The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Santa Monica, California (CA)

November 17, 2021 Etsuko Causey

The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Restaurants in Santa Monica

1. Airport Park

3201 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405-6114 +1 310-458-8300 http://www.smgov.net/Departments/CCS/content.aspx?id=31692
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

4 acres; Off-leash dog area (license required) with separate small and large dog areas; Playground; Synthetic turf sports field with lights; 17 picnic tables with 6 BBQ grills (reservable area includes 6 picnic tables and 2 BBQ grills); 0.6-mile walking loop; 118 parking spaces and bike racks.

2. Palisades Park

Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401 +1 310-458-8644 [email protected] http://www.smgov.net/Departments/CCS/content.aspx?id=31700
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 560 reviews

Palisades Park

This lush, 25-acre park overlooking the Pacific is a wonderful place for walkers, bikers and people watchers, and connects with the broad Santa Monica beach made famous in TV's "Baywatch" episodes.

Reviewed By airbrush1212 - Santa Monica, United States

The bluffs are a lovely, charming walk thru palm trees and up above the Pacific Coast Highway with a gorgeous view of the ocean. You can picnic, exercise, read a book, walk a dog......

3. South Bay Bicycle Trail

Santa Monica, CA
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

South Bay Bicycle Trail

Reviewed By 660rickd - Jupiter, United States

Could have ridden more and further, but mainly rode our rentals from Annenburg House down to Venice Pier and back. Stopped for lunch, stopped to watch the Skaters at the Skate park too. Well maintained, easy to see directional markings so walkers, skateboarders and scooters know all where to be and who gets right of way. Never saw an accident, although gotta watch out for little kids o occasion darting out in front of you in their hurry to get to the swing set or the beach lol. You may also need to occasionally watch out for the serious bikers on the trail, the ones who like to really cruise past you expecting you to move out of their way. Also prepare yourself for some second hand MJ smoke. Ran through a few clouds of it, and while it doesnt bother me at all, ;), it may bother some. Next tiem I plan on heading down to marina Del Rey and up to Malibu.

4. Virginia Avenue Park

2200 Virginia Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404-4808 http://www.smgov.net/vapark
Excellent
64%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Virginia Avenue Park

5. 26-Mile Bike Path

Santa Monica, CA 90403 http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh/!ut/p/b0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOJdDQwM3P3dgo0MvA0MDTyN_Ezc3B0DDYBs_YJsR0UAMgAeVA!!/?1dmy&page=dept.lac.dbh.home.beaches.detail.hidden&urile=wcm%3Apath%3A/dbh+content/dbh+site/home/beaches/bikepath1
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,463 reviews

26-Mile Bike Path

Starting at the Santa Monica pier, this is a popular path for biking, jogging and in-line skating along the Pacific Ocean.

Reviewed By eddiepix - Beaverton, United States

My girlfriend and I have ridden this path from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach many times...it's beautiful and exciting and along with the great proximity to the ocean, you will see some of the world's most interesting people along the way.

6. Santa Monica State Beach

Ocean Ave at Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-458-8300 http://www.smgov.net/portals/beach
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,705 reviews

Santa Monica State Beach

Reviewed By morrisjkm - Ann Arbor, United States

Fantastic huge beach on the Pacific Ocean with the famous Santa Monica Pier, endless volleyball nets, bike path, Muscle Beach, eateries, sunshine with epic sunsets. Maintained daily by large tractor which sifts white sandy beach.

7. Santa Monica Mountains

Santa Monica, CA http://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Santa Monica Mountains

Part of the National Recreation Area.

Reviewed By BeachStone2C - Helsinki, Finland

It is amazing how you quickly one can leave busy and noisy LA behind - and getting into Santa Monica Mountains is one of those ways. Variety of different level of hikes, most of them offering great views to the Pacific Ocean. Parking is usually not a problem at all. Highly recommended.

8. Santa Monica Bay

Santa Monica, CA 90401
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,342 reviews

Santa Monica Bay

Santa Monica Bay consists of 50 miles of scenic coastline with 22 separate public beaches, providing recreational opportunities to visitors year round.

Reviewed By 404christiner404

A great day out at the beach ,walk along the pier and take a ride on the big wheel if you are up to a long walk you can walk to venice beach and get a spot of lunch .

9. Mary Hotchkiss Park

2302 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405-3413 +1 310-458-8974
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Mary Hotchkiss Park

10. Tongva Park

1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA http://tongvapark.squarespace.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 218 reviews

Tongva Park

Reviewed By CleopatraBunny - Flagstaff, United States

This park, a block from the Santa Monica Pier, is beautifully landscaped, with fountains and metal sculptures. It's lit well at night, and felt safe for the short time I walked through it. It's also just a block off Colorado Avenue, so very accessible if you are downtown.

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