Douglas Park
A charming Santa Monica park featuring serene duck ponds, a playground, tennis courts, and lawn bowling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Douglas Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Santa Monica park featuring serene duck ponds, a playground, tennis courts, and lawn bowling.
"Douglas Park is a beautiful spot in Santa Monica with plenty to enjoy."
🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Ponds
Central area
Observe ducks, turtles, and serene waters. A peaceful spot for quiet contemplation.

Playground Fun
North side
A vibrant space for children to play and explore. Great for families with little ones.

Lawn Bowling & Tennis Courts
East side
Engage in friendly competition or practice your skills on well-maintained courts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Etiquette & Cleanliness
Peak Times & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Question for those in the 26th and Wilshire area
🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal.
Cleaning of playgrounds and public spaces
🎾 Active Pursuits
Bring your gear for tennis or lawn bowling for some friendly competition.
🐢 Wildlife Watching
Spot ducks and turtles in the ponds; they are generally calm and don't bother visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pet-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks around the ponds and green spaces with your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of benches and picnic tables available for a relaxing outdoor meal.
🎾 Active Pursuits
Bring your gear for tennis or lawn bowling for some friendly competition.
🐢 Wildlife Watching
Spot ducks and turtles in the ponds; they are generally calm and don't bother visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Douglas Park is a well-loved urban green space in Santa Monica, praised for its serene duck ponds, enjoyable playground, and sports facilities. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness and ample parking, making it a great spot for families, dog walkers, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape. Some minor concerns about pond water clarity have been noted, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and functional park.
"Location is great!! There is always plenty of parking with parking meters.
I love to walk the park with my Loki. There are the ponds to see the duckies and turtles!!! They are nice and calm, never seen any of the ducks or turtles try to interact with people or dogs. Lots of beautiful trees. My Loki gets happy when we come to this park when I have my doctors appointments!! He cries when I am trying to park because he’s wanting to get out of the car to roam the park!!! The park is clean and usually busy with people at the benches, laying out or just walking."
Marcella
"Nice place to enjoy the weather in Santa Monica. Small and beautiful. There are many benches and picnic tables in the park. There is also a nice playground for children. The park is clean but the water in the ponds is a bit dirty."
Aleksandr Khindanov
"Douglas Park is a beautiful spot in Santa Monica with plenty to enjoy. The duck ponds, playground, and open grassy areas make it perfect for families, and the tennis courts and lawn bowling add something for adults too. It’s a peaceful place to relax or spend an afternoon outdoors."
Keenan Richards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Douglas Park is conveniently located in Santa Monica, easily accessible by car. Public transportation options are also available, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Parking is available, though it may involve meters and can fill up on busy days.
Yes, there is parking available at Douglas Park. Many visitors mention that there is usually plenty of parking, but it is metered. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. Several Santa Monica Big Blue Bus routes serve the area around Douglas Park, making it accessible without a car. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Douglas Park features paved pathways throughout, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The playground and picnic areas are also designed with accessibility in mind.
To avoid traffic, aim to visit Douglas Park during weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially midday, tend to be busier. Planning your visit outside of peak commuting hours can also help.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Douglas Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy its amenities and green spaces freely.
Douglas Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public space, so hours are generally consistent with daylight. Always check local park advisories for any temporary closures or changes.
There is no admission fee to enter Douglas Park. It is a free public park for everyone to enjoy.
While there are many picnic tables and benches, reservations are generally not required or offered for standard use. For larger events or specific facility rentals (like the clubhouse), you would need to contact the park administration.
General park rules apply, such as no littering and respecting wildlife. Alcohol may be restricted, and amplified music might require a permit. Always check posted signs for specific regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Douglas Park offers a variety of activities including walking, picnicking, playground fun for kids, lawn bowling, and tennis. The duck ponds are also a popular spot for observation.
Absolutely! Douglas Park features a nice playground that little ones and bigger kids can enjoy. The open grassy areas and duck ponds also add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Douglas Park. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs around the park's paths and green spaces.
The ponds in Douglas Park are home to ducks and turtles and offer a nice view. Some reviews mention the water can be a bit dirty, but the wildlife is generally calm and enjoyable to observe.
Yes, restrooms are available within Douglas Park, typically located near the playground and other central facilities. They are generally kept clean for visitor use.
📸 📸 Photography
The duck ponds with their calm waters and surrounding greenery offer picturesque scenes. The mature trees provide lovely shaded spots, and the playground can be fun for candid shots. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light.
Yes, Douglas Park is a good spot for nature photography, especially for birdwatching around the ponds. You can capture ducks, turtles, and various plant life. The mature trees also add to the natural beauty.
For casual personal photography, Douglas Park is generally welcoming. However, for professional photoshoots, especially those involving large equipment or requiring exclusive use of an area, it's advisable to check with the park administration for any permit requirements.
Late afternoons, particularly during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photography. Weekday mornings are also great for softer light and fewer distractions.
The central duck ponds with the resident wildlife are a key photographic subject. The mature trees offering shade and the well-maintained tennis courts and lawn bowling greens also provide distinct visual elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🎾 Active Individuals
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Douglas Park's Amenities
For those looking to relax or socialize, numerous benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, offering ample opportunities for leisurely meals or quiet contemplation under the shade of mature trees. The park's layout is designed for easy navigation, with paved pathways making it accessible for walking, jogging, or strolling with strollers and wheelchairs. The presence of a rental clubhouse suggests it can also accommodate small events or gatherings, adding to its community function.
While the park is generally praised for its cleanliness and beauty, some reviews note that the water in the ponds can appear a bit murky. However, this doesn't detract from the overall positive experience for most visitors who appreciate the park as a "nice spot of green right off Wilshire". It strikes a balance between being a place for active recreation and a peaceful retreat.
Community Insights on Park Maintenance
While specific details about Douglas Park's maintenance schedule aren't readily available in the provided data, the general sentiment from reviews is positive, describing the park as "clean" and "well-kept". This suggests that the local authorities are generally effective in their maintenance efforts. However, the mention of murky pond water by some visitors indicates areas where improvements could potentially be made or where natural conditions might influence appearance.
For those concerned about specific aspects of park cleanliness, engaging with local city services or park departments, as suggested by the Reddit post, is the most direct approach. This proactive communication can help address individual concerns and contribute to the collective understanding of park management practices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit