Tongva Park
A landscaped urban park near the waterfront with gardens, paths, and open green space. It’s a good place for a relaxed outdoor break close to the beach.
Tongva Park is a modern, landscaped public park in downtown Santa Monica, just inland from the beach and the Third Street Promenade. It’s known for its sculpted hills, winding paths, native and drought-tolerant plantings, play areas, and open spaces that make it a pleasant place to slow down between the oceanfront and the city center. The park offers a quieter, greener contrast to the busy nearby streets and is especially good for a relaxed walk, a break with kids, or a scenic pause close to the coast.
History
Tongva Park was created as part of Santa Monica’s effort to add new public open space near the downtown and beach area, and it is named for the Tongva people, the Indigenous inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin. The park opened in the 2010s and was designed as a contemporary civic landscape with terraces, native planting, and views that connect the city to the coast.
Expert notes
- Bring sun protection; much of the park is open to the sky.
- Good for families, but some paths and slopes may be easier with comfortable walking shoes.
- Combine it with a walk to the nearby beach or Third Street Promenade.
- Check current park hours before going, since public park access can vary by season or maintenance.
More things to do in Santa Monica
Original Muscle Beach Santa MonicaA historic outdoor fitness and beachside recreation spot right on the oceanfront. It’s a distinctive Santa Monica place to see local beach culture in action.
Pacific WheelA Ferris wheel on the pier offering elevated views of the coastline and city. It’s a scenic outdoor attraction and a strong choice for sightseeing.
Santa Monica Pier CarouselA classic carousel attraction on the pier that adds to the outdoor amusement-park atmosphere. It’s a fun scenic stop along the waterfront.
Santa Monica History MuseumA small museum that can work well for families interested in local history. It offers a quieter, educational stop away from the busier beachfront attractions.
California Heritage MuseumA museum that can be a good family-friendly cultural stop, especially for visitors who want something educational beyond the beach. Its neighborhood setting also makes it easy to combine with other nearby activities.
Santa Monica Ghosts: Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub CrawlsA historically themed attraction focused on Santa Monica’s ghost stories and haunted history, offering a culturally significant way to explore local lore.