Palisades Park Santa Monica
A scenic strip of green along Ocean Avenue, offering panoramic Pacific views, a rose garden, and walking paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & sunset views
Palisades Park Santa Monica
Best Time
Live music & sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic strip of green along Ocean Avenue, offering panoramic Pacific views, a rose garden, and walking paths.
"The best free parking in Santa Monica with incredible ocean views!"
🎯 Free Parking Nearby
Opt for free street parking in Palisades Park instead of expensive pier lots.
🎶 Sunday Jazz Sessions
Enjoy free live jazz music on Sundays from 3-6 PM. A local favorite!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views
Along the entire park
Expansive, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Perfect for photos and relaxation.
Rose Garden
Central section of the park
A beautifully maintained garden with a vibrant collection of roses, offering a fragrant and colorful escape.
Walking Paths
Throughout the park
Paved trails perfect for strolls, jogs, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze and scenic surroundings.
Planning Your Visit
Parking Smarts
Best Times for Views & Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Parking Nearby
Opt for free street parking in Palisades Park instead of expensive pier lots. +1
🎶 Sunday Jazz Sessions
Enjoy free live jazz music on Sundays from 3-6 PM. A local favorite!
🏃♀️ Safe Morning Runs
The park is generally safe for early morning runs, especially north of California Ave.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy with ocean views. A popular COVID-era activity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Parking Nearby
Opt for free street parking in Palisades Park instead of expensive pier lots. +1
🎶 Sunday Jazz Sessions
Enjoy free live jazz music on Sundays from 3-6 PM. A local favorite!
🏃♀️ Safe Morning Runs
The park is generally safe for early morning runs, especially north of California Ave.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy with ocean views. A popular COVID-era activity.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Take a leisurely walk along the paths and enjoy the ocean breeze and beautiful scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Palisades Park for its breathtaking ocean views, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient free parking. It's a beloved spot for picnics, strolls, and enjoying the California coast. Some find the park can get crowded during peak sunset hours, and occasional street noise can be a minor detraction.
"Palisades Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It sits high above the ocean on a long stretch of Ocean Avenue, giving amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. The palm trees and fresh coastal vibe make it perfect for taking photos and relaxing. Sunset is the best time to go, the sky looks magical! Many people enjoy picnics on the grass or jogging along the path. It’s also just a short walk from Third Street Promenade, which is a nice bonus. A great spot to unwind and enjoy nature in Santa Monica!"
Russo Gasimov
"A very nice area to get a long walk, run, jog in with ocean breezes. I was pleased how well maintained the area is. There a number of benches along the way to sit and take in ocean views, people, and best of all some very friendly squirrels.
The only drawback are the expensive parking meters that are hard for short people to manage. There is parking across the street, for free, but finding spaces is difficult. And you have to cross a very busy Ocean Avenue as well."
DArcy Demianoff-Thompson
"How this isn't a full five stars escapes me. What is there to take a star from? The handful of unhomed? Yeah, that's a bummer. It's a bummer they exist and it would be nice of there weren't but that's the society and culture we live in. The park is wonderful. Extremely well maintained. Flora is fantastic. Even fauna, birds, squirrels and lots of people walking their dogs. Beautiful views of the pacific. Access to the beach below. Towering palm trees. Old and fascinating hardwoods, eucalyptus trees, lovely. Grass in great shape and plenty of it. Benches to relax. Bathrooms. There are no legitimate reasons, at least today, to not rate the park 5 stars."
Kevin Webb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palisades Park is located along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, CA. You can easily access it by car, and free street parking is often available along Ocean Avenue or adjacent streets. For those using public transport, consider the 'Ride Circuit' app for free electric vehicle rides within Santa Monica.
Avoid the expensive parking lots at the Santa Monica Pier. Instead, look for free street parking along Ocean Avenue in Palisades Park. +1
Yes, Palisades Park is adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier. It's a beautiful and easy walk between the two, offering great views along the way.
While direct public transport to the park itself might be limited, Santa Monica has a free ride service called 'Ride Circuit' that can help you navigate the area once you arrive via bus or other means.
The park features paved walking paths that are generally accessible. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed with the Santa Monica Parks and Recreation department.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Palisades Park is a public park and is completely free to enter and enjoy.
Palisades Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily.
Most events, like the Sunday jazz performances, are free to attend. For specific ticketed events, check local listings.
Dogs are generally allowed in Palisades Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please check local ordinances for any specific restrictions.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use. Commercial photography or videography may require permits.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers stunning ocean views, especially along the western edge. The rose garden also provides beautiful backdrops.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for ocean and landscape photography. Early mornings are also great for soft light and fewer crowds.
The panoramic ocean vistas, the vibrant rose garden, and the palm trees framing the coastline are iconic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near coastal areas due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check with the City of Santa Monica for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for sunset shots.
🎫 🏃♀️ Fitness & Recreation
Yes, Palisades Park features paved walking paths that are excellent for running and jogging, offering scenic ocean views.
Many locals report feeling safe running in Palisades Park as early as 5 AM, with increasing numbers of people out by 6:30 AM.
Besides walking and running, the park is ideal for picnics, enjoying the rose garden, and people-watching.
Palisades Park is primarily a passive recreation area, focusing on walking paths, gardens, and scenic overlooks rather than organized sports facilities.
While there are no designated fitness class areas, the open spaces and scenic views make it a popular spot for personal yoga or stretching routines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific playgrounds, the sheer open space and the proximity to the beach and pier offer plenty of entertainment. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🏃♂️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ocean Avenue
The park is meticulously maintained, featuring lush landscaping, including a beautiful rose garden that blooms with vibrant colors. The paved walking paths are ideal for a morning jog or an evening walk, providing a safe and pleasant environment.
Many find it a welcome escape from the bustle of the nearby Santa Monica Pier, offering a more serene atmosphere while still being conveniently located. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the park's accessibility and the free street parking available along Ocean Avenue, a stark contrast to the often-expensive parking near the pier.
Community and Culture in the Park
The park's open spaces and scenic setting also make it a popular spot for various community gatherings and informal meetups. Visitors often share their positive experiences of stumbling upon local musicians or enjoying the general ambiance.
The presence of public art installations also adds another layer of cultural interest to the park, making it a dynamic space that reflects the spirit of Santa Monica.For those seeking a more active experience, the park's paths are a favorite for early morning runners. Despite the early hours, many women report feeling safe due to the increasing number of people out and about by sunrise.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit