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Crescent Bay Park: A Coastal Retreat in Santa Monica

Discover a tranquil coastal haven at Crescent Bay Park in Santa Monica, offering stunning ocean views and a rich history.

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Crescent Bay Park, a 2.27-acre coastal haven in Santa Monica, offers stunning ocean views and a rich history. Established in 1911, the bi-level park features lush green spaces, a gazebo, and a pergola, providing a tranquil escape for relaxation and recreation.

A brief summary to Crescent Bay 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

  • Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots in the park.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning sunsets over the ocean.
  • Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the walking trails.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere in Ocean Park, head towards Ocean Avenue. If you're near the beach, simply walk north on the beach path until you reach the intersection with Ocean Avenue. Once on Ocean Avenue, continue walking north for about 0.5 miles (approximately 10-15 minutes on foot). You will pass by beautiful ocean views and beachside homes. Crescent Bay Park will be on your right at 2000 Ocean Ave.

  • Public Transport

    If you prefer public transport, you can take the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. The bus line 1 or R7 will take you to the nearest stop. Board the bus at the nearest stop to your location in Ocean Park. A single journey fare is $1.25. Once you get off at the stop nearest to 2000 Ocean Ave (Crescent Bay Park), you will have a short walk (5-10 minutes) to reach the park.

  • Parking

    Parking is available along Ocean Avenue, Pico Boulevard, and in the residential areas surrounding the park. There are also several parking structures nearby, including Parking Structure 6 at 1431 2nd Street and Parking Structure 7 at 350 Broadway. Street parking meters are available, and rates are reasonable. Some nearby hotels, such as Viceroy Santa Monica, offer valet parking. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around $8 for the day.

Unlock the Best of Crescent Bay Park

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Discover more about Crescent Bay Park

Crescent Bay Park, located at 2000 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, is a serene retreat offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1911, the park spans 2.27 acres and is situated south of the Santa Monica Pier, between Bay and Bicknell Streets. The park's history is intertwined with the development of Santa Monica. Real estate developer Carl F. Schader donated most of the property to the city in 1910, stipulating that it remain a public park and include a bandstand, a sun parlor (the pergola), and a concrete sidewalk. Originally known as Seaside Park, Sunset Park, Southside Park and Crystal Beach Park, the park was landscaped and a pergola constructed in 1911 and renamed Crescent Bay Park to recognize these improvements. Crescent Bay Park holds historical significance as part of the Bay Street Beach Historic District, also known as 'The Inkwell'. During the Jim Crow era, this area served as a primary seaside recreation and leisure site for African American Angelenos, offering a safe and welcoming space during a time of segregation. In 2008, the City of Santa Monica erected a monument at Bay Street and Oceanfront Walk officially recognizing the historic significance of the area and the early African American community there. The park is divided into two levels by a retaining wall. The upper level features a gazebo, benches, and a sprawling grass lawn with panoramic ocean views. The lower level includes a pergola and additional grass area. Crescent Bay Park is more than just a park; it's a community gathering place, a historical landmark, and a symbol of Santa Monica's commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable public spaces.

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