Beach Park 1 (Dorothy Green Park)

Made-to-order taro donuts fried in front of you, on a Main Street strip that's easy to stroll with kids.

A universally accessible playground steps from the sand at the Venice border, with picnic tables and grass for spreading out.

A Cape Cod style resort right on the sand, with a pool and suites that fit the whole crew.

A summer splash pad, winding walking paths and quirky play structures in six acres of modern park, steps from the pier.

Rides on the pier, including the solar-powered Ferris wheel, with no admission fee to walk in and look around.

Touch tanks and 100 local species tucked under the Santa Monica Pier, small enough to do in an hour with a toddler.