Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure

Quick and easy access to the Santa Monica courthouse. First 30 minutes free! I didn’t pay for parking… Very nice.
There’s a parking attendant up front. The lot was pretty full but I still could find parking.
I’ll probably try to park here if I’m trying to go shopping at the promenade in the future!

A solid place to park when visiting Downtown Santa Monica for a long period of time. Let’s face it, finding street parking is like finding a white buffalo. I never knew about this parking structure until I started working in the area. I typically parked on 4^th Street or the surrounding parking lots where the shopping is located; however, that can rack up if you’re staying longer than 90 minutes.
In this parking structure, you simply get a ticket when you enter and pay $ 5 as you leave. It’s simple as that. There are monthly and pre-​paid cards that are cheaper than $ 5/​day. You have to go to the Blue Transit Office on 4^th street (about a 5 – 10 minute walk heading toward the Promenade, right across the street from Benihana). Far as I know, monthly passes are completely sold out and there’s a waiting list. The pre-​paid card is only $ 10 to purchase and you can reload in increments of $ 30, $ 60, $ 90. When you use your pre-​paid card, it’s only $ 3/​day! It’s also minutes away from the pier and beach!
I think it’s only worth parking here if you’re gonna be in the area over 6−8hrs or work in the area! The other structures aren’t so bad as long as you’re mindful of your time.
I knocked a star because the elevator is janky AF! My heart races a little every time I get on. Also it can smell funky sometimes too.