Downtown Santa Monica | Parking Info (2024)

FAQs

Can you park on the street in Santa Monica? ›

Santa Monica has on-street parking meters throughout the city, all of which accept payment via coins or credit card.

Most city lots offer free parking for the first 90 minutes. Just make sure you check with the attendant before you decide to drive through the gate. The Civic Center and Main Library also offer free parking for the first 30 minutes. Free parking on the holidays listed at the bottom of this page.

Santa Monica has a lot of metered parking in the area. Meters typically charge $1-$2 per hour with a 2 hour time limit.

Disabled Person Placard/Plates

In an on-street metered parking space at no charge. On a street that indicates it requires a residential or preferential parking permit. More information on Disabled Person placards/plates can be found on the Santa Monica Police Department and Department of Motor Vehicles websites.

Prices for metered street parking in Los Angeles vary from $0.50 up to $6.00 per hour depending on the time of day (higher prices are charged during the busiest hours in the afternoon).

Like many other cities, Los Angeles prohibits storing vehicles on the street. Under CVC§22651(k), the City can cite and/or tow any vehicle that remains parked or standing in one place longer than 72 consecutive hours. No sign is required. This applies to all vehicles.

City Parking

The first 90 minutes are free. $2.00 for the next hour and between $2.00-3.00 for each additional 30 minutes. $20.00 daily maximum on weekdays and $25.00 daily maximum on weekends. The first two levels in all structures will be dedicated to 3 hour parking only.

You do not have to pay to go on the pier. You will pay for parking and any ride you go on.

Is there a charge for walking on the pier or do... - Santa Monica Pier. No charge for entry to the pier, attractions do charge. There are bands playing, vendors selling different items.

Although there is no Santa Monica Pier entrance fee, the tickets to attractions and events differ. The Santa Monica Pier rides prices differ from ride to ride. Also, the Santa Monica Pier Amusem*nt Park Entry fee ranges between $5 and $10 per ride.

Is it easy to park at Santa Monica Pier? ›

Parking around Santa Monica Beach fills up quickly depending on the season and the time of day. The closest parking lot is at the bottom of the ramp on the Pier itself. More parking is available at Lot 1 North, located immediately north of the Pier.

The Santa Monica Pier is open Daily from 6AM to 10PM.

Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking. Next to a green curb (green curbs indicate limited time parking) for as long as you wish. In an on-street metered parking space at no charge.

Santa Monica beach lots and pay-by-space lots are enforced 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. If you're parked on the street, move your car every 72 hours. Always have current registration tags on your license plate, displayed clearly.

Spaces allocated for Guests with disabilities are available in each parking lot. A valid disability parking permit is required. Standard parking rates apply. Transportation via courtesy vans and trams is provided between designated loading areas and the Main Entry Plaza.

Premium Santa Monica news in your inbox. It's free, cancel anytime. The ordinance will close a long-standing loophole in city codes, which makes it illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces but says nothing against having an open can or bottle in hand.

Illegal Parking

Never park or leave your vehicle: Where a No Parking sign is posted. On a marked or unmarked crosswalk. On a sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway.