North Beach Playground is a universally accessible beachfront park that is situated at the north of the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, where Montana Avenue intersects with the beach. It was inaugurated on 15 September 2018, as the third universally accessible playground of Santa Monica, with barrier-free equipment, more room to manoeuvre, and accessible paths. It provides children with physical, social, and sensory abilities to play and enjoy. It has two playgrounds with two gates each, one designed for 2-5 and 5-12-year-olds, and equipped with swings, slides, climbing ropes, a two-mast space net, and touch, feel, and hear sensory play features. There are several activities to enjoy for people, such as imaginative and physical play on the different structures, having a rest on the available benches, using the nearby public bathrooms, and having easy access to the beach and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, where people have recreation along the seashores.
What Can You See & Do at North Beach Playground?
Here are the six best things to see and do at the North Beach Playground in Santa Monica:
- Play Structures: There are large and up-to-date play structures at the playground where children climb high net structures, slide on enormous ramps, and swing on buckets. The whole premises are constructed using soft and safe surfacing to allow children to play without hesitation.
- Sand Play Area: The soft beach sand is right adjacent to the playground area, and children have room to dig, form shapes, build sandcastles, or play with beach toys without going too far away from the main play zone. The sand and the play structures are easily accessible to the families without having to move out of the area.
- Sports & Games: Children play outside different games like running games, balancing games and ball tossing or frisbee on nearby open fields. The flooring is done with a bouncy material that is more favourable for play and running around.
- Picnic Areas: Furniture and shaded seats in the vicinity of the playground allow families to take a rest, have snacks or even have a minor picnic without losing sight of their children. Numerous points present an open ocean view, which makes a comfortable sitting point.
- Fitness & Walking Paths: The playground is enclosed by smooth and wide paths that allow walking, jogging or rolling the roller or pushing the strollers and wheelchairs. The people enjoy all these with the sea air and the sight of the ocean, and have a mild exercise experience on the beachfront.
- Events & Community Activities: The playground is built to accommodate all community activities. It is a popular place for the community to gather to have fun and during family events, and meet-ups. Children participate in group activities to celebrate little things or just to play along with other families in a cheerful and amiable atmosphere.
How to Get to North Beach Playground?
Here are the five best ways to go to the North Beach Playground in Santa Monica:
- By Car: Visitors use Ocean Avenue or the Pacific coast highway to drive to North Beach Playground and follow the signs that show the parking lots at the beach, which are close to the playground. Once parked, walkers do not have to walk long distances since all they need to do is cross the beachfront path to reach the colourful play area. It is convenient enough even as a parent with children or a stroller.
- By Bike: The bike path in Santa Monica along the beachfront cuts right through the North Beach Playground. Visitors ride by it and find themselves beside the beach. Bike racks and open railings are available around it, where visitors lock their bikes securely before going into the playground.
- By Public Transit: There is a stop of the Big Blue bus or an LA Metro bus on Ocean Avenue or downtown area, and then it is just a short walk to the beach. It is an easy trail; you just walk straight west, and you get to the sand. After that, walk the beachfront walkway northwards to the playground.
- By Foot: The people who are close to the Santa Monica Pier or downtown walk on the big beachfront pedestrian walkway. It offers a beautiful ocean view while walking, and the playground is just north of the pier.
- By Limo Service: A ride-hailing company or a limousine service Los Angeles drop you in the vicinity of one of the beach parking entrances or on Ocean Avenue, and now you are left very close to the main entrance. The drop-off area has short walking paths that require a few minutes of walking on flat and easy-to-use paths, which lead to the playground.
What are the Best Times to Visit North Beach Playground?
Early morning is the preferred time to visit North Beach Playground because the place is cool and not busy, or in the late afternoon when the sun is not very hot and the playground feels comfortable. The summer is less busy and the crowds are minimal, allowing the children to have more space to play on the swings, slides, and climbing structures. It is also pleasant in the early evening to take a quiet stroll along the seashore walks, and it is a little more crowded before sunset. During hot days, it is best to avoid the midday hours, when the sun is blazing, but mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant periods.
Where to Eat & Drink Near North Beach Playground?
Here are the five best eating places near the North Beach Playground, Santa Monica:
- The Albright: It is a casual seafood restaurant located on the Santa Monica Pier. Visitors enjoy fresh meals after spending some time on the beach. It offers fish and chips, calamari, plates of shrimp, lobster rolls, and hearty clam chowder. The environment is casual and spacious, having beach scenes and enough sitting areas, allowing the ease of carrying children or parties.
- Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café: This is a traditional-looking cafe found directly on the beachfront, and it provides a friendly atmosphere. It serves burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads and cold drinks. The outdoor seating is shaded and cool, and provides you with a clear view of the beach as you dine. It is a pedestrian and bike-friendly area where people walk around, and the playground is just a few steps away.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: This is a vibrant movie-themed restaurant located at the pier, which has become famous because of its entertaining atmosphere and seafood delicacies. It serves grilled, fried, sauteed shrimps, fish baskets, seafood pasta or kid-friendly meals. The restaurant is located on the ocean, which provides it beautiful view. It is a family restaurant with a complete meal and a magnificent view.
- Blue Plate Taco: This colourful restaurant is located right across the beach on Ocean Avenue and offers fresh and delicious Mexican cuisine that is prepared using high-quality ingredients. Street-style tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fresh guacamole, cool beverages such as aguas frescas and margaritas are its popular dishes. The patio seats make you feel like you are sitting in a beach town after playing in the playground.
- Soda Jerks: This is a fun place to visit as a family. This retro-style soda fountain is located on the pier. They offer traditional ice-cream sundaes, root beer floats, heavy milkshakes, malts, and plain snacks. Its outdated decor and fast service make it a good place to have a snack after or before going to the playground.
Is North Beach Playground Worth Visiting?
Yes, North Beach Playground is the best place to visit with the family and for anybody who likes outdoor entertainment on the ocean. The children have a large, colourful playground that caters to every age and ability with safe climbing structures, swings and slides. It has the sand to play on and the ocean views to enjoy. It is right against the beach and has picnic areas and walking paths around it, making it easily accessible to parents and caregivers. The playground is vibrant but well coordinated, and on most occasions, community events are held there. It is complete and enjoyable at the same time, with the scenic area of beachfront and restaurants.
