Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica Place is a three-level shopping center in Downtown Santa Monica with more than 100 stores ranging from international fashion brands to jewelry and sporting retailers, along with numerous dining options. The facility sits near the Pacific Ocean and combines retail and food experiences across its open levels.

The shopping center opened in 1980 as an enclosed mall designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. In 2008, it underwent major renovation that transformed it into the open-air shopping complex it is today.

This place serves as a social hub where locals and visitors gather to shop, dine, and spend time together in a relaxed outdoor setting. The open layout and mix of shops and restaurants make it a natural meeting point for people of all ages.

The complex spreads across multiple open levels, so you will walk between different areas and sections. Visiting in the late morning or early afternoon tends to be less crowded than peak shopping hours.

A new art museum is being developed in the former space of a major department store and will feature digital art installations and interactive exhibits. This project will add a cultural dimension beyond traditional shopping.