceful retreat.

Community Insights on Park Maintenance

The upkeep of public spaces like Douglas Park is a topic of interest for many residents. One Reddit user expressed a desire for clearer communication regarding the cleaning schedules of playgrounds and public areas, suggesting that signage indicating when cleaning occurred would be beneficial.Reddit This highlights a community's interest in ensuring safe and hygienic environments, particularly for children.

While specific details about Douglas Park's maintenance schedule aren't readily available in the provided data, the general sentiment from reviews is positive, describing the park as "clean" and "well-kept".Reddit This suggests that the local authorities are generally effective in their maintenance efforts. However, the mention of murky pond water by some visitors indicates areas where improvements could potentially be made or where natural conditions might influence appearance.Reddit

For those concerned about specific aspects of park cleanliness, engaging with local city services or park departments, as suggested by the Reddit post, is the most direct approach. This proactive communication can help address individual concerns and contribute to the collective understanding of park management practices.

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