Crescent Bay Park, CA

Beautiful historic 1909 pergola and romatic location

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Thursday, August 27, is shaping up to be a beautiful day at the coast, with a dominant marine layer bringing 100% cloud cover and a cool, overcast start to the morning. This heavy marine layer typically burns off by late morning, giving way to a lovely day for beach visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. As the day unfolds, beachgoers can look forward to a range of activities, from surfing and paddleboarding to beach volleyball and tennis, with the connecting coastal path also popular for runners and cyclists.



The ocean conditions are looking great for surfers, with a wave height of 2.8 feet, which is knee to waist high and perfect for longboarders. The warm water temperature of 74°F means that boardshorts are the way to go, with no need for a wetsuit. However, with rip current data unavailable, it's essential for swimmers to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water to get the latest information on any potential hazards. As for tides, be sure to check the local tide chart for low and high tide times, and note that swell data is also unavailable.



For runners and cyclists, the morning conditions are ideal, with a light wind of 4mph from the northeast and the marine layer providing a cool, overcast cover. With a low UV index of 0, there's no need for special sun protection just yet, but be sure to apply sunscreen as the UV builds through the morning. The moderate air quality, with an AQI of 93, means that sensitive individuals should limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, before the onshore breeze picks up in the afternoon, making it a good idea to plan outdoor activities for the earlier part of the day.



As the afternoon develops, the marine layer will have burned off, and the sun will be shining down on the coast. With pleasant coastal conditions expected, it's a great day to get outdoors and enjoy all that the coast has to offer. The slightly low pressure of 29.77 inHg indicates that there may be some unsettled weather possible, but for now, it's looking like a beautiful day. So, grab your board, your bike, or your sunscreen, and head on down to the coast to make the most of this lovely summer day.



Briefing issued 6:32 AM, Thursday, August 27. Live conditions update continuously above.

About This Coastline

Crescent Bay Park is a compact green space near the southern edge of central Santa Monica, positioned above the beach and close to the city’s historic oceanfront hotels. It provides a quiet pause between the Civic Center district, Ocean Avenue and the sand.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is calm, observational and less programmed than many larger parks. Benches and a walking path encourage short visits, quiet conversation or a moment of shade rather than organised sport. The surrounding streets can be busy, but the park itself retains a small-scale neighbourhood feel.

Its position makes it useful for people walking between the pier, hotels and Ocean Park. It is often experienced as part of a route rather than as an all-day destination.

The Local Anchor

The park’s anchor is its relationship with the coastline. Santa Monica lists simple amenities—benches, restrooms and a walking path—allowing the ocean setting to remain the main attraction. Nearby Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach give the area a strong architectural identity.

The historic Civic Auditorium and modern Civic Center lie just inland, while the beach path below links north to the pier and south toward Venice.

The Landscape

Crescent Bay Park occupies gently elevated ground above a broad sandy beach. Lawns and low planting form the foreground, with the Pacific horizon visible beyond the coastal corridor. The pier rises to the north and the shoreline curves south through Ocean Park.

The park is not as high or panoramic as Palisades Park, but its lower elevation creates a more immediate connection with the sand. It feels like a small terrace between city and shore, shaped by ocean light, salt air and the constant movement of people along the waterfront.