Clover Park

The scoop

Clover Park is a 17.9-acre city park on Ocean Park Boulevard, built for running around and group picnics. You're in Sunset Park, not on the beach. The official listing includes two playgrounds, sports fields, tennis, a sand volleyball court, a fitness course, restrooms, and picnic tables with city barbecue grills.

What to do

Let kids use the playgrounds, claim a picnic table, and cook only on the city-provided grills — portable stoves and other fires aren't allowed in city parks. The baseball, softball, and soccer fields, plus two lighted tennis courts, are here if you want a game; teams can reserve fields in advance through the city. There's also a 15-station par fitness course and a sand volleyball court.

When to go

Open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Weekends are the obvious time for a group picnic; go earlier if you want a table or a grill without a reservation. Reservations are recommended for the picnic areas with grills.

Who it's for

Families, teams, and anyone throwing a picnic who needs space, bathrooms, and a parking lot. It's not the park for an ocean view.

Kids: A strong pick with young kids. Two playgrounds, big lawns, and restrooms give them room to last a while. Bounce houses aren't allowed in city parks.

Insider tips

• There's an official off-street lot; the city's parks listing and Visit Santa Monica both put it at 95 spaces.
• Barbecuing is allowed only on the city-installed grills. The city lists 16 grills here, including reservable picnic areas.
• Dogs are allowed on a leash, with clean-up materials. City rules keep them off playgrounds, courts, and playing fields.
• Groups of 10 or more doing organized sports on a field need a city field permit.

Skip it if…

You want sand or an ocean view. This is a neighborhood sports-and-picnic park, not a beach stop.