
Third Street Promenade Santa Monica
A lively pedestrian mall in Santa Monica featuring diverse shops, restaurants, street performers, and a new entertainment zone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Salsa dancing and lively atmosphere

Third Street Promenade Santa Monica
Best Time
Salsa dancing and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively pedestrian mall in Santa Monica featuring diverse shops, restaurants, street performers, and a new entertainment zone.
"This iconic promenade in Santa Monica California has Lots of cool dinosaur metal sculptures around, it was featured in gtav game."

🚶♀️ Embrace the Entertainment Zone
Enjoy adult beverages from participating restaurants as you stroll the promenade.
🎶 Catch Live Music & Dance
Don't miss spontaneous street performances and Sunday salsa nights!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Performers & Entertainment
Catch talented buskers and spontaneous performances that bring the promenade to life. A true Santa Monica experience!

Diverse Shopping Boutiques
Discover unique fashion, gifts, and local crafts in a vibrant pedestrian mall setting. Explore new and established retailers.

Dining and Drinks
Savor diverse culinary options from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, now with the added perk of enjoying drinks outdoors.

TikTok Shop Experience
Explore a unique blend of retail, creator hub, and livestream studio at the new TikTok Shop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the New Entertainment Zone
Shop Smart, Stay Informed
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace the Entertainment Zone
Enjoy adult beverages from participating restaurants as you stroll the promenade.
🎶 Catch Live Music & Dance
Don't miss spontaneous street performances and Sunday salsa nights!
🛍️ Explore New Shops
Discover unique boutiques and pop-ups alongside established stores.
🅿️ Parking Options
Several parking garages are conveniently located around the promenade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace the Entertainment Zone
Enjoy adult beverages from participating restaurants as you stroll the promenade.
🎶 Catch Live Music & Dance
Don't miss spontaneous street performances and Sunday salsa nights!
🛍️ Explore New Shops
Discover unique boutiques and pop-ups alongside established stores.
🅿️ Parking Options
Several parking garages are conveniently located around the promenade.
💡 Check for Events
Look out for special events like Dia de Muertos or markets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Third Street Promenade a vibrant outdoor mall with diverse shops, cafes, and street entertainment. While some vacancies exist, the new entertainment zone and unique boutiques offer a pleasant experience. The dinosaur sculptures and European-style ambiance are notable features.
"I had fun just walking around here. There was an outdoor dance crowd having a lot of fun together, which was great to see."
Sixtus Riley
"Very nice outdoor malls with plenty of shop, cafes and dessert stall to energize your soul. The only restroom is at the Nordstrom mall."
Sunshine
"Wonderful cultural event celebrating day of the dead"
Gloria Camacho (Goya)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Third Street Promenade is easily accessible by car, public transport, and ride-sharing services. Several parking garages are available nearby, offering convenient access. Public buses also serve the area frequently.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages surrounding the Third Street Promenade, making it easy to park your car.
Yes, the Third Street Promenade is a short walk from Santa Monica State Beach, offering a pleasant stroll between the two attractions.
For a day trip, consider using ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles. The promenade is a central hub, making it easy to explore other Santa Monica attractions afterward.
Santa Monica has a robust network of bike paths, and many lead towards the downtown area, including the Third Street Promenade. Bike racks are available for secure parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Third Street Promenade is a public pedestrian mall, and there are no tickets required for entry. You can freely explore the shops and public spaces.
The promenade itself is always open, but individual shop and restaurant hours vary. Most shops are open from around 10 AM to 9 PM, with some staying open later.
There are no entrance fees to walk around the Third Street Promenade. You only pay for any purchases you make at the shops or restaurants.
Generally, dogs are allowed on the Third Street Promenade, but they must be leashed. Some individual shops may have their own policies regarding pets.
Yes, the Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian mall with wide, flat walkways, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a mix of national retailers, unique boutiques, and specialty stores offering clothing, accessories, gifts, and more. While some major stores have closed, new ones are opening.
Yes, the promenade boasts a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries and cafes to more upscale restaurants. You can also enjoy drinks from participating establishments while walking.
There are several cafes and dessert stalls offering a variety of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings as you explore.
Look for local artisan shops and boutiques that offer unique Santa Monica-themed items or handcrafted goods for memorable souvenirs.
Yes, Santa Monica has approved an entertainment zone allowing you to purchase beverages from participating restaurants and enjoy them while walking the promenade.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Enjoy live street performers, art installations, and special events like salsa nights or holiday markets. The promenade is a vibrant hub for entertainment.
Public restrooms are available, notably within the Nordstrom department store.
These are unique art installations scattered throughout the promenade, adding a quirky and artistic flair to the area.
While the promenade is generally active during the day and early evening, some concerns about safety at late hours have been raised. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
The TikTok Shop is a unique space that combines shopping for trending products with creator meet-and-greets and live streaming.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street art, unique sculptures, bustling crowds, and the general lively atmosphere of the pedestrian mall. The architecture and palm trees also make for great shots.
The dinosaur metal sculptures and the general ambiance of a European-style street with a California twist are popular photo subjects.
Yes, you can generally take photos of street performers, but it's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you plan to use the photos commercially.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful lighting, and the promenade is often lively with performers and shoppers, creating dynamic photo opportunities.
The various art installations, the unique storefronts, and the general streetscape provide ample opportunities for interesting photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Shoppers on a Budget
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolving Retail Landscape
Recent developments include the opening of a TikTok Shop, which blends retail with creator experiences, and the addition of stores like MINISO and Barnes & Noble. This evolution reflects a broader trend in retail, emphasizing unique experiences and community engagement over traditional big-box shopping. The promenade is adapting to offer a more curated and engaging shopping environment.
Entertainment and Community Events
The promenade also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. These can range from cultural celebrations like Dia de Muertos, featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts, to seasonal markets and community gatherings. Sunday evenings are particularly popular for free salsa dancing, drawing locals and visitors alike for a fun, energetic night. The recent approval of an 'entertainment zone' allows patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating restaurants while strolling, further enhancing the promenade's appeal as a destination for evening entertainment.
Navigating the Promenade: Tips from Visitors
It's also worth noting that while the promenade is generally vibrant, some visitors have noted that it can feel quieter late at night, and concerns about safety have been occasionally raised. Therefore, planning your visit during peak hours or being mindful of your surroundings during later hours is advisable. Checking for special events, such as markets or cultural festivals, can also add an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit