Background

Tongva Park: An Urban Oasis in Santa Monica

Discover a vibrant urban oasis in Santa Monica's Tongva Park, offering stunning views, gardens, play areas, and a tribute to the native Tongva people.

4.5
A question is required

Tongva Park, a 6.2-acre park in Santa Monica, California, is a vibrant green space that replaced a former parking lot. Named after the indigenous Tongva people, the park features gardens, an amphitheater, playground, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier.

A brief summary to Tongva Park

  • Monday 6 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-11 pm
  • Friday 6 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Cool off in the splash pad, open from Memorial Day through summer.
  • Enjoy a picnic at the shaded picnic tables near the playground or at Fig Picnic Grove on Gathering Hill.
  • Explore the park's four sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill.
  • Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the park.
  • Visit the overlook for scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Santa Monica Pier, walk south along Ocean Avenue for approximately 0.3 miles. Tongva Park will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Arriving via the Metro Expo Line, disembark at the Downtown Santa Monica Station. Walk southwest along 4th Street, then turn left onto Colorado Avenue. Continue east for one block until you reach Ocean Avenue. Tongva Park will be on your right, across Ocean Avenue. A single ride on the Metro costs $2. Alternatively, several Big Blue Bus routes stop near the park. A single ride costs $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Monica. Request a ride to 1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401. A short trip within Santa Monica will likely cost between $10 and $20.

  • Driving

    Navigate to 1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401. There is no on-site parking at Tongva Park. Metered street parking is available. Nearby parking options include the Civic Center Parking Structure (333 Civic Center Dr, Santa Monica, 90401) and Beach Parking Lot 1 South Short Term Parking (1640 Appian Way, Santa Monica, 90401). The Civic Center Parking Structure costs $2 on weekdays and $3 on weekends. Lot 1 South costs $2 for 2 hours.

Unlock the Best of Tongva Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about Tongva Park

Tongva Park, located at 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, is a stunning example of urban transformation, turning a former parking lot into a vibrant 6.2-acre park. Opened on October 13, 2013, the park is named in honor of the Tongva people, the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles area. The park is divided into four main sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill. Observation Hill offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier. Discovery Hill features a modern playground with climbing structures and slides. Garden Hill showcases a diverse collection of native California plants. Gathering Hill is designed as a community gathering space. Visitors can explore winding pathways, art installations, and unique structures. The park includes a children's play area with a splash pad (open Memorial Day through Summer), a natural amphitheater, walking paths, shaded picnic areas, and free Wi-Fi. Notable trees include "Morty," a large Moreton Bay Fig Tree, and the "Three Amigos," three Rusty Fig trees. Tongva Park exemplifies sustainability, with native plants and recycled water used for irrigation. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Popular Experiences near Tongva Park

Popular Hotels near Tongva Park

Select Currency