History
Third Street has been the heart of Downtown Santa Monica since the early days of "the City by the Sea" in the late 1880s and became a world-famous pedestrian-only esplanade in 1965. In the late 1950s, a group of business owners began pushing for the street to be closed to cars for the three blocks between Wilshire and Broadway. Finally, on April 22nd, 1965, ground broke on the Santa Monica Mall, as it was then called, and officially opened to pedestrians on November 8th of that year.
The Mall became the Promenade we know today in 1989 when, like many Southern California icons, it got a little bit of a facelift – a two-year, $10 million renovation. The redesign included the addition of the beloved local celebrities, the Dinosaurs of Santa Monica: six topiary sculptures, designed by the French artist Les LaLanne that line the three-block promenade and still greet the millions of locals and visitors who flock to the Third Street Promenade every year.
Things to Do
While you enjoy the sunshine and sea breezes on your Promenade stroll, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops along the way, and shop for souvenirs or the latest fashions. Click here for a full list of Downtown Santa Monica businesses.
Many musical artists' journeys began right here when they were street performers on the Third Street Promenade, such as singer-songwriter Andy Grammer. Perhaps you'll hear the next big thing when you stop to listen to one of the many street performers who provide the musical backdrop to the Promenade.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy the chef's paradise that is the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers' Market, which Alison Roman makes sure to visit every time she's in town, and which she says reminds her of "being so young and dreamy, falling in love with produce."
There's always something going on, check out our events calendar for the full list.
Starring Roles
The Third Street Promenade has backdrop of your favorite stars since the very beginning. It's been featured in films including Heat, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Pretty in Pink, Twins, Freaky Friday, and episodes of television shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
If you're interested in filming on the Promenade, click here for more information.