The Third Street Promenade is only 2 blocks from the beach so, you don't really have to choose one activity or the other. You can easily enjoy both in one afternoon! On the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade, you can have some family fun taking in a movie at one of the cinemas. Or, you can enjoy watching some of the street performers who call the Promenade their "office!" On the other hand, The Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade offers you the chance to do some serious shopping. Stores here sell clothing for the whole family, jewelry, shoes and accessories...and even electronics, books and toys. You can buy simple knick-knacks...like souvenir mugs and keychains; but you can also decorate your home with outstanding fine art from a gallery. What a selection! You won't go hungry at Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade...where you'll find all sorts of dining options from snack bars to fine dining. And, if you can't find what you need on the open-air Promenade, you can enter the adjacent 3-story Santa Monica Place Mall and search there. On this page, we'll cover the details of all of these topics.