Tongva Park

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.