Santa Monica Pacific Palisades Park

People flock to Palisades Park, whether it’s to take an afternoon jog, push a baby-stroller or sit on a bench and watch the sun move across the sky (leave your bikes at home, girls – biking is prohibited). For me, it is the best cheap date: Buy a couple of deli sandwiches and some drinks, find a secluded spot and soak up the summer sunshine.

The Palisades is a palm-lined stretch of lawn and dirt paths overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Coat Highway. In 1999, $4.5 million was spent to renovate this 13- block long stretch along Ocean Ave that begins just north of the pier and ends at San Vicente Boulevard. Runners enjoy the flat, easy terrain, although it’s occasionally necessary to sidestep a homeless person snoozing beneath a tree.

Being a camera loving girl the photo ops are endless; the bluffs provides the best views especially at sunset, when the sky lights up in brilliant orange and red as it slowly disappears in the distance. Forgot your camera? Then enjoy a mirror-and-lens panorama that has documented Santa Monica for more than 100 years at the historic Camera Obscura. With a turn of the wheel of the rooftop turret, the city unfolds with 360 degrees of seaside bliss.

Whoever said the best things in life are free were right – well, if they’re referring to the Palisades at least.

Palisades Park
Along Ocean Ave in Santa Monica