Santa Monica Palisades Park

It’s your lucky day whenever you can find street parking on Ocean Avenue when you pull up to Palisades Park. Top-up the meter, because it’s best to explore the park’s 26.4-acres without worrying about time running out.

Sea-fresh scents from the Pacific Ocean greet you the moment you step out of your car, letting you know the vast body of water is an arm’s length away. Start your stroll along the 1.6-mile park sitting on a bluff overlooking the golden sands of Santa Monica Beach.

Scenic views follow you down the entire palm-tree-lined trail paving its way through the park. On your left, you’ll have the silhouette of the Santa Monica Mountains towering in the distance. But on the right, ocean waves rush towards you in an unobstructed view.

We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Santa Monica!