Santa Monica, CA is home to Palisades Park, a lush and historic 26.4‑acre cliff‑top oasis along Ocean Avenue. Stretching approximately 1.6 miles, this scenic urban park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal mountains, and Santa Monica Bay—making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
A Historic Coastal Escape
Established in 1892 as Linda Vista Park through generous land donations by Arcadia Bandini de Baker and John Percival Jones, Palisades Park has evolved into a celebrated landmark. It features historical elements like the Craftsman‑style Idaho Gate (built in 1912), the iconic Saint Monica statue (1935), a wooden pergola, and the Camera Obscura Art Lab. In 2007, the city designated it as a historic landmark in recognition of its cultural and natural significance.
Features That Inspire Relaxation and Discovery
Palisades Park offers amenities to enhance every visit: shaded benches, picnic tables, a rose garden, pétanque courts, and public art installations including totem poles and sculptures such as Gestation III and Beacon Overlook. Walking paths topped with decomposed granite flecked with mica guide visitors past rows of palm, fig, pine, and eucalyptus trees. The elevated bluff setting provides sweeping vistas—ideal for meditation, fitness, photography, or simply watching the sunset over the ocean.
Why You Should Visit Palisades Park
If you’re seeking a peaceful yet engaging experience in Santa Monica, CA, Palisades Park delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re jogging along the bluff, reclining beneath a pergola, or taking in panoramic views, this urban park combines natural beauty, historical charm, and cultural art all in one scenic stretch. Ideal for families, artists, or anyone longing to escape the city bustle, it offers a timeless coastal retreat that continuously renews the spirit.