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Party Earth Review The vibrant seaside community of Santa Monica is also home to the Third Street Promenade, a lively three-block stretch of boulevard that is one of LA’s most popular outdoor malls. Dedicated to pedestrian traffic only... ... read full review
Third Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Street 24/7; Operating hours of individual businesses vary
Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles –
The vibrant seaside community of Santa Monica is also home to the Third Street Promenade, a lively three-block stretch of boulevard that is one of LA’s most popular outdoor malls.
Dedicated to pedestrian traffic only, the Promenade sees a diverse mix of people during the day, from camera-toting tourists to suited professionals and bikini-clad teens, who spend a few hours strolling up and down the sun-bathed boulevard, popping into the many mainstream stores like American Apparel and Abercrombie & Fitch, or perusing the wares at the sleeker and more offbeat bookstores and art galleries.
Cool ocean breezes, sea views, and the nearby Santa Monica Pier make the al fresco cafés and restaurants a prime destination year round, but the Promenade itself is especially packed during summer heat waves when LA residents of all stripes retreat to the air conditioned darkness of the movie theaters, nibble on popcorn and cotton candy from street vendors, or take in the sidewalk performers transplanted from nearby Venice.
As the sun drops behind the Pacific breakers, night owls turn their attention to the area’s plethora of lounges and dive bars, which run the gamut from the swanky nearby Bar Chloe on Second Street to the down and dirty Renee's Courtyard Café just around the corner.
Whether for shopping, dining, or dancing into the wee hours, the bustling Third Street Promenade’s cornucopia of entertainments offers a round-the-clock, high-energy vibe with something to suit any taste or budget.
All types of all ages.
Remarkably good street performers including musicians, singers, magicians, dancers, and acrobats. Live music at Harvelle’s Blues Club (1432 4th Street) and Rusty’s Surf Ranch (256 Santa Monica Pier). Three movie theaters.
Myriad restaurants and bars. Upscale shopping at Santa Monica Place includes stores like Barneys Co-op, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton. H&M, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Apple Store on the Promenade. Garage and street parking.
Wide range of shopping and dining options for all budgets. Garage parking two hours free before 6pm and $1 for every thirty minutes after. $5 flat fee after 6pm.
Shorts, t-shirts, sandals, anything goes.
Any afternoon, though crowds are heaviest on Friday and Saturday nights and weekend days.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier (where Colorado Avenue hits the beach) offers carnival rides and games, an arcade, an aquarium, and several restaurants. On Thursday evenings in the summer, the Pier hosts the Twilight Dance Series, free concerts to which a hip crowd brings picnic baskets and blankets and watches from the beach.
Third Street Promenade User Reviews