Some Santa Monica tours, especially those visiting the famed Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street shopping district, make pit stops at the mall or pass by, but you don't have to book a tour to visit. Stop by after a morning spent at Santa Monica Beach for an afternoon of shopping or to grab a bite—there are dozens of shops, restaurants, and eateries—and a movie theater—spread over three floors to choose from.
A concierge lounge on the second floor has free Wi-Fi, visitor info, transportation assistance, and more.
The mall is open 24 hours a day, but most stores are open until 8om.
The escalators in the East and West courts power from 11pm to 6am, while those in the Center Plaza are shut off from 1am to 6am.
The mall is in the heart of Santa Monica, two blocks from the Santa Monica Pier. While SoCAL is car-heavy, the mall is served by the Big Blue Bus and lies within walking distance of LA Metro's Downtown Santa Monica Station. If you drive, you can park at two public garages nearby or get valet service on 2nd Street.
The mall is accessible 24 hours a day, but official opening hours are 10 am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 7pm Sunday. Individual store and restaurant hours vary. While there’s never a bad time to visit, consider visiting during kid-friendly events or community fairs—check the mall website for a schedule of monthly events.
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous piers in the world, and for good reason. First, it's a popular filming location—you might have seen it in the TV shows, commercials, or the 1994 film Forrest Gump. It's also an easily recognizable landmark near a popular beach and amusement park and is the official end of the legendary Route 66.
