Santa Monica, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- General park curfew
- 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Palisades Park curfew
- Midnight to 5 a.m.
- Chess Park curfew
- Sunset to sunrise
- EV charging exception
- Park lots accessible for EV charging during closed hours
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000
Summary
Most Santa Monica parks close at 11 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Palisades Park has a later curfew of midnight to 5 a.m., while Chess Park closes from sunset to sunrise.
§ 4.55.120. Park--Closure.
(a) No person shall enter, remain or be present in a City of Santa Monica park when that park is closed.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all City parks are closed between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m.
(c) Palisades Park is closed between the hours of twelve midnight and five a.m.
(d) Chess Park is closed between sunset and sunrise.
(e) This Section shall not apply to:
(1) Any public sidewalk immediately adjacent to any public street or highway, or to any street or highway which traverses any park, including the Santa Monica Municipal Pier access road or walkway and any portion of California Avenue; or
(2) Any person present within a park pursuant to authorization from the City; or
(3) Historic Belmar Park, Ken Genser Square or any other City-owned landscaped open space in the Civic Center area, as closure hours for these public spaces are governed by laws regulating Civic Center Grounds; or
(4) Any person present in a City Park Parking Lot who is parking or unparking, plugging or unplugging, or accompanying a person using a registered electric vehicle at a City-designated electric vehicle charging station.
Full Breakdown
No person may enter, remain, or be present in any City park during its closed hours. Exceptions include public sidewalks adjacent to a park, persons with City authorization, Civic Center-area green spaces governed by separate rules, and individuals in City park parking lots solely for electric vehicle charging. Personal property left in parks during closed hours is subject to immediate removal.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in County Jail, or an infraction with a fine up to $250. Administrative citations may also be issued. (Santa Monica Municipal Code § 4.55.420)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk through a park after 11 p.m.?
What if I have a permit to use the park after hours?
Does Palisades Park close at the same time as other parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle park curfew.