Douglas Park

The scoop

Douglas Park is a neighborhood park on Wilshire, not a beach day. You come for the playground, the lawns, and the reflecting pools where ducks and turtles hang out. There's a lawn bowling green, lighted tennis courts, picnic tables, and walking paths through the park.

What to do

Start at the playground if you're with young kids, then walk the paths around the pools. Bring a picnic and use the tables and lawns. The tennis courts are lighted and listed for drop-in use. Don't plan on bowling unless you have a city permit — the official park rules require one to use the green.

When to go

Open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Go earlier if you want an easier time at the playground or a parking space on the street. There's no beach crowd here, but it is a popular neighborhood stop with small kids.

Who it's for

Families, tennis players, and anyone who wants a green neighborhood park without driving to the sand.

Kids: One of the easier parks in town with young kids. There's a playground, lawns, and the ponds to look at. The city asks visitors not to feed the ducks or turtles.

Insider tips

• No designated parking lot. Use metered street parking around the park. Neighborhood meters were $1.50 an hour on the city's January 12, 2026 rate table; confirm the posted sign.
• Visit Santa Monica and the city's Community Services listing both describe one restroom building. The official park page doesn't publish restroom hours.
• Dogs are allowed on a leash, with clean-up materials and a dog license. City rules keep dogs off playgrounds, courts, and playing fields.
• Leave the wildlife unfed. The city says feeding them disrupts the park's ecosystem.

Skip it if…

You want a beach or a park with its own parking lot.