3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA - Image 1
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Third Street Promenade Santa Monica

4.3
·208 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

A lively pedestrian mall in Santa Monica featuring diverse shops, restaurants, street performers, and a new entertainment zone.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday evenings

Salsa dancing and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA - Image 1

Third Street Promenade Santa Monica

Best Time

Sunday evenings

Salsa dancing and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lively pedestrian mall in Santa Monica featuring diverse shops, restaurants, street performers, and a new entertainment zone.

4.3
(208 reviews)

"This iconic promenade in Santa Monica California has Lots of cool dinosaur metal sculptures around, it was featured in gtav game."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Performers & Entertainment

Street Performers & Entertainment

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

Diverse Shopping Boutiques

Diverse Shopping Boutiques

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

Instagram+1
Dining and Drinks

Dining and Drinks

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

TikTokInstagram
TikTok Shop Experience

TikTok Shop Experience

Explore a unique blend of retail, creator hub, and livestream studio at the new TikTok Shop.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the New Entertainment Zone

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade now allows public drinking from approved restaurants, transforming it into an entertainment zone. Enjoy your beverage while exploring shops and street performers. TikTok

Shop Smart, Stay Informed

While some major retailers have closed, new shops and activations are emerging. Keep an eye out for pop-ups and unique boutiques. Check store hours as they can vary. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Sunday evenings
Why
Salsa dancing and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Third Thursdays
Why
Special events and activations
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

*cue challengers theme song* #challengers #santamonica #promenade #twoboyfriends @Jenn Main #fypシ
@therealgorillazo
47.5K likes • 224.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Entertainment Zone

Enjoy adult beverages from participating restaurants as you stroll the promenade. TikTok

🎶 Catch Live Music & Dance

Don't miss spontaneous street performances and Sunday salsa nights! TikTokInstagram

#greenscreen My Where To Bar Hop In LA Series is BACK! And this time it’s expanding! Now that the city of #SantaMonica has approved “public drinking”. You can purchase a beverage from restaurants on the #3rdStreetPromenade and walk around with them. It’s making bar hopping so much more fun and accessible. No more rushing to finish your drink because your friends are ready to leave. Now simply take...
@sparklequeenla
34.1K likes • 302.3K views
Free Salsa at Third Street Promenade - Santa Monica on Sundays - #salsa #salsadancing #salsadance #santamonica #losangeles #free #party
world_of_socialdance
7.6K likes • 293.7K views

🛍️ Explore New Shops

Discover unique boutiques and pop-ups alongside established stores. Instagram+1

🅿️ Parking Options

Several parking garages are conveniently located around the promenade. Reddit

📍 1351 3rd Street Promenade 🕒 Open 9 am - 11 pm daily Third St Promenade has a long and vibrant history as a communal shopping and dining hub in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica — and this iconic shopping destination has some exciting new additions!🩵 New shops and activations: 🌴Barnes and Noble 🌴MINISO 🌴Third Thursdays @ Third Street 🌴Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors at the @santamonicaartmuseum...
seesantamonica
273 likes • 9.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Entertainment Zone

Enjoy adult beverages from participating restaurants as you stroll the promenade. TikTok

🎶 Catch Live Music & Dance

Don't miss spontaneous street performances and Sunday salsa nights! TikTokInstagram

🛍️ Explore New Shops

Discover unique boutiques and pop-ups alongside established stores. Instagram+1

🅿️ Parking Options

Several parking garages are conveniently located around the promenade. Reddit

💡 Check for Events

Look out for special events like Dia de Muertos or markets. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.3
(208 reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Lively street performers
Diverse shopping options
Outdoor dining experience

What People Dislike

Store vacancies
Late-night quietness

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. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple parking garages surrounding the Third Street Promenade, making it easy to park your car. Reddit

Yes, the Third Street Promenade is a short walk from Santa Monica State Beach, offering a pleasant stroll between the two attractions. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Generally, dogs are allowed on the Third Street Promenade, but they must be leashed. Some individual shops may have their own policies regarding pets. Instagram

Yes, the Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian mall with wide, flat walkways, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

There are several cafes and dessert stalls offering a variety of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings as you explore. Reddit

Look for local artisan shops and boutiques that offer unique Santa Monica-themed items or handcrafted goods for memorable souvenirs. Instagram

Yes, Santa Monica has approved an entertainment zone allowing you to purchase beverages from participating restaurants and enjoy them while walking the promenade. TikTok

🎫 ✨ 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. TikTokInstagram+1

Public restrooms are available, notably within the Nordstrom department store. Reddit

These are unique art installations scattered throughout the promenade, adding a quirky and artistic flair to the area. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

The TikTok Shop is a unique space that combines shopping for trending products with creator meet-and-greets and live streaming. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Reddit

The dinosaur metal sculptures and the general ambiance of a European-style street with a California twist are popular photo subjects. Reddit

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. Instagram

Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful lighting, and the promenade is often lively with performers and shoppers, creating dynamic photo opportunities. TikTok

The various art installations, the unique storefronts, and the general streetscape provide ample opportunities for interesting photographs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Third Street Promenade offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of activities to keep children entertained. The pedestrian mall is safe for kids to walk around, and the street performers often captivate younger audiences. TikTok Look out for interactive elements and craft activities during special events. Instagram Many shops offer items suitable for children, and the diverse dining options ensure there's something for even the pickiest eaters. The proximity to the beach also makes it easy to combine a promenade visit with a fun day by the ocean. Instagram

🛍️ Shoppers on a Budget

While the Third Street Promenade has a mix of retailers, budget-conscious shoppers can still find great deals. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions at various stores, like the $15 store-wide deals mentioned. Instagram Exploring the unique boutiques might uncover more affordable, one-of-a-kind items than at larger chain stores. Additionally, enjoying the free entertainment from street performers and participating in community events are excellent ways to experience the promenade without spending a lot. Instagram

couples

The Third Street Promenade offers a romantic setting for couples, especially in the evenings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, explore unique shops, and dine at one of the many restaurants. Instagram The new entertainment zone, allowing you to enjoy drinks while walking, adds to the ambiance for a date night. TikTok Consider catching a live performance or joining in on a salsa dancing session for a fun and interactive experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolving Retail Landscape

The Third Street Promenade has seen shifts in its retail offerings, with some well-known brands closing their doors. This has led to a more dynamic mix of stores, including new boutiques and pop-up shops. TikTokInstagram While this might mean fewer of the big-name stores some visitors expect, it also presents an opportunity to discover unique, local businesses and emerging brands. Keep an eye out for new activations and stores that are breathing fresh life into the promenade. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram 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. Instagram

Entertainment and Community Events

Beyond shopping, the Third Street Promenade is a hub for entertainment and community gatherings. Street performers, known as buskers, regularly entertain crowds with music, magic, and more, adding a lively atmosphere to the pedestrian mall. TikTokReddit These spontaneous performances are a hallmark of the promenade experience, offering free entertainment for visitors of all ages.

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. Instagram+1 Sunday evenings are particularly popular for free salsa dancing, drawing locals and visitors alike for a fun, energetic night. Instagram 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. TikTok

Navigating the Promenade: Tips from Visitors

When visiting the Third Street Promenade, practical advice from fellow travelers can enhance your experience. Many recommend exploring the various parking garages available, as they offer convenient access to the pedestrian mall. Reddit For those looking to enjoy the new entertainment zone, remember that you can purchase drinks from approved restaurants and take them with you as you explore. TikTok This allows for a more relaxed and integrated experience of shopping and dining.

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. InstagramReddit 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. Instagram+1