Palisades Park in Santa Monica, California was founded in 1892. It is 14 blocks of parkland running 1.6 miles with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica starting at the Santa Monica Pier and running North.
Watch my video walking tour of the park
I like to park at Palisades Ave off Ocean Blvd where it’s easy to find free parking. That location is directly across from the rose garden in Palisades Park. The area is well maintained with a gorgeous view of the ocean.
You will find some homeless people and more tourists close to the Santa Monica Pier, but the Northern portion of the park near the Rose Garden is more of a gathering place for Santa Monica residents.
One of the oldest parks in Los Angeles
There are several historic structures throughout the park as well as walking paths and barriers to keep visitors from falling off the slowly eroding sedimentary cliffs, which are quite steep.
In the rose garden is a bust of Arcadia Bandini de Baker, wife of Santa Monica founder Robert Baker who gifted the land to be used for public use back in the late 1800s.
The Craftsman-style Redwood Pergola was built in 1912 and is a peaceful and shady place for park visitors to sit and view the ocean.
Four craftsman-style stone markers honor Veterans of Foreign Wars with a separate pillar dedicated to each branch of the Armed Forces.
The wood structure Gestation III by sculptor Baile Oakes is set to view the sunset during the winter solstice.
For one of the most amazing views of the Santa Monica Pier and the coastline, sit at the Beacon Overlook next to the California Incline. It is a public art installation by sculptor Jody Pinto that resembles a boat.
The Peter Provenzale tree in the park honors a man who played a pivotal role in maintaining urban trees in Santa Monica. You can also see 20 species of plants and trees including Eucalyptus, Red Gum, Cypress, and Fig.
The California incline extends 1400 feet taking cars and pedestrians down to the Pacific Coast Highway heading toward Malibu.
If you want a good workout, walk down the Santa Monica Stairs to the Annenberg Beach House. It was a 110-room mansion built by William Randolph Hearst as a gift to his mistress Marion Davies. Only the guest house remains but it is open to the public to enjoy the beach.
Other places of interest nearby in addition to the pier include Venice Beach, the Venice Beach Canals, the Third Street Promenade, and the Getty Villa.
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