Santa Monica Place is the best open-air shopping destination found in the core of Downtown Santa Monica in California, and only steps away from the Third Street Promenade and the popular Santa Monica Pier. The building was initially a closed mall, designed by Frank Gehry. It was first opened in 1980 and rebuilt in 2007 with a three-year reconstruction that cost $265 million. The building reopened in 2010 as a contemporary three-story outdoor mall, which became LEED Gold certified. Its architectural decision symbolises the cultural background of the local coast, bringing natural sunlight and ocean-view food on its rooftop deck. The centre is owned and operated by Prism Places and has a collection of more than 80 luxury retailers, such as Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co., Nike and several chef-led and fast-casual restaurants. Its main activities are luxury shopping, dining with the ocean views, socialising in the cabana-style lounges, community activities and easy access to the local attractions on the beach and pier.
What Can You See & Do at Santa Monica Place?
Here are the six best things to see and do at the Santa Monica Place:
- Shop Luxury & Trendy Retail Brands: Santa Monica Place has an extensive amount of posh and fashionable retail stores, which sell upscale fashion and accessories, and well-liked way of life brands. Those who like designer brands, boutique shops and flagship stores visit the Santa Monica Place and make it a fashion destination.
- Enjoy Rooftop Dining with Ocean Views: The top deck has many restaurants where visitors have their meals in panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica coastline. The rooftop is an ideal and serene dining experience with its casual joints and fine dining restaurants.
- Visit the Cayton Children’s Museum: The Cayton Children’s Museum is located inside the mall, with interactive exhibits and educational opportunities for the children. It is an entertaining, interactive space that allows younger visitors to get creative, learn, and explore.
- Catch Events & Seasonal Activities: Santa Monica Place also has a number of events, live performances, and seasonal events, including holiday events, fashion shows, and art installations. These events bring a dynamic and interesting factor to the shopping experience.
- Relax at the Rooftop Deck Lounge Areas: There is also a rooftop that has a lounge and seats on it. The visitors sit and relax, enjoy the ocean breeze and absorb the lively ambience. It provides the best place to take a break after shopping or enjoying.
- Beauty & Wellness Experiences: The mall has beauty and wellness services such as spas, salons, and cosmetic outlets. The visitors have the chance to have treatments, skincare consultations, and experiences in wellness as a way of supplementing the shopping and eating experience.
What is the Best Time to Visit Santa Monica Place?
Mornings or early afternoons are the most appropriate times to visit the Santa Monica Place. There is no crowd at that time, and visitors comfortably shop, eat, and sightsee. The weather in spring and fall is pleasant, and the rooftop dining and lounge are enjoyable places at that time. The special events and seasonal activities make the visit more colourful and entertaining. Shopping and watching the sunset on the rooftop is best suited in the late afternoons.
How to Get to Santa Monica Place?
Here are the four best ways to go to the Santa Monica Place:
- By Metro: Tourists are dropped at the Downtown Santa Monica Station on the Metro Expo Line and walk to the Santa Monica Place (that takes 5 to 10 minutes). This is a convenient and environmentally friendly choice for the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
- By Car: It is not difficult to drive to the Santa Monica Place, and it has multiple parking structures and lots located around the area, including the parking garage of the mall. There is also street parking, but this is scarce during the peak times.
- By Bike/Scooter: Santa Monica is bicycle-friendly, and it has lanes and the possibility to rent bikes and e-scooters. Ride the bike along the mall, the beach bike path and along Ocean Avenue. The parking is available in the bike rack.
- By Limo Service: To have a more relaxed or party-style experience, the Limousine service Los Angeles delivers the visitors to the entrance of the mall with ease and eliminates the problem of parking.
Where to Eat & Drink at Santa Monica Place?
Here are the six best eating places at the Santa Monica Place:
- True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen is a healthy-oriented menu. It serves healthier and seasonal foods, salads, bowls, flatbreads, and fresh juices. It is best for the visitors who want to taste a healthy, tasty meal in a sunny and modern atmosphere.
- The Cheesecake Factory: The Cheesecake Factory is a mall-based restaurant with a wide array of foods like burgers, pastas, seafood, and its yummy cheesecakes. It has large servings and a relaxed feel that makes it a family and group favourite.
- LouLou Rooftop Restaurant: LouLou is a Mediterranean-themed bar located on the roof and boasts ocean and city views. Small plates, seafood, cocktails, and a calming dining experience under the open sky made it lovely.
- Johnny Rockets (Nearby): Johnny Rockets is just outside the mall and offers classic American diner foods, which include burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It creates a retro atmosphere and is a pleasant place to enjoy a casual and nostalgic meal.
- Bar Verde (Inside Nordstrom-if-open): Bar Verde is located inside Nordstrom, which is a trendy, informal restaurant and has a menu of modern cuisine, snacks, and drinks. It is an ideal place where people enjoy a meal without coming out of the store.
- Caffe Primo: Caffe Primo is an Italian flavours cafe and it serves sandwiches, coffee, pastries and light meals. It is ideal for having a quick breakfast, lunch or coffee break as one goes around the mall.
Is Santa Monica Place Worth Visiting?
Santa Monica Place is worth visiting and best for those who love shopping, dining, and continue to have a beautiful view of the coastal strip. The mall has both luxurious and stylish retail outlets, which make it perfect among those who love fashion and rooftop restaurants and lounge facilities give the restaurant breathtaking ocean views. Cayton Children’s Museum and seasonal events, and interactive activities make the destination balanced for families. It has shopping, entertainment, and relaxation in a lively setting.
