Third Street Promenade

05/11/09

Outdoor Shopping with a Lively Scene

by cpo5815 at Citysearch

Famous destination known for offering a scene of street vendors and an electic mix of shops from Urban Outfitters to J. Crew and everything in between. Currently the only department store is Macy's and its at the very end in an actual indoor mall that is currently under construction. There are many restaurants too, but the more well know options are bars that are meant for nightlife. The nicest resturants are actually a block up on Ocean ave or on 4th. There are several parking structures that offer two hours free. Can be extremely touristy during the summer months.

• Pros: Outdoor, Great Stores, 100% Pedestrian
• Cons: Street People

11/25/08

Beautiful!

by vivaciousdivah at Citysearch

If you're looking for an average selection of shops, a nice view of cultural attractions, and close proximity to the sun and the fun (the Santa Monica Beach), then Third Street Promenade is the place to go. I actually stumbled across the city's attraction attending a meeting in the center of the shopping area. After conducting business, I enjoyed a long stroll down the promenade visiting all the unique and some common stores. I picked up a few items, though it was hard for me to resist making a purchase in every store. My only hesitation was the lack of unique stores (alot of chained stores filled the spot) and the cold breeze coming from the water/beach. Other than that, a convenient and beautiful place to shop, watch outside shows by talented LosAngelans, and get a nice exercise...Third Street Promenade should be first on the list.

07/03/08

A perfect mix of shops and stores near the beach

by jenheidir at Citysearch

From Express to Old Navy, the majority of America?s big retail clothing chains are here at this few block shopping strip. There?s also a wide variety of restaurants, from party spot Cabo Cantina to Asian Monsoon restaurant to Barney?s pub. This is a perfect place to shop and eat on the way to the beach, plus there?s plenty of parking in the area. However, if you get annoyed by street performers or solicitors easily, this may not be the spot for you.

04/04/08

Great place for shopping, dining and more!!!

by escalera23 at Citysearch

The Promenade is a great place not only for tourists to visit but for anyone who is looking to spend a nice leisure day shopping, dinning or just simply walking around on a nice day. There are so many different shops fit for any styles as well as an amazing variety of restuarants and bars. It's always kept nice and clean and on the weekends you will find numerous street acts which are enjoyable to watch.

11/21/07

Fabulous people-watching, free nighttime entertainment

by marpop at Citysearch

I used to think the Promenade was seedy and lame, but I have come to really enjoy this strip for the superb (and free!) entertainment it provides on a daily basis. Whether i'm coming here for a shopping spree or just walking around after a movie, there are always tons of people and an ever-growing number of street performers (especially on weekends). Another cool thing is that most of the shops stay open til like 11pm on the weekend and i think til like 10 during the week -- it's always fun to walk into French Connection or Diesel when most other malls are already closed. There's also a bunch of restaurants, but as you might expect from a big outdoor center where the focus is the shopping, the food is far from stellar. (George's is not that good, Yangtze sushi is just OK and Johnnie Rockets is ... well...) -- the best bet for food is the Crepe Place. If you've been to Lincoln Road in Miami, this is a similar experience, only with a lot less cleavage ;)

• Pros: Open late, people-watching, lots of stores
• Cons: Parking sux, can be dirty

Shop, dine or just enjoy the views along Santa Monica's breezy pedestrian mall.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
This seaside consumer playground offers cool ocean breezes and even cooler shopping. Skateboarders, bizarre street performers and hippie art vendors round out the laid-back, beachy experience. Three blocks long, the Promenade is home to racks of vintage clothing, CDs and specialty book stores. Artsy types head for Hennessy & Ingalls' architectural book shop, while chain-hungry shoppers patronize stores like Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic's two-story flagship store.

08/18/06

touristy but fun

by cutiekatie at Citysearch

great place to go shopping but very touristy. it's super crowded and you have to push your way through to get to the stores. some really good unknown musicians often play here, but there are also very odd street performers.

03/09/05

Great but a little touristy

by chains007 at Citysearch

Always a good place to go but of course, you'll have to be among many tourists as well. The street performers are a nice touch, but they do get gimicky. Pretty easy to find parking in the many lots on 4th and 2nd street. Skip Santa Monica Place (the mall at the end) - nothing really special there.

01/19/03

A great place to window shop and relax!

by samsquish at Citysearch

The Promenade is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and window shop at some of the most eclectic stores in Santa Monica. The perfect afternoon trip. Park at the mall and keep an eye on the time.

• Pros: free!, outdoors, excellent shopping

11/17/02

Nice

by hkygrl at Citysearch

I have always liked shopping here and its even better now that more mainstream stores have opened up. It's much more laid back than some of the other shopping areas in the L.A. area.

Lots and lots of homeless hanging around here, though. They are not mean or anything but if you're not used to Los Angeles' giant homeless community it can be a little scary.

• Pros: great selection, big stores, easy to park
• Cons: none