Santa Monica parking and accommodations questions

Question

We'll be in Santa Monica for a long weekend middle of October visiting family, and we'll have a rent car. How is the parking around the pier, beach and downtown (3rd St area)? Is there usually plenty of parking, or are there times when it's really difficult to find a spot? Is it free or paid, and how much if paid?

I'm trying to decide between Comfort Inn on Santa Monica Blvd, and the Sea Shore Motel (in an apartment over The Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio). We're 3 people, and both have 1 bedrooms. The Sea Shore apartment looks better, but I'm concerned about the noise of the tattoo studio (apparently they blast music all day) and there's a bar down the street. It's at least walking distance to the beach and downtown. The Comfort Inn looks ok, but it isn't right by the beach, town, or our family's place. Any thoughts of the two choices, and my concerns? I'm trying to stay at or under $400 a night.

While I'm at it, any recommendations for grilled fish tacos in the area? Japanese onigiri, or matcha ice cream? :)

Thanks!

Answer

Parking in Santa Monica, especially around the Pier, beach, and 3rd Street Promenade, can vary depending on the time of day and season. Mid-October is generally less crowded than peak summer months, but weekends can still be busy.

Parking Overview:

Pier and Beach: There are several paid lots and metered street parking options. Rates generally range from $2–$3 per hour for meters and $15–$25 per day for parking lots. Some lots fill quickly, especially on weekend afternoons.
3rd Street Promenade / Downtown: Paid parking is common with hourly meters and public garages. Garages typically charge $1–$3 per 30 minutes, with daily maximums around $15–$20. Weekday mornings are easier for finding spots; weekends are more competitive.
Timing Tips: Early mornings or evenings are easier for street parking. Using apps like ParkMe or SpotHero can help find and reserve spaces ahead of time.

Accommodation Choices:

Sea Shore Motel / Apartment: Pros: Walking distance to beach, Pier, and downtown; apartment layout may feel more spacious. Cons: Noise from the tattoo studio and nearby bar may be noticeable during the day and evening. It’s worth reading recent reviews to see how guests have rated the noise levels.
Comfort Inn Santa Monica Blvd: Pros: Likely quieter and more predictable experience. Cons: Further from the beach and downtown; may require driving or using your rental car to reach main attractions. May feel less convenient for strolling to restaurants or the Pier.

Given your priorities (walking access to beach and downtown vs. quiet and predictability), the Sea Shore apartment is a good choice if you are okay with potential noise during the day. If you prefer complete peace and don’t mind driving a few minutes, Comfort Inn could be safer.

Food Recommendations:

Grilled Fish Tacos: Blue Plate Taco (near the beach) and The Albright on the Santa Monica Pier are both highly recommended.
Japanese Onigiri: Little Tokyo LA has excellent onigiri options if you don’t mind a short drive, or check local grocery stores like Mitsuwa Marketplace in nearby areas.
Matcha Ice Cream: Tea Master Matcha Café & Green Tea Shop and Matcha Café Maiko are popular choices in Santa Monica.

Overall, for a long weekend in mid-October with a rental car, expect paid parking at the beach and downtown, plan for some searching on weekends, and choose accommodations based on your preference for walkability versus quiet. The Sea Shore apartment offers convenience and local vibe, while Comfort Inn offers a more predictable, quieter stay.

Santa Monica parking and accommodations questions

More Santa Monica Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions