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Palisades Park: Santa Monica's Oceanfront Oasis

Discover breathtaking ocean views, public art, and historic charm at Santa Monica's iconic Palisades Park, a landmark since 1892.

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Palisades Park is a scenic 26.4-acre park stretching along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains. This iconic park features walking paths, public art, a rose garden, and historic monuments, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Palisades Park

  • 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 spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline.
  • Explore the park's public art installations, including the Santa Monica statue and the Native American totem pole.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing meal at one of the park's picnic areas.
  • Check out the Camera Obscura Art Lab for a unique artistic experience.
  • Take advantage of the park's accessibility features, including paved paths and accessible restrooms.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palisades Park is easily accessible on foot from many points in Santa Monica. From the Third Street Promenade, walk west towards Ocean Avenue. Cross Ocean Avenue to access the park, which stretches for 1.6 miles along the bluffs. There are no entrance fees.

  • Public Transport

    Several Big Blue Bus lines serve Palisades Park. From downtown Santa Monica, take any bus heading north along Ocean Avenue (e.g., lines 2, 33, R3). The Big Blue Bus fare is $1.25 when using a mobile device. Cash payments are $1.50. The Metro E Line connects Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles, with a fare of $1.75. From the Downtown Santa Monica Station, walk west on Colorado Avenue, cross Ocean Avenue, and walk down the Pier bridge.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a ride to any address along Ocean Avenue adjacent to Palisades Park (e.g., 1400 Ocean Avenue). Be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. A short taxi ride from the Santa Monica Pier to Palisades Park costs approximately $7-$9.

  • Driving

    Limited metered street parking is available along Ocean Avenue. There is no designated parking for the park. Visitors can also park nearby in the parking structures surrounding the Third Street Promenade. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $5-$15 for a few hours. Be aware that parking can be challenging during weekends and holidays.

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Discover more about Palisades Park

Palisades Park, a beloved landmark in Santa Monica, California, offers visitors a tranquil escape with breathtaking ocean views. This 26.4-acre park extends along Ocean Avenue, perched atop coastal bluffs that provide panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Bay. Originally named Linda Vista Park, the park was established in 1892 thanks to the generosity of city founders Arcadia Bandini de Baker and John Percival Jones. Over the years, the city expanded the park, adding walking paths, landscaping, and lighting. In 2007, it was designated a historic landmark. Today, Palisades Park is home to diverse attractions, including public art installations like the Statue of Santa Monica and a Native American totem pole. Visitors can explore the Camera Obscura Art Lab, relax on benches, enjoy a picnic, or stroll through the rose garden. The park also features historic structures such as the Idaho Gate, a Craftsman-style archway built in 1912. The park boasts over 30 species of plants and trees, including palm, pine, and fig trees. Monuments honor tree experts George Hastings and Grace Heintz, who documented Santa Monica's urban woodland. While enjoying the stunning views, visitors should be mindful of the bluffs' edge, as they are prone to erosion and landslides. Barriers and signs are in place to ensure safety.

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