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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Parks

You need a patch of green space where you can step away from the pavement and breathe for a while.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
South Beach Park Playground image 1
South Beach Park Playground image 2
South Beach Park Playground image 3
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Ship-themed playground offers secure fenced-in play for toddlers with ocean views nearby. Families enjoy shady picnic spots and easy access from parking and paths. Clean, family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for young children.

A ship-themed playground offers a secure, fenced-in space with a gate, designed mainly for toddlers and young kids. Plenty of shady spots and easy access from the beach and parking make it convenient for families.

People are saying

"This playground park is beautifully designed like a ship, perfect for little ones."

"The playground's ocean views are beautiful and refreshing."

"Parking was easy and stress-free nearby."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large county lot next to the playground for $10.

2

Public restrooms are available nearby for visitor convenience.

3

The playground is fenced in, making it safe for younger children.

02
Palisades Park image 1

Long green space atop a cliff offers breathtaking ocean views and scenic walking trails. Separate bike and pedestrian paths keep the atmosphere calm and peaceful. Benches and picnic areas invite relaxation with live music performances nearby.

Offers breathtaking ocean views and well-maintained, scenic walking trails. The park features unique trees, open spaces, and spots for dogs, children, bicycles, and picnics.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from the park."

"This peaceful spot offers stunning ocean views for your meditation."

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from this park."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but affordable and secure options are available nearby.

2

The park offers beautiful ocean views, especially at sunset.

3

A musical band performs at the park on Sundays around 2 to 2:30 pm.

03
Clover Park image 1

Large open space features multiple sports courts and a delightful playground for kids. Free workout stations and scenic airport views attract active visitors and families. Clean, safe grounds with accessible bathrooms support outdoor fun and relaxation.

Open spaces include a vast baseball field, several tennis courts, and a delightful playground for kids of all ages. Facilities stay clean with accessible bathrooms and convenient parking, while the park welcomes dogs and offers gorgeous views of the airport.

People are saying

"I found this park to be amazing and large."

"It's a great dog friendly place with lots of grass for walking."

"The bathrooms here are always well-kept and clean."

Good to know

1

Clover Park is free to access for all visitors.

2

There are plenty of free parking spots available near the park.

3

Bathrooms at Clover Park are always clean and well-kept.

04
Marine Park image 1

Spacious park features huge baseball diamonds and multiple sports courts for active play. Playgrounds include massive play structures with ramps and slides for all ages. Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for kids and adults alike.

A huge playground offers toddler and big kid swings, a merry-go-round, and a large sand pit. Multiple sports courts and baseball diamonds surround a clean, well-maintained, and quiet park.

People are saying

"This park has a huge playground with so much to do for kids."

"The playground here is amazing with so many play structures for kids."

"The playground here is huge with so much to do for the kids."

Good to know

1

The park is open from 6 AM to 11 PM.

2

The playground has swings, a merry-go-round, and a sand pit for kids.

3

There is plenty of parking available in the parking lot and on the street.

05
Joslyn Park image 1

Park offers a fenced playground with swings and slides, perfect for kids. Dog lovers enjoy the separate dog areas for small and large dogs. Friendly community vibe and clean facilities make it ideal for families and pet owners alike.

A kid and dog friendly park with a small, fenced playground and a clean public restroom beside it. The dog park has separate areas for small and large dogs and is great for fetch and socializing. The park is next to a community center offering free meeting spaces and hosts events like birthday parties.

People are saying

"It's a great dog park for socializing and playing."

"It's a fun dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs."

"It's a great place for kids to play and run around."

Good to know

1

The park has a community center that hosts events and meetings.

2

Joslyn Park features a dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs.

3

Public restrooms are available and kept clean near the playground.

06
Douglas Park image 1

Park blends safe playground with tennis courts and a skate bowl for active fun. Large oak trees and a pond with turtles create a peaceful atmosphere. Fenced layout keeps kids secure while families and dog walkers enjoy calm surroundings.

A gated and fenced park offers a safe space for kids with a playground and plenty of open areas. A pond with turtles and ducks adds a peaceful touch, alongside walking trails and large oak trees.

People are saying

"It's a great spot for kids with a fun playground and open space."

"It's a nice spot for a picnic with shaded tables."

"This park has a great playground and pond for families."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered, with free 2-hour parking at the back of the park.

2

Restrooms are locked after dark around 5:30 pm.

3

The park is gated, which helps keep children safe.

