Palisades Park: Santa Monica's Coastal Oasis
Discover breathtaking ocean views, lush gardens, and iconic landmarks at Palisades Park in Santa Monica, a vibrant coastal oasis perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Palisades Park, a 26-acre landmark stretching along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Bay. This iconic park, established in the late 19th century, features lush greenery, palm-lined paths, and diverse attractions, including a rose garden, public art, and the Camera Obscura Art Lab. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and stunning sunsets, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Palisades Park embodies the essence of Santa Monica's laid-back coastal charm, providing a serene escape amidst the bustling city. The park's accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly paths and convenient public transport links, ensures everyone can enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
A brief summary to Palisades Park
- Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, North of Montana, California, 90401, US
- +1310-458-8300
- Visit website
- Monday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Saturday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Sunday 6 am-11:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline.
- Explore the Camera Obscura Art Lab for a unique historical and artistic experience.
- Take advantage of the park's accessibility with wheelchair-friendly paths and convenient public transport.
- Check the park's event calendar for outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and community workshops.
- Enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns while taking in the ocean breeze and scenic views.
Getting There
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Walking
Palisades Park stretches along Ocean Avenue, easily accessible by foot from most locations in downtown Santa Monica. If you are near the Third Street Promenade, simply walk west towards Ocean Avenue. The park runs parallel to Ocean Avenue, offering multiple entry points along its length. Look for the park's distinctive palm trees and green spaces. Walking from the Santa Monica Pier, head north along Ocean Avenue for about 15-20 minutes to reach the southern end of the park.
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Public Transport
Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus provides several convenient routes to access Palisades Park. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 all have stops along Ocean Avenue near the park. Check the Big Blue Bus website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1. Exact change is required, or you can use a TAP card. Several bus stops are located along 4th Street, a short walk east of Ocean Avenue. From these stops, walk west towards Ocean Avenue to reach the park. For example, Big Blue Bus line 9 runs along Ocean Avenue and stops near the park. The bus runs hourly and a ticket costs $1.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Monica. Simply request a ride to Palisades Park, specifying your desired drop-off point along Ocean Avenue. A short ride from the Santa Monica Pier or downtown area will typically cost between $7 and $15, depending on traffic and distance.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Note that Palisades Park does not have designated on-site parking. Metered street parking is available along Ocean Avenue, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours and weekends. Parking is also available in nearby parking structures, such as those surrounding the Third Street Promenade. Metered parking rates typically range from $1-3 per hour, with time limits varying from 2-3 hours. Parking in nearby structures can cost $12.80 per hour, with a daily maximum of $28.80.
Discover more about Palisades Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Idaho Gate
0.4 km
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Ocean Ave Stairs of Santa Monica
0.8 km
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Ocean Pacific Coast Stairs
0.9 km
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Miramar Moreton Bay Fig Tree
0.9 km
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Edwin Building
1.1 km
Discover the Edwin Building, a historical landmark in Santa Monica showcasing architectural beauty and cultural heritage amidst vibrant surroundings, designed by Paul Revere Williams.
Christine Emerson Reed Park
1.2 km
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Downtown Santa Monica
1.4 km
Experience the best of Southern California in Downtown Santa Monica: sun-kissed beaches, vibrant shopping, diverse dining, and iconic attractions all steps from the Pacific Ocean.
Will Rogers Highway Marker
1.4 km
Commemorating the iconic Route 66 and the beloved Will Rogers, this Santa Monica marker offers a glimpse into America's open road spirit and a tribute to a legendary entertainer.
Clock Tower Building
1.4 km
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Beach Crossing Staircase
1.6 km
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Old Santa Monica Forestry Station
1.6 km
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Old Rte 66,
1.7 km
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Santa Monica Place
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Route 66 End of the Trail
1.9 km
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Heal the Bay Aquarium
1.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Annenberg Community Beach House
0.4 km
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Santa Monica State Beach
0.5 km
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Santa Monica Statue
1.0 km
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Santa Monica Art Museum
1.2 km
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Farmers Market - Wednesday/Saturday Downtown Santa Monica
1.3 km
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Santa Monica Beach
1.4 km
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Santa Monica Public Library
1.6 km
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Santa Monica History Museum
1.6 km
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Camera Obscura Art Lab
1.6 km
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Santa Monica
1.7 km
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Cayton Children's Museum
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Greetings from Santa Monica Mural
1.9 km
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The Bike Center Santa Monica
1.9 km
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Yacht Harbour, Santa Monica
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Santa Monica Pier Arch
1.9 km
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Essential places to dine
The Penthouse
0.9 km
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FIG RESTAURANT
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Michael's
1.0 km
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Hillstone
1.1 km
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Wally's Santa Monica
1.1 km
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1212 Santa Monica
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Rosti Tuscan Kitchen - Santa Monica
1.2 km
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Art's Table
1.2 km
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Lobster & Beer Santa Monica
1.2 km
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UOVO | Santa Monica
1.3 km
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Colapasta Restaurant
1.3 km
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Élephante
1.4 km
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Blue Plate Oysterette
1.4 km
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SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
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BOA Steakhouse
1.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Arrow Gift
1.1 km
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Estell Boutique
1.1 km
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Lucky Penny General Store
1.2 km
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Istanbul Home
1.2 km
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2 Bella boutique
1.2 km
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The Acorn Store
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Divine Vintage Santa Monica
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Sand 'n Surf Promenade
1.3 km
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Wonders of the World
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Anthropologie
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Brentwood General Store
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American Cancer Society Discovery Shop - Santa Monica, CA
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Urban Outfitters
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Timeless Symbols
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LA Gift Stop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
THE BUNGALOW
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The Coco Club
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Ye Olde King's Head
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Esters Wine Shop & Bar
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Bar Chloe
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Lanea
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Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
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Bodega Wine Bar
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The Backyard
2.0 km
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The Room Santa Monica
2.1 km
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The Chestnut Club - Santa Monica Bar - Cocktails - Happy Hour 5-7pm
2.2 km
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The Living Room
2.4 km
Experience the elegance of The Living Room in Santa Monica, where coastal charm meets culinary excellence and breathtaking ocean views.
Basement Tavern
3.4 km
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Jameson’s Pub
3.5 km
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Tavern on Main SM
3.7 km
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