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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."

Vertical photo
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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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,042 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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

Hello, all. We are a 40-year-old couple and two medium-sized dogs, displaced from the Palisades (our apartment building is standing but uninhabitable), who will be staying in the above-mentioned area for all of February and March. So, basically, we're just looking for any…

🐾 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

I’ve been trying to get in touch with Public Works and 311 to get a sense when and how they are planning to clean playgrounds and public spaces. Also just as important, make visitors aware of when it was cleaned with some signage. So far not real luck and haven’t been able to…

🎾 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.

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