Santa Monica Airport Park is a local treasure nestled right next to the airport (hence the name…), offering a versatile outdoor experience that caters to families, sports enthusiasts, and pet owners alike. My visits here have always been pleasant, as I go almost once a week. And there's quite a bit to say about the unique offerings of this well-maintained park.
The picnic area equipped with BBQs is perfect for family gatherings or casual meetups with friends. It's not every day you find a park where you can grill and enjoy a meal outdoors, and this feature alone makes the park a standout destination. The tables are clean and well-spaced, providing enough room for groups to enjoy their time without feeling crowded.
For families with children, the playground is a wonderland. It boasts an array of slides catering to different ages and thrill levels, along with seesaws that provide a throwback to simpler childhood joys. The equipment is modern, safe, and kept in pristine condition, ensuring kids have a blast while parents can relax knowing the environment is secure and welcoming.
The restroom facilities are notably accommodating, featuring four full bathrooms that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated by all bathrooms being all-gender, removing any barriers to access and ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone, regardless of identity.
Athletes and casual sport players will find the small field a nice touch for soccer or flag football practice. The space is just right for pickup games or getting in some personal practice time, and while it's not extensive, it certainly adds to the park's charm.
Dog owners will be particularly impressed with the dog park located at the back. It's more than just a fenced area; it's a thoughtfully designed space with amenities that show a genuine understanding of dogs' needs. Water stations, waste disposal options, and seating for pet owners make it a social hub for both pets and their humans.
For those interested in more organized sports, the park offers two soccer fields that can be used on demand with a permit. While these fields are often utilized by clubs for practice or games, it's worth checking into availability for private use or events. The quality of the turf and the overall condition of the fields are commendable, providing a professional-level playing experience.
Parking is usually easy and if no Parking spot available due to high peak time, go on top of the park next to the airport entrance there is a lot more spaces available there (and under-utilized) In conclusion, Santa Monica Airport Park is a comprehensive recreational facility that impresses with its wide range of amenities and thoughtful design. Whether you're looking to host a BBQ, spend quality time with your kids at the playground, practice sports, or simply enjoy a day out with your dog, this park has something...
Read moreOne of the cleaner dog parks we've been to. We brought our yellow labs here to stretch for a bit. Because we don't let them off leash at most parks, we walked them around the exterior to see how they (and the other dogs) would do. Our dogs were fine, but at least one dog came rumbling up jumping on the fence barking to no end. Our dogs were pretty much uninterested. The owner just looked and laughed at us. We came around and attempted to bring our 80+ pound dogs into the big dog section, but we just got a really weird vibe from the people. Also, that same dog after following us all the way around the fence, was still going crazy at us and it didn't feel right. All in all though, looks like a great park but we didn't read the signs very carefully. I guess you need a SM license to let your dog play here. Didn't matter, our dogs were never off leash and we just walked around...
Read moreThis is a nice little but clean park where kids can have a good time in the playground even though there's only a single slide. Parking is available within the park itself but found it to get filled up on a Sunday afternoon. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and some paths for light walking. Although it was a smaller playground compared to other ones we've been to, my child was still able to spend a few hours there and have a good time. There are enough shades to keep cool on a sunny day.
Across the street, there's a nice brunch place called the Cloverfield and it's a bit pricy for my wallet, but the vibe and...
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