One Day Los Angeles Self-Driving Tour

Parking is free in the Santa Monica Place parking structure for the first two hours, as are other parking structures in the vicinity. If you are in need of a restroom, there are public restrooms at the shopping center.

From Santa Monica Place or the parking structure, exit toward Broadway and the Third Street Promenade.

If you want to visit the Pier, turn left and walk down Broadway to Ocean. The Pier is one more block to the left at Colorado. The Santa Monica Pier has a Carousel, a solar-powered Ferris Wheel, a small roller coaster and a couple other kiddie rides, as well as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a Trapeze School, a few food vendors and some gift shops - and of course, a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the Beach. There are sometimes concerts held in a small amphitheater area at the end of the Pier in summer.

Third Street Promenade is lined with shops and restaurants and usually has an array of street performers, especially during summer and on weekends and evenings the rest of the year. For some budget designer snacks, head upstairs at the food court at 1315 Third Street Promenade and try a Wolfgang Puck Pizza. It's only budget compared to dining at Wolfgang Puck's other Santa Monica establishment, Chinois on Main.

This great Third Street Promenade shopping and dining map can give you a preview of what you'll find in the shops, but you never know who you'll find performing in the street.