Though I stayed in Los Angeles for over a month, my LA stop was one of my most disorganized itineraries. It might be because there are tons of things to do in the Los Angeles region, not to mention it is huge.
Four days before I flew to San Francisco, I made sure that I would visit Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and SantaMonica Beach.
From downtown LA, I took the metro bus going to Beverly Hills. I got off at the posh neighborhood of the rich and famous and spent tow hours there walking and looking around. After taking a few photos, I took the bus again heading to Santa Monica Beach.
It was a bit long of a bus ride plus the traffic jam was horrible. I didn't know where I was. I just waited for the driver to yell, “Santa Monica Beach!”
After a few more stops, the scenery outside the bus got more and more festive and the road got narrower. I assumed it was Santa Monica Beach already or close to it until I saw a signage that said – Third Street Promenade.
Third Street Promenade or Downtown & Third Street Promenade, as L.A. tourism calls it, is a swank shopping, dining and entertainment plaza in the downtown area of Santa Monica. There are stores that sell high-end brands. It draws crowds from all over the Greater Los Angeles Area. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean coupled with Los Angeles's mild climate, it is also a popular tourist destination.
You can stay here virtually for a day whether in the plaza or the pier. So when you feel that there is too much going on at the complex, you can head down to the famous Santa Monica Beachwhich is just a few blocks away.
The heart of the complex is filled with street performers and entertainers especially during weekends. Singers, classical guitar players, magicians, clowns, hip-hop dancers, lounge singers, session drummers, and other artists line up approximately 15 meters apart from each other all along Third Street during weekends in the summer.
So when you’re in Santa Monica, head out to the Third Street Promenade before or after the beach, whether to sightsee, shop or watch budding artists perform. It is all good vibes here.
HOW TO GET THERE (DIRECTION)
From Downtown Los Angeles
Take the 10 Freeway (Santa Monica Freeway) west. Exit at 4th Street/5th Street. Stay right at fork and follow signs to 5th Street. For Third Street Promenade, turn left on Arizona Avenue and go 3 blocks.
From LA International Airport, the South Bay and Orange County
Head north on the 405 Freeway, then take the 10 Freeway (aka Santa Monica Freeway) west. Exit at 4th Street/5th Street. Stay right at fork and follow signs to 5th Street. For Third Street Promenade, turn left on Arizona Avenue and go 3 blocks.
From Woodland Hills and the West San Fernando Valley
Head east on the 101 Freeway. Take the 405 Freeway south, then the 10 Freeway (aka Santa Monica Freeway) west. Exit at 4th Street/5th Street. Stay right at fork and follow signs to 5th Street. For Third Street Promenade, turn left on Arizona Avenue and go 3 blocks.
ENTRANCE FEE: NONE
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