palisades park

whitemice46

This is a delightful Park on a City bluff above the Pacific Ocean. The landscaping is superior, but there are those grafitti and scratchitti people who have defaced even beautiful plants, minding their own business, swaying in the breeze. There are many homeless people about and a lot of tourists. But the views are unsurpassed. There is architectural beauty which has also been marred by graffiti and neglect. Sigh. This area could be so nice if it was given some care.

Kipp7272

I've never seen another park like this. It's a great place. In the morning Yoga classes and bikers fill the grass. The views over look Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Bluffs. Very pretty.

RobertB215

Having grown up in Southern California, then moved to Asia, this would not have been one of my strongest recommendations. As a boy, the beach held the fascination. But this park is a wonderful stroll, with lots of decorative trees and plants, and the ocean and coastal view is wonderful. If you stay in one of the nearby hotels, this becomes almost an extension of the hotel grounds. It is also a good place to take photos, such as close ups, with a plant or tree in the picture.

Veni-vidi-vicidotcom

I'm told there are bands that play in the park and they would add another vibe to the area. Have been here many times and will be back again. Tip is to walk there during the day, but I wouldn't venture in the park much after dark. Better to walk on the East side of the street in the evening if you are visiting.

MODIAM

Great place to enjoy the beauty of Santa Monica. Exercise, walk, or just sit and relax. Very enjoyable.

TNharleychick

If you love watching sunsets and photography, this park is a wonderful place to go! We ended up here right at sunset and used the palm trees and beauty of other trees in the park to frame our sunset pictures. During the day, the park was clean, had families playing in the grassy areas, couples sitting on the benches, and a few street performers (specifically one was holding HUGE snakes & letting people take pics with the snakes wrapped around them - see pics - eeek). The park is right at the top of the Santa Monica Pier. We ended up going to the pier for a while and then came back through the park after dark. The atmosphere had changed a bit. The families were gone. We did notice more homeless people under the trees and on the benches. However, the park was well lit (see pics) and we were never approached by anyone or had feelings of being unsafe. It is very quiet and peaceful here.

oldhickory5

How's this for praise: Palisades Park is the second favorite park that I've ever been to after Tuileries Garden in Paris. Better than Central Park in New York. Better than Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Better than Grant Park in Chicago. It's the ambience. The palm trees. The ocean. The quiet solitude. The meandering sidewalks. The homeless men don't even disturb the scenery. When I die, I want to be cremated and my ashes scattered under a palm tree at Palisades. Wait a minute! Homeless men? Forget it. Just keep walking. They don't disturb anyone, and no one disturbs them. If you were homeless, you'd want to come here too. It's a paradise for everyone!

coric905

My parents came to Santa Monica in 1948 and stood in Palisades Park over looking the Pacific Ocean and never left. It's a beautiful sight that never tires and the sunsets can be magical.

AEBlumberg

This is a great way to stroll the cliffs and see the western edge of Santa Monica. If its your first time to the area, I recommend this at some time during y our stay.

CarmichaelVentura

This lovely park has paths for strolling, green grass for lounging, loads of people for watching, and great ocean and mountain and sometimes mountain views. If the droughts continue, will we be forced to give up the lawn?

terig862

Palisades Park is about a 1 1/2 mile stretch atop the bluffs along the Pacific Ocean, with paved and dirt pathways. It's beautifully landscaped, and also has some statues. There are lots of park benches, restrooms, and picnic spots as well. No smoking allowed in the park. Spectacular sunset views!

Anneochmagnus

We took a walk here in the mornings. A great way to start your day. Beatiful view and a well taken care of park. Take the satirs down to the ocean for a coffee and finish your walk by the beach.

Flhappy

The view from this park is not rivaled in the world. Amazing sunsets. Beautiful ocean and mountain scenes.Unfortunately....it is loaded with homeless people. Lucky for them to be in such a beautiful place but a bit scary at times for others. You do have the screamers and shouters and you are not sure what to do .As a woman, I cross the road and leave. Too bad it takes away from the wonderful park.

ChristieC665

If you have never been to Santa Monica, this is absolutely a Must. I have been visiting the park for over 50 years. What is rally unique about it is the vistas from the winding path that borders the cliff tops at least 50 feet above the Coast Highway. The park stretches several miles and is an aboretist's joy with towering palms, rose and succulent gardens. There is also some rather amazing gnarled old olive trees. One can park along the street (Ocean Ave) and picnic anywhere although most of the picnicking is of the blanket on the grass type. The views stretch north to Malibu and south to the Santa Monica Pier and beyond. And if one is particularly energetic, there are scattered paths down to the Highway and across to the beach. Or one can simply walk a few blocks and arrive at the Third Street Promenade. I never feel unsafe walking this beautiful boardwalk during the day and it is a particularly beautiful spot to catch a sunset over the ocean. Recommend a couple of hours for a gentle stroll.

908stellaw

Do not be put off by the large number of homeless people at the park. They did not bother me when walking alone and one person kindly told me I had dropped my sunglasses, other wise I might not have noticed when fumbling with the camera. The toilets were clean on the occasions I needed to know with soap, water, paper and even toilet seat covers; Australia please note. The views are expansive and it is real postcard stuff. Stella