Why visit
It is the quintessential free Santa Monica experience: a palm-framed bluff walk with the Pacific on one side and the city on the other, ending in some of the best sunsets in LA. The flat, scenic path makes it ideal for an easy stroll that pairs naturally with the pier and beach below.
Stretching roughly a mile and a half along Ocean Avenue, the park offers shaded walking paths, lawns, benches, and a series of overlooks where visitors watch the surf and the curve of the bay. Landmarks along the way include a historic camera obscura, rose pergolas, and a totem-style monument, all set against rows of towering palm trees. The bluff-top railing is one of the city's most photographed sunset perches, especially where the path overlooks the pier. The park is a magnet for joggers, tai chi practitioners, and travelers staying in nearby Ocean Avenue hotels, and it connects easily to the stairs and ramps leading down toward the beach and the pier. Because it sits on an eroding bluff, sections occasionally close for stabilization work, so paths may be rerouted. Its narrow, linear shape means it never feels far from the street, but the ocean side delivers uninterrupted Pacific horizons.
History
Palisades Park was established in the late nineteenth century as one of Santa Monica's earliest public spaces, set aside to preserve the dramatic bluff-top views of the bay. Over the decades it gained its signature palms, gardens, and monuments, becoming an enduring symbol of the city's seaside character and a fixture of Westside coastal life.
Insider Tips
- ✦Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a bluff-edge bench
- ✦Walk north past the pier crowds for quieter overlooks and gardens
- ✦Take the ramp or stairs down to connect directly to the beach and pier
Photo Tips
- 📸Shoot toward the Santa Monica Pier from the bluff at sunset for the classic silhouette
- 📸Frame the rows of palm trees against the orange sky for a tropical-LA look
- 📸Capture the camera obscura building and rose pergolas for architectural detail
Before You Go
- ✓Check the official site for current hours, since posted park hours can differ from 24-hour access
- ✓A common mistake is circling for free parking — plan for paid meters or lots that fill on sunny days
- ✓Confirm whether any bluff sections are closed for erosion or stabilization work before you go
Visiting with family
The flat paved path is easy for strollers and short legs, and benches make convenient rest stops. Keep kids back from the bluff-edge railings, as the drop to the beach is steep.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Palisades Park FAQ
Is Palisades Park the same as the Santa Monica Pier?
No, but they are right next to each other. Palisades Park is the bluff-top green space above Ocean Avenue, and ramps and stairs connect it down toward the pier and beach.
Is Palisades Park free?
Yes, the park is free to enter. You will only pay for nearby metered street parking or public lots if you drive.
What is the best time to visit?
Sunset is the most popular time for the ocean views and golden light, while early morning is best for a quiet, uncrowded walk.
Nearby Neighborhoods
WestsideVenice Beach
Venice Beach is a free-spirited coastal neighborhood known for its carnival-like boardwalk, muscle-bound Muscle Beach, street performers, and canals. It's eclectic, artsy, and unpretentious, a place to people-watch and soak up offbeat LA energy. The mix of skate culture, public art, and beach life makes it one of the city's most distinctive spots.
WestsideBrentwood
Brentwood is an affluent, leafy Westside neighborhood known for hillside estates, upscale dining, and the hilltop Getty Center. It pairs quiet residential charm with a refined San Vicente Boulevard shopping strip. The Getty alone makes it a must-visit.
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ParksPoint Fermin Park
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Helpful Guides
PhotographyThe Best Sunset Spots in Los Angeles
Where to be when the LA sky turns gold and pink, from the Griffith Observatory terraces to Malibu's sea-cave coves.
FreeThe Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
LA can be expensive, but some of its greatest experiences, from the Getty to the beaches, cost nothing at all.
Palisades Park on the map
See Palisades Park and what's nearby in Santa Monica.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (5)
- Palisades Park — Parks
- Santa Monica Pier — Landmarks
- Santa Monica State Beach — Beaches
- Venice Beach — Neighborhood
- Brentwood — Neighborhood