07
Ocean View Park image 1

Park boasts breathtaking ocean views and a ship-shaped playground for kids. Visitors enjoy basketball and tennis courts plus a peaceful beach area perfect for picnics and swimming. Calm sea breeze and green hills make it ideal for families and active guests.

Open green spaces and a grassy hill with ocean views create a laid-back vibe. Facilities include a playground for toddlers, courts for basketball and tennis, and a nice beach area for swimming and picnics.

People are saying

"The playground at this park is ship-shaped with a cushioned floor."

"I enjoyed the nice view of the sea and beach."

"I found the bathrooms here to be clean and well equipped."

Good to know

1

Public parking costs $1 per hour at Ocean View Park.

2

All-day parking is available for $12.

3

Clean restrooms are located throughout the beach area.

08
Hotchkiss Park image 1

Grassy slope with ocean views and plenty of shade invites people to relax and enjoy live music or sunsets. Friendly dogs roam a clean park with benches and a marble statue. Quiet neighborhood setting makes it perfect for picnics and dog walking.

A beautifully maintained neighborhood park with a gently sloping grassy hill and lots of shade. It offers peek-a-boo ocean views, a marble statue, benches, and a public restroom, making it great for relaxing, picnics, and dog walking.

People are saying

"It's a cute, relaxing spot to bring the pups."

"I found the park to be beautifully clean and maintained."

"I enjoyed the great view of the ocean sunset."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Sunday evening at Hotchkiss Park.

2

Meditation events are organized at Hotchkiss Park by the Super Bloom Collective.

3

Free roadside parking is available for two hours near Hotchkiss Park.

09
Barnard Way Linear Park image 1

Linear park offers wide bike path and pedestrian lane along the beach. Visitors enjoy picnics and volleyball in a laid back setting with ocean views. On-site rentals make biking and scootering easy and fun.

A wide and long park runs along the beach with separate lanes for pedestrians and bikes. It offers great views of the ocean and serves as a spot for walking, biking, skateboarding, and practicing scooter skills.

People are saying

"The parks here offer a beautiful view of the beach and ocean."

"You get a beautiful view of the beach from here."

Good to know

1

Barnard Way Linear Park is great for biking and skateboarding along its long paths.

2

The park offers access to the beach for swimming and playing in the ocean.

3

It's a popular spot for picnics and playing volleyball with friends.

10
Airport Park image 1

Park shines with fenced dog areas and modern playgrounds for kids. Soccer fields have good turf and picnic spots stay clean and safe. Parking is usually fine but can get tight during busy times.

Offers two soccer fields with good turf and a fenced-in dog park split for small and large dogs. Features a modern playground with slides and seesaws, clean picnic tables, and a safe, well-maintained environment for kids and pets.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here were really clean and stocked."

"It's dog friendly with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs."

"I found the dog parks clean, safe, and well-maintained."

Good to know

1

The park has fenced areas for small and large dogs.

2

Restrooms at the park are clean and well-stocked.

3

Parking can be crowded, especially during peak times.

11
Ozone Park image 1

Narrow strip of land offers a cozy atmosphere with large grassy areas perfect for picnics and sports. Two fenced playgrounds feature climbing structures and slides, ensuring safety for kids. Quiet and well-maintained, it suits dog walking and reading too.

A cozy park with two playgrounds featuring great slides and climbing structures surrounded by a fence for safety. It stays clean and well-maintained, suitable for picnics, sports, fitness, dog walking, or reading.

People are saying

"The playgrounds here have great slides and climbing structures."

"The playground has great slides and climbing structures."

"It's a really kid-friendly place with awesome playgrounds and a grassy area."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available in the park.

2

The park is great for children to play in despite the homeless presence.

3

The fence around the playground allows children to play safely.

12
Crescent Bay Park image 1

Park offers stunning ocean views and a playground with swings perfect for families. Grassy picnic areas and a gazebo create a peaceful shoreline atmosphere. Beach access nearby adds space for relaxation and fun.

A beach access lies a short walk from the park, offering plenty of space even when crowded. The park features a playground with swings and mini gymnastics equipment and provides a stunning sunset view over the water, making it ideal for picnics, weddings, or relaxing with family and dogs.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are absolutely breathtaking."

"It's a gorgeous beachside park with quick access to the water."

"It's a beautiful park with lovely ocean views."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Crescent Bay Park, but it can be difficult to find.

2

Restrooms at Crescent Bay Park are often dirty and need maintenance.

3

Dogs are not allowed at Crescent Bay Park.

13
Tongva Park image 1

Park offers panoramic beach views from a small hill with lush greenery. Shaded paths and modern playgrounds create a serene, family-friendly space. Unique art installations blend with play areas, balancing nature and design beautifully.

Offers beautiful views of the beach and ocean from elevated balconies. Features art installations that blend with playground structures, creating a unique environment. Includes a kids' playground with modern climbing and sliding equipment near the beach.

People are saying

"The playground and splash pad are fantastic for kids."

"The bathrooms here are surprisingly clean and modern."

"This park is beautifully designed and great for families."

Good to know

1

Kids up to age 12 may play in Tongva Park.

2

There is no parking in the park; paid parking is available a block away.

3

There are no washrooms available in the park.

14
Memorial Park image 1

Park buzzes with pickleball courts and tennis leagues for active fun. Kids love the playground while adults join basketball and softball games. Quiet spots and a skatepark add variety to this lively, peaceful space.

Lots of pickleball courts and specialized sport areas like tennis, baseball, and skateboarding make this park active and fun. A nice playground keeps kids busy while adults enjoy classes and leagues for tennis, basketball, and softball.

People are saying

"The pickleball courts here are well maintained and always packed."

"It's a fun place with a nice playground area for kids."

"I found ample street parking available if I didn't mind walking."

Good to know

1

Parking at Memorial Park can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available off 14th street by the tennis courts.

3

The skate park requires a paid entry fee for access.

15
DOG PPL image 1

Sprawling green space offers a leash-free area where dogs play safely. Shaded seating and a community-focused vibe keep visitors relaxed. Amenities like a cafe and grooming services add comfort, while strict policies ensure a well-managed park.

A sprawling green space offers a leash-free area where dogs can romp and play safely. This park stands out as an authentic and safe dog park with no comparable spots elsewhere.

People are saying

"This dog park is the best place for your dogs to play."

"It's so dog friendly, my dogs never got tired of coming here."

"It's a great social spot with an amazing community for dogs and humans."

Good to know

1

Dogs must provide updated vaccine records and pass a temperament test to enter.

2

Tickets are required for special events, in addition to the monthly membership fee.

3

Dog PPL hosts themed events every weekend, including fitness classes for dogs and owners.

16
Christine Emerson Reed Park image 1

Park offers a quiet atmosphere with gated playgrounds that have separate zones for toddlers and older kids. Multiple sports courts like basketball and tennis provide varied activities. Cleanliness and safety make it great for families during the day.

Playground features include shade, a giant fence, soft ground, a sand pit, bucket swings, and slides for all ages. The park stays clean and offers a variety of activities with tennis courts separated from other areas.

People are saying

"This playground has shaded areas and a secure double-gate entrance."

"This playground is really Kid Friendly with separate zones for different ages."

"I loved the tennis courts; they were great and well kept."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms are kept clean and tidy by Santa Monica until 9 pm.

2

The playground is closed off with a double-gate entrance for extra security.

3

Metered street parking is available around the park.

17
Dorothy Green Park image 1

Small green space offers quiet atmosphere and easy beach access along a coastal bike path. Families enjoy the playground and dog run with seating under palm trees. Views include Santa Monica pier and gentle surf, making it peaceful and scenic.

Well-maintained walking paths run through a quiet, peaceful green space with grassy areas and seating under palm trees. The park includes a playground, dog run, clean restrooms, and easy access to the beach and coastal bike path.

People are saying

"It's a nice park with a playground and grassy areas."

"The beach here has fine sand and gentle surf."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and often full during weekends.

2

The park has clean restrooms and plenty of benches for resting.

3

Access to the beach is easy from the park.

18
Annenberg Community Beach House image 1

Outdoor space offers beachfront views and kid-friendly playgrounds with splash pads. Pool area stays lively and clean, perfect for families. Volleyball courts and private seating make it great for fun and gatherings.

Sandy playgrounds and a splash pad offer fun spots for kids, with nearby seating for adults. Facilities include a clean pool, volleyball courts on the sand, and well-maintained bathrooms with outdoor showers.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean."

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from the beach."

"The parks here have great playgrounds for kids."

Good to know

1

Free docent tours of the Marion Davies Guest House are available on weekdays from 12pm to 2pm.

2

Parking costs $12 for the day, with $3 for the first hour.

3

The pool is open to the public for $10 for adults and $4 for kids.

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