The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian mall, shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in the downtown area of Santa Monica, California, situated between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway.2 Originally opened as the Santa Monica Mall on November 8, 1965, it was converted into a car-free pedestrian space and later renamed the Third Street Promenade following a major renovation that reopened on September 16, 1989.25 The promenade spans three blocks and is considered a premier shopping and dining district on the Westside, drawing visitors from across the Greater Los Angeles area.24

The area features a mix of popular retail stores such as Patagonia, Lululemon, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Coach, Kate Spade, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co., as well as high-end dining and bars.24 It is also a cultural landmark, having served as a filming location for numerous movies including Heat, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Pretty in Pink, Twins, and Freaky Friday, and appearing in TV series like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.2 The promenade is anchored by Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping and dining venue that reopened in 2010 after a renovation.24

A notable feature of the promenade is the "Dinosaurs of Santa Monica" topiary sculptures, six large animal sculptures designed by the French artist team Les Lalanne, which are water-spouting and located along the three-block stretch.25 The area also hosts street performers, with musicians, magicians, dancers, and other entertainers frequently performing on weekends, especially during summer months.2 The promenade is pet-friendly and offers a vibrant atmosphere for people-watching, shopping, and dining.4

The Third Street Promenade is managed by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., a private non-profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to promote economic stability, growth, and community life in the downtown district.2 It is accessible via the Metro E Line, which terminates at the promenade, and is near major attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and the Pacific Ocean.24 The promenade is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though some sources indicate 24-hour access.69

Despite its historical significance and amenities, recent reports have noted a decline in foot traffic and vibrancy, with vacant storefronts, fewer street performers, and underutilized public seating.12 Some local commentary suggests the promenade has lost its former liveliness since around 2020, though it remains a key destination for tourists and locals alike.11 Efforts such as the "Promenade 3.0" initiative have aimed to revitalize the space through interactive art installations and community programming to re-engage visitors.