Parks & Recreation

746 - City Parks - Rules & Regulations

City of Santa Monica parks are open year round from 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., except Palisades Park which is open year round from 5:00 a.m. to Midnight. While enjoying the many amenities and activities our parks offer, please be aware of the following regulations for park use:

• City parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the exception of Palisades Park which is open from 5 a.m. to midnight .
• Smoking and/or disposing of any smoking-related waste is prohibited within the boundaries of any Santa Monica public park including the parking lots. The law is intended to protect children and others from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and reduce litter. Smokers will be asked to put out cigarettes or move to the sidewalk at the perimeter of the parks. Fines are $250.
• Private events, like birthday parties and family picnics, where food is served to invited guests only, do not require a Health Permit. Groups giving food to the public must obtain and carry a Los Angeles County Health Permit . Call 665-8450 for application information.
• An Event Permit may be required for activities on public space that involve 150 people or more or the use of a temporary structure that requires a Fire and/or Building and Safety permit (e.g., tents, stages, etc.). For more info on Event Permits, call the Community Events Office at (310) 458-8573, or visit the Community Events website.
• Except at city-produced events, barbecuing and cooking at parks is allowed only on city-provided BBQ grills found at Clover, Marine and Virginia Avenue parks.
• Group picnic and BBQ areas at Clover and Marine parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless the group is over 150 people and has obtained an Event Permit.
• Vending (the offering of merchandise, food, beverages, admission tickets, services, etc. for profit) at parks is only allowed at city-produced events or in the form of classes taught by a city-contracted instructor.
• Large temporary structures (tents, stages, etc.) are only allowed at permitted events. When permitted, the city collects damage/clean-up deposits and insurance.
• Student and/or commercial filming in the parks requires a Film Permit from the Environmental and Public Works Department. For more info, call (310) 458-8737.
• Park meeting rooms may be rented out for meetings and special events by calling Community Programs at (310) 458-8300.
• Playing fields may be reserved by calling Community Programs at (310) 458-8300. City programs, schools and organized youth sports groups have priority over others.
• Fireworks are not permitted in city parks, or anywhere in the city, except at special events with prior City Council approval.
• Kite-flying is not permitted at Clover and Marine parks because of the proximity to the Santa Monica Airport.
• Skateboarding is permitted in parks as long as it is done in a safe manner, city property and/or park foliage is not destroyed and walkways are not obstructed.
• Alcoholic beverages, overnight camping, "moonbounces," golfing and live animals (other than dogs on leashes or dogs in dog parks) are not permitted in the parks.

Your observance of these rules during your park use will be appreciated by all.

For more information on park use, please call the Open Space Management Division, at (310) 458-8573 or visit our office located at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and on alternate Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.