Things to Do in Ocean Park Neighbourhood, Santa Monica

The Ocean Park neighbourhood is a cool, relaxed beach-based community in the southwest of Santa Monica, California, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the centre of the community at Main Street. It was first developed in 1891 by Abbot Kinney and then converted into an amusement-centred Pacific Ocean Park (POP) pier in 1958. It is the Dogtown hangout of the 1970s Z-Boys surfers and skateboarders. This area today is a combination of beachy-style bungalows, modern-day housing, a busy main street with its own quaint boutiques and art galleries. It’s the best place for sunbathing, swimming, beach yoga, biking, jogging on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, shopping, eating in the Main Street market, enjoying local green spaces such as the Ocean View Park or the Dorothy Green Park and historic places such as the California Heritage Museum. 

What Can You See & Do in Ocean Park?

Here are the seven best things to see and do at the Ocean Park Neighbourhood, Santa Monica:

1. Walk Along Main Street: The bustling Ocean Park centre is called Main Street, and it is surrounded by boutique shops, autonomous bookstores, environmentally friendly shops, and fashionable cafes. Visitors walk and find the finest artisan bakeries, the trendiest fashion shops, and outdoor chairs to enjoy and relax on the beach. It is a very vibrant neighbourhood with a local appeal, with the street playing host to community events and pop-up markets.
2. Relax at Ocean Park Beach: Ocean Park Beach is a less crowded choice than the busier Santa Monica Beach and is ideal for relaxing. Tourists have the opportunity to stretch on soft sandy soils, relax on the gentle waves or have a refreshing swim. The beach is equipped with lifeguards, showers, bike trails and is user-friendly both with families and individual travellers. It is one of the most popular places in the neighbourhood due to its serene surroundings and scenic sunsets.
3. Visit the Santa Monica Community Garden: The Santa Monica Community Garden is a miniature and green patch in the midst of Ocean Park where the local gardeners grow vegetables, herbs and colourful flowers. It is a nice place to walk around and see plants in season, and have a moment of serenity in the midst of greenery. The garden also depicts good community spirit and the sustainability of the neighbourhood.
4. Shop at the Sunday Farmers Market: The Sunday Farmers Market at Ocean Park is very popular among fresh and locally produced goods, handcrafted products, and delicacies. It has organic fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, flowers, juices, and speciality foods. There is a relaxed, social feel to the market besides the shopping experience due to the music, tastings, and small local shops that reflect the warm, welcoming nature of the neighbourhood.
5. Take Surf Lessons: Ocean Park Beach has smooth and consistent waves, and it is an effective location where beginners learn to surf. The area has a number of surf schools, which provide group and individual instruction on all levels of skills. Teachers show you how to paddle, balance and even catch the waves, so it is an exhilarating and easy-to-access adventure off the coast in the neighbourhood itself.
6. Explore Art at Small Local Studios: Ocean Park has an active creative community, and small art studios and galleries are concealed along the side streets and around Main Street. These areas exhibit the paintings of local artists, photographers and artists who use mixed media. Tourists have an opportunity to explore modern works, visit artists during open-studio events and purchase exclusive souvenirs that represent the artistic character of the neighbourhood.
7. Enjoy Biking, Skating & Walking Paths: The neighbourhood links to the well-known Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which has miles of stunning beachfront paths that are ideal for biking, skating, jogging, or just taking walks. Be it going north to the Santa Monica Pier or south to Venice Beach, the paved trail provides eye-opening coastline views and an exciting, active mode of exploring the coastline.

How to Get to the Ocean Park Neighbourhood?

Here are the five best ways to go to the Ocean Park Neighbourhood, Santa Monica:

