The Santa Monica Conservancy will host the first-ever walking tour of Palisades Park on Sunday, June 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The iconic park, designated as a historic landmark by City Hall, has been showcased in many movies and commercials, featuring its towering palm trees and panoramic ocean views.
On land set aside in 1892 by the city’s founders, the park extends one-and-a-half miles on top of the bluffs with stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Within the park are many monuments, such as the WPA (Works Progress Administration) statue of Saint Monica. Historic points of interest and contemporary art works are placed among more than 30 species of trees and plants that display the beauty of sustainable water-conserving gardens.
“The park’s dramatic, unrestricted views of the ocean have been carefully maintained since it was established,” said conservancy President Carol Lemlein. “This is what makes it unique as many coastal communities have bowed to development which has obscured such wonderful views.”
Docents will be stationed throughout the park to provide information and interpretation of the various sights along the way, including the necklace of notable architecture on Ocean Avenue alongside the park. The tour will end at the Senior Center where an exhibition of historic postcards and artwork depicting the park will be mounted and refreshments will be served.
Tickets are $10 for members; $15 for the public. For ticket purchase, see www.smconservancy.org. Advance tickets purchase is advised as space is limited; on-site purchase may also be available.