Palisades Park

Welcome to Palisades Park, a slender, twenty-six-acre ribbon of green perched precariously atop the sandstone bluffs of Santa Monica. Running for over one and a half miles along Ocean Avenue, this park is the defining edge…

The most striking immediate feature of Palisades Park is its arboreal architecture. The paved pathways weave between an astonishing collection of mature trees, most notably towering Mexican Fan Palms and twisting, sculptural…

As we walk southward, the park offers unparalleled, elevated views of the Santa Monica Pier. From this vantage point, the chaotic energy of the amusement park is muted, allowing us to appreciate the pier as a structural object…

Scattered throughout the park are various historic monuments and civic artifacts. Notably, you will find a historic cannon and a statue of Saint Monica, the city's namesake. …

Looking down toward the Pacific Coast Highway, we must address the geological reality of the bluffs. These sheer sandstone cliffs are incredibly fragile and constantly subject to erosion from wind, rain, and tectonic activity. …

Near the northern end of the park lies a carefully cultivated Rose Garden and a historic wooden pergola. This area offers a highly manicured, almost European garden aesthetic, contrasting with the ruggedness of the bluffs. …

We conclude at the northernmost point, arguably the premier location in all of Los Angeles to witness the sunset. Due to the park's elevation and its western orientation, the view of the sun dipping below the Pacific horizon is…

Palisades Park is a masterpiece of linear landscape architecture. By securing the bluffs for public use over a century ago, Santa Monica ensured that its greatest natural asset—the panoramic ocean view—remained accessible to…