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Pedestrian street · Santa Monica, California
Third Street Promenade
A three-block pedestrian street in downtown Santa Monica with shops, cafés, street performers and the dinosaur fountains covered in plants. It’s one block from Palisades Park and a few minutes from the pier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Third Street Promenade
The Third Street Promenade occupies three blocks of Third Street in downtown Santa Monica that are closed to cars. The stretch became a pedestrian shopping promenade in 1965 and was redesigned in 1989, when it took its current name and the pedestrian-street layout with trees, benches and performance spaces.
The dinosaur fountains, covered in plants with water spouting from their mouths, are scattered along the three blocks and are the promenade’s best-known landmark. Musicians, magicians and other street performers often put on shows along the promenade, especially on weekend evenings.
The street links the city center to Palisades Park and the pier, and is a route for people arriving by metro who continue on to the beach. At the southern end it meets Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours.
Best time
Late afternoon and evening, when there are usually more street performers.
How to get there
Two blocks from the metro terminal station (E Line) in downtown Santa Monica, and one block from Ocean Avenue.
Tip
Combine it with Palisades Park and the pier: the three are just a few minutes’ walk from each other.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Third Street Promenade
What is the Third Street Promenade?
A three-block pedestrian street in downtown Santa Monica with shops, cafés, street performers and the dinosaur fountains.
Is the Third Street Promenade near the Santa Monica Pier?
Yes, a few minutes on foot, via Ocean Avenue.
When are there street performers on the Third Street Promenade?
Mainly late afternoon and on weekend evenings.