Palisades Park

Walk along the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths here and it becomes obvious why tourists flock to this oceanside park in Santa Monica. Nestled between the beach and Ocean Avenue, this bluff-top park runs the length of Santa Monica’s northern coast with stunning views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains—this is the postcard picture of L.A.’s coastline that lives in most people’s heads. Steer clear of the touristy (and sometimes unsavory) section by the Pier—though don’t pass up a stop at the Camera Obscura—and instead keep toward the Pacific Palisades-adjacent end, past the stately concrete sculpture at Wilshire and the colorful totem pole at San Vicente.