@ Hotchkiss Park 8
1 / 10

Hotchkiss Park

4.5
·441 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

A tranquil neighborhood park with stunning partial ocean views, perfect for picnics, relaxation, and sunset watching under mature trees.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
@ Hotchkiss Park 8

Hotchkiss Park

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil neighborhood park with stunning partial ocean views, perfect for picnics, relaxation, and sunset watching under mature trees.

4.5
(441 reviews)

"By far my favorite park in Santa Monica. It is the perfect place for a picnic or to watch the sunset."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Bring a blanket, chair, and snacks for a relaxing picnic with ocean views.

🤫 Seek Serenity

Ideal for quiet reflection, meditation, or reading thanks to its peaceful atmosphere.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 441 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Views

Ocean Views

Sloping lawn

Enjoy breathtaking, partial ocean views from the park's elevated position. Perfect for sunset watching.

Reddit
Majestic Trees

Majestic Trees

Throughout the park

Find ample shade under the park's huge, mature trees, offering a serene escape on sunny days.

Reddit
Live Music Performances

Live Music Performances

Main lawn area

Experience impromptu live music, often featuring local bands on Sunday afternoons.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Golden Hour

Hotchkiss Park is renowned for its stunning sunset views. Plan your visit for late afternoon to catch the magical golden hour light over the ocean. It's the perfect time for a picnic or quiet reflection. Reddit

Check for Live Music

During summer evenings, you might catch live music performances, particularly on Sundays. Keep an eye on local listings or social media for bands like Billy T & the Fam. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday evenings (summer)
Why
Live music potential
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

best park on west side for picnic

hi everyone, i am going to do a picnic photoshoot for my small business (i sell cakes!). what parks have good green grass, space for a picnic, and isn’t too crowded on the west side? it will be on a tuesday so shouldn’t be too crazy, hoping this isn’t a unicorn ask. thank u

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Bring a blanket, chair, and snacks for a relaxing picnic with ocean views. Reddit

🤫 Seek Serenity

Ideal for quiet reflection, meditation, or reading thanks to its peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

reddit.com

Billy T & the Fam returning to Hotchkiss Park this summer!

Hey all! I know there has been some chatter about the kick ass band that played near the beach through the pandemic and also at Hotchkiss park and wanted to help spread the word that they are performing this Sunday June 8th from 3-6pm at Hotchkiss Park. Always a good time so -…

reddit.com

Ocean View Park Live Music?

Does anyone know the schedule for when this occurs?

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

While not an enclosed dog park, it's a good spot for dogs with plenty of space. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access for visitors. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Bring a blanket, chair, and snacks for a relaxing picnic with ocean views. Reddit

🤫 Seek Serenity

Ideal for quiet reflection, meditation, or reading thanks to its peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

While not an enclosed dog park, it's a good spot for dogs with plenty of space. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(441 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hotchkiss Park is cherished for its serene atmosphere, offering beautiful partial ocean views and ample shade from mature trees. Visitors love it for quiet relaxation, picnics, and enjoying sunsets. While it lacks a playground or enclosed dog park, its peaceful ambiance and natural beauty make it a favorite neighborhood escape.

"Beautiful well maintained park.
Lots of folks were out and about lounging on this beautiful sunny day.

More than enough shade if you need to get out of the sun as well.

A step up from Jocelyn Park close by, with less kids and more green space. No enclosed dog park here, but still a good amount of dogs."

Hayley Di Naso

"Nice quiet place with huge trees.

And as of August 3, 2023 this park still has those huge trees, soft grass, benches, restrooms, water fountain, a bus stop, steps/stairs, wheelchair accessible, and plenty of parking.

I recommend this park if you're looking for a quiet place to get away from everyone and need hours of silence and meditation!"

CHAD

"Beautiful park in the middle of a neighborhood. Really relaxing, and a great park to read, relax, meditate. Bring your chair, blanket, pillow and AirPods to enjoy music."

Carol

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Ocean views
Shady trees

What People Dislike

No playground
No enclosed dog park

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hotchkiss Park is located in a neighborhood and is accessible by car. There is plenty of parking available. A bus stop is also conveniently located nearby, making public transport an option. Reddit

Yes, the park is noted to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring visitors with mobility needs can enjoy the space. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hotchkiss Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Entry is free for all visitors. Reddit

As a public park, Hotchkiss Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park offers restrooms, a water fountain, benches, and is surrounded by large, shady trees. It also features a sloping lawn with a path. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Hotchkiss Park, though it does not have a dedicated enclosed dog park. It's a good space for dogs to be on a leash. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors praise Hotchkiss Park for its quiet atmosphere, large trees, and peaceful ambiance, making it ideal for meditation and relaxation. Reddit

You can expect beautiful, partial ocean views, especially during sunset. The park is situated on a hill, offering a lovely vantage point. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Hotchkiss Park itself does not have food vendors. However, reviews mention a bodega nearby where you can grab snacks. Reddit

Yes, Hotchkiss Park is an excellent spot for picnics. Visitors recommend bringing your own food, blankets, and chairs to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hour, just before sunset, is highly recommended for photography at Hotchkiss Park due to the beautiful light and ocean views. Reddit

The sloping lawn with ocean vistas and the areas beneath the large, mature trees are particularly photogenic. The sunset views are a major draw. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Hotchkiss Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide