Trip ideas while visiting Santa Monica in California
If you want to enjoy stunning views of Santa Monica Bay away from the crowds of tourists, head one block inland from the beach to Palisades Park. This park is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. It’s a narrow but long park that stretches between Ocean Avenue, the Pacific Coast Highway, Colorado Avenue, and Adelaide Drive. The park covers 26.4 acres and offers plenty of picturesque scenes that you’ll want to capture on a postcard. You can relax and soak up the sun while taking advantage of various amenities provided in the park, such as picnic tables, benches, and restrooms. Additionally, there’s a beautiful rose garden, public art installations, and even monthly art classes for adults. If you’re looking for more information about what to explore in the area, there’s a visitor center kiosk available on-site.
Don’t forget to take a break from photographing the water and appreciate the beautiful plants in the park. There are various types of plants that can withstand dry conditions, such as agave plants and palm trees. Additionally, Palisades Park offers an exquisite rose garden and captivating sculptures. Many travelers suggest it as a pleasant spot for a family picnic. Keep in mind that it can sometimes be difficult to find an available park bench due to the park’s popularity among the local homeless community.