Santa Monica and Grove free parking hotel-Family restaurants

Question

Hi all,

we are a family of 4 (2 adults 2 kids 14 and 9,5 years old) coming for a california road trip spending 3/4 nights in LA

we are looking for free parking hotels in Santa Monica or/and the Grove for our stay with any recommendations?

Also if there are any family friendly restaurants you would suggest!!

Thank you in advance

Answer

For a family visiting Los Angeles with kids, finding hotels with free parking can be a bit challenging, especially in Santa Monica or near The Grove, but there are several options and strategies that can make your stay smoother and more affordable.

Hotels with Free Parking:

Santa Monica: Some family-friendly hotels offer free parking, though availability is limited. Consider options like Shore Hotel (verify current promotions), or smaller boutique hotels slightly inland from the beach, as they sometimes include free parking.
Near The Grove / Fairfax District: Hotels near The Grove may charge for parking, but there are occasionally deals at places like the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood or nearby mid-range hotels where parking is included. Using rideshare from your hotel can also be convenient.
Alternative Strategy: Consider staying slightly outside Santa Monica or West Hollywood with free parking and taking a short drive or rideshare to the attractions.

Family-Friendly Restaurants:

Santa Monica:
- Blue Plate Taco – casual Mexican fare, kid-friendly options, near the beach.
- Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café – great breakfast/lunch spot with fun views.
- The Counter – build-your-own burger experience, very kid-friendly.
The Grove / Fairfax:
- Umami Burger – gourmet burgers with a relaxed atmosphere.
- California Pizza Kitchen – classic family-friendly menu.
- The Original Farmers Market – wide selection of kid-friendly foods, casual, can cater to different tastes.

Additional Tips:

Check hotel websites directly for promotions; sometimes free parking is available when booking directly rather than through third-party sites.
Consider off-peak hours for visiting The Grove to avoid crowded parking and make walking easier with kids.
For Santa Monica, plan beach visits early in the day to secure free street parking if your hotel doesn’t include it.

With careful planning, you can balance convenience, cost, and family-friendly dining while enjoying both Santa Monica and The Grove areas.