Tongva Park is a six-acre public park on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier. Its four areas, Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill, combine winding paths, gardens, fountains and public art. Head to Observation Hill for views of the Pacific and the pier, or let children explore the climbing play structures and summer splash pad at Discovery Hill. Shaded picnic tables and open lawns make the park a useful place to pause between downtown Santa Monica and the coast.
Four areas to explore
Tongva Park is divided into Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill. Curving paths connect the sections, crossing rolling, terraced ground and open lawns. You can follow the routes between the gardens, viewpoints and play areas or settle in one spot for a picnic.
Observation Hill has an overlook with views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier. The elevated terraces and paths also create places to pause and take photographs. Garden Hill is the place to look for native plants and other landscaping inspired by California’s coastal ecology. Plants and trees vary across the park, with subtle seasonal changes.
Discovery Hill is arranged around a children’s play area. Its climbing structures offer a different kind of play from a conventional playground with swings and large slides. In summer, children can cool off at the splash pad. The water starts when you press a button, which you need to keep holding to keep it flowing.
Gathering Hill has grassy space and a natural amphitheater. The city holds performances there, including dance, art and music events. Picnic tables and shaded areas give families a place to take a break while children use the play area.
A park named for the Tongva people
The park takes its name from the Tongva, the Indigenous people who lived in the Los Angeles Basin and the Southern Channel Islands for thousands of years. Its name offers a reminder of the people connected to this region; it does not make the park a museum or an indoor cultural site.
Tongva Park opened in 2013 on land that had been a parking lot. Its six acres bring together planted hills, paths, lawns and water features in an urban setting near the coast. The design includes public art and distinctive structures, including wire-frame forms at the overlooks.
The park’s water elements include fountains and a small stream. The fountains are for looking at, while the splash pad is the designated place for children to play in water. Benches, picnic tables and open grass offer room to rest between a walk along the paths and a visit to the nearby pier.
Planning a stop
The park is at 1615 Ocean Avenue, between Ocean Avenue and Main Street in Santa Monica. It sits close to the Santa Monica Pier and is an easy addition to time spent around the waterfront. Its paths, viewpoints and gardens suit a short walk; families can spend longer if they use the playground, splash pad or picnic areas.
Bring food for a picnic if you want to make use of the tables and lawns. For a visit with children, the splash pad is a seasonal feature, so plan around warm-weather play rather than expecting it to be running year-round. Dogs are allowed, and the park also has Wi-Fi and public restrooms.
Häufige Fragen
Is Tongva Park free to visit?
The park is described as a free public space.
How long should I spend at Tongva Park?
The information supports a walk, picnic or family outing, but does not give a typical visit length.
What can children do at Tongva Park?
Discovery Hill has climbing play structures and a splash pad. The splash pad is a summer feature, and you need to hold its button to keep the water on.
Can you see the Santa Monica Pier from Tongva Park?
Yes. Observation Hill has an overlook with views of the pier and the Pacific Ocean.
