Palisades Park, Santa Monica, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Palisades Park is a long, narrow clifftop park in Santa Monica, California, running along the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the city's best-known places to take in the sea views, watch the sunset and stroll under palm trees, and it sits right beside the downtown area.

The story behind it

The land under the park was given to the city of Santa Monica in 1892. The bluffs were considered unstable and unsuitable for building houses, so they were set aside as public space instead. That turned out to be a lucky outcome for the city, since the strip became one of its most loved open areas.

The bluffs are still prone to erosion, and the park's planting is part of how that is managed. Many of the plants were chosen because their roots help hold the soil in place and slow the crumbling of the cliff face. The park covers roughly 26 acres and includes a pergola, sculptures and several lookout points along its length.

What to look for

• Look over the railings along the walking path to see the layers of different sediment in the bluff, which show why the ground here has always been fragile.
• Notice the variety of plants along the path, many of them selected because their roots help bind the slope and reduce erosion.
• Find the pergola, one of the park's built features, and see how it frames the walk along the cliff edge.
• Stop at the vistas to look out over the Pacific, and keep an eye out for the squirrels that are often seen around the lawns and trees.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 30 to 60 minutes for an unhurried walk up and down the park, longer if you stop to sit and watch the ocean.
• Late afternoon is a popular time, as the park faces west and is a natural place to watch the sun go down.
• Stay behind the railings and on the paths, because the bluff edges are eroding and not safe to climb on.
• The park is right next to downtown Santa Monica, so cafes, shops and the beach area are a short walk away.

See it on a quest

Superhero Support Team: Santa Monica is a good way to see Palisades Park as one stop on a longer walk through the area. You reach the park on foot, the app tells you about the place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you. One ticket covers the whole group.

Santa Monica Detective Mystery: Infiltrate a Secret Society. suits anyone who likes a mystery with their sightseeing. You walk to the park as part of a longer route, hear about each place when you get there, and solve a puzzle on the spot. One ticket covers the whole group.