1. By Car: Car is an easy way to go to the ocean park, whether you are in Los Angeles or coastal neighbourhoods. In downtown LA, take the I-10 West and get off the exit at Lincoln Boulevard, and get on the southern exit leading towards Ocean Park Boulevard. Parking is available on the streets, but some blocks have permits, and metered parking is prevalent on the beach. In the morning, especially during the late afternoons, there is less traffic, which makes the ride easier and finding a parking space easier.
2. By Public Transport: Public transport as the LA Metro and Big Blue Bus lines, has a good network in Santa Monica. Visitors use the Metro E Line (Expo Line) to the Downtown Santa Monica Station and use the bus, where they get to Ocean Park by the Big Blue Bus Routes 1, 3, or Rapid 3. This is the best alternative, and it eliminates the tension of parking, cost cost-effective, and you get to relax and enjoy the coastal view without the hassle of navigation.
3. By Bike or Walking: Park is the best way to travel, scenic and healthy at the same time. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail lies directly on the boardwalk of the Santa Monica Beach and provides cyclists with a smooth coastal path straight into the neighbourhood. The walk over central Santa Monica is 20-30 minutes, depending on the starting point and has parks, cafes and beachfront perspectives on the way. The place is level, secure and extremely walking-friendly.
4.  By Rideshare/Cab: The easiest way of getting to Ocean Park is by using Uber, Lyft or a regular taxi. Visitors only have to type in the name of the place they are heading to, like Ocean Park, Santa Monica, and the drivers drop you off at the very place that you require. This is a fast way to go, has no parking problem and is best for nighttime or early morning journeys.
5.  By Limo Service: A limousine service Los Angeles is the best and most luxurious way to go to Ocean Park. It is best for private tours and business trips. Santa Monica Black Car and Area Limo Service companies provide Limo services. 

What Are the Best Times to Visit Ocean Park?

Late spring and early fall are the most appropriate seasons to visit Ocean Park because the weather is warm, the sky is clear, and the crowds are few. The weather in April-June is pleasant and best for beach visits, and in September- early November, there are lovely sunniest afternoons of the year with a smaller number of tourists. Summer is enjoyable and hectic, whereas winter is colder and quieter for strolling and investigating Main Street.

What Are the Best Places to Eat & Drink in Ocean Park?

Here are the five best places to eat in the Ocean Park Neighbourhood, Santa Monica:

1. Urth Caffé (Santa Monica): Urth Caffé is a leading breakfast or brunch destination in Ocean. It serves the best organic coffees, signature tea lattes, and freshly baked pastries. The food menu incorporates hearty omelettes, panini, colourful salads, and vegan foods made of quality ingredients. Its bright patio and vibrant environment make it an excellent place to unwind after a stroll on Main Street.
2. Ashland Hill: Ashland Hill is located right on the beach. Ashland Hill is a modern yet casual gastro pub that offers delicious tastes such as fish tacos, lemon herb chicken, fancy burgers and crispy appetisers. Visitors adore its large outdoor beer garden, handcrafted cocktails and its changing offerings of local beers. It is ideal for a casual dinner, an outing with friends on the weekend or sunset drinks.
3. Ozo Coffee / Dogtown Coffee: Dogtown Coffee, with its robust espresso beverages and surfer culture, serves breakfast burritos, gluten-free pastries, acai bowls and innovative lattes such as the Dogtown Honey Vanilla Latte. It is a popular pit-stop among the locals who come to spend time at the beach or the bike path, and enjoy fast food with cosy seating to have a pleasant breakfast.
4. Lula Cocina Mexicana: Lula Cocina Mexicana is a bright and festive restaurant with various classic Mexican dishes like shrimp fajitas, carne asada, sizzling enchilada, and homemade tortillas on the menu. The restaurant is famous for serving refreshing margaritas and huge portions. It is a party restaurant where visitors have family dinners or celebrations.
5. Holy Guacamole: Holy Guacamole is a small, uncomplicated restaurant that focuses on comfort food in Mexican style, such as extra-large burritos, delicious tacos, piled-up nachos, and hot guacamole. It is affordable, a quick place to stay after having spent time at the beach. The size of their portions and customised fashion make the locals as well as the visitors come back.

What Nearby Attractions Can You Explore?

The attractions near the ocean park include the Santa Monica Pier, where people ride, have a glimpse of the ocean, the aquarium and the sandy stretch of the Santa Monica Beach that stretches all the way to Venice Beach. The bustling Third Street Promenade, where people shop, eat and have performances by the street. The Venice Boardwalk with its murals and marketplaces, the landscaped walks and fountains of Tongva Park and the Museum of Flying and the art galleries at the Bergamot Station are also worth visiting further into the culture.

Is the Ocean Park Neighbourhood Worth Visiting?

The Ocean Park neighbourhood is certainly a nice place to visit, as it is a comfortable local neighbourhood with a gorgeous pool, picturesque bike paths, and a walkable community with cafes, boutique shops and small art studios. It is not as active as the more tourist-filled areas of Santa Monica, but it is not far away from big attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, and a perfect location visited by guests who wish to have the benefits of a coastal area, quality food, and easy access to all that.