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Beaches and Malls

You want to spend the day by the water without sacrificing the convenience of a shopping center.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated April 2026
01
Washington Street Mall image 1
Washington Street Mall image 2
Washington Street Mall image 3
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Victorian architecture and brick-paved walkways create a quaint, pedestrian-only setting with a festive, welcoming atmosphere. The mall offers unique shops and outdoor seating, making it comfortable for families and groups to stroll and relax. It stays lively late into the night with occasional live music and food options.

Beautiful sand beaches sit right next to a quaint shopping area with shops like the Pink House and the Peanut Butter Shop. The beach offers a nice spot for walks and relaxing after visiting the mall.

Open air layout offers a colorful and photogenic shopping experience with a good mix of shops and eateries. Plenty of parking sits behind the mall, making visits convenient even when the beach feels too chilly.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating with its festive, welcoming atmosphere."

"This mall has a charming, festive atmosphere, especially during the holidays."

"I enjoyed the beautiful beach and the shops nearby."

Good to know

1

Parking costs between $15.00 to $30.00, making it quite expensive.

2

Finding parking is challenging at Washington Street Mall, especially during peak times.

3

The mall features unique shops and items, especially during the holiday season.

02
Pacific City image 1
Shopping mall

Outdoor mall offers unbeatable ocean views with fire pits and seating that face the beach. Atmosphere blends coastal charm with modern luxury, creating a relaxing yet lively vibe. Crowds gather for live music and family-friendly amenities, making it a popular spot near the pier.

Clean, sandy beach offers incredible views and a relaxing atmosphere. Outdoor seating faces the beach, blending shopping and dining with the coastal vibe.

Open-air layout offers amazing ocean views from the mall and several restaurants. It features a diverse range of high-end boutiques and specialty shops alongside mature landscaping and ample parking.

People are saying

"This open-air mall has gorgeous ocean views and great shopping."

"It's a fun place with tons of trendy shops and cool art."

"You can shop and eat right on the beach here."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available for discounts at Pacific City.

2

Expect high parking costs even with validation.

3

Pacific City hosts regular events and entertainment for families.

03
Ocean Walk image 1
Shopping mall

Outdoor plaza near the beach offers easy beach access and clean, well-maintained spaces. Live music fills the air, creating a fun, festive atmosphere with bars and restaurants nearby. Shops and eateries provide a variety of options for visitors of all ages.

Ocean Walk offers very good beach access with a clean and spacious beach area. The water and sand are both well maintained and beautiful, with nearby bars and a restaurant adding to the beach experience.

An outdoor plaza near the beach offers a mix of convenience stores and restaurants. The strip mall feels like a central spot with a nice shopping area and a great plaza to hang out.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful and easy to access."

"I found the food selections to be great."

"It's a nice little shopping center with great restaurants and shops."

Good to know

1

Happy hour at Johnny Longboats is from 11am to 6pm daily.

2

Karaoke sessions are held regularly and are very fun.

3

Live music at Johnny Longboat runs from 4 PM till 10 PM.

04
Ventura Harbor Village image 1

Shopping mall set by a harbor with beautiful bay views and live music creates a colorful, lively atmosphere. Visitors enjoy boat rentals and a mix of shops and restaurants, with a cozy, relaxed vibe. The place combines harbor scenery with casual indoor and outdoor seating.

Beach is clean and less crowded than those near LA. Shops, restaurants, and parking sit just a minute walk from the beautiful shoreline. Walking along the beach at sunset offers a great view and a relaxed vibe.

A clean and pleasant shopping center by the harbor offers a wide variety of shops and eateries. The atmosphere feels relaxing and cute, making it easy to walk around and explore.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great views and the lively, energetic atmosphere."

"The beach is right across the street, perfect for getting your feet in the sand."

"It's a pleasant and clean shopping center to walk around."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on weekends at Ventura Harbor Village.

2

Special events like Pirate Day and Mermaid Day are held on weekends.

3

Parking is paid, but free parking is available from Monday to Thursday.

05
Downtown Santa Monica image 1

Wide sidewalks lined with palm trees and bright storefronts create a playful, creative space filled with live street performances and ocean views. The atmosphere shifts from lively and vibrant during the day to quiet and peaceful at night. Plenty of benches and outdoor games invite relaxation amid a mix of shoppers and families.

Clean, beautiful beaches offer great ocean views and space for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. A small amusement park sits on a platform right on the beach.

Many clothing stores like Uniqlo, Nordstrom, and adidas fill the mall. It offers a mix of shops and restaurants with a nice look and a lively street vibe including live music.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful, wide, and sandy."

"It's a lively and fun place, always buzzing with activity."

"This mall has all the brands and shops I was looking for."

Good to know

1

Public Parking Structure 6 offers 99 minutes of free parking.

2

Parking is often difficult to find in Downtown Santa Monica.

3

The area is generally safe and cheerful for visitors.

06
Shoreline Village image 1
Tourist attraction

Waterfront setting offers beautiful ocean and marina views with live music and a DJ creating a fun, lively atmosphere. Visitors enjoy bike rentals, boat rides, and an arcade, making it a popular spot for families and casual strolls. The area feels well-maintained and scenic, blending relaxation with entertainment.

Bike rentals offer a fun way to explore the shoreline and nearby walking paths. Various dining spots provide great views of the beach and sea, enhancing the relaxed Southern California vibe.

Small waterfront plaza offers a mall with a mix of shops and a nearby beach for varied activities. The shopping center feels touristy and compact.

People are saying

"The views here are beautiful, especially at sunset."

"I loved the mall here; it had great food and shops."

"The shoreline view of the Queen Mary is beautiful."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2 for the first two hours, then $4 for additional time.

2

Happy hour at Yard House runs from 3-6 pm on weekdays.

3

Most shops and attractions close at 9 pm, but restaurants stay open later.

07
Thor Gallery at Beach Place image 1

Cozy strip mall with open-air courtyard and beachfront views creates a serene, calming atmosphere. Crowds swell in the evening, making it lively and trendy. Newly renovated spaces offer a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment right across from the beach.

Beautiful white sand and clean waters create a stunning beach setting. Nearby spots like Thor Gallery offer great views and places to eat or shop right on the beach.

A compact strip mall sits right across from the beach with a few restaurants and small kiosks. Several storefronts are empty, and the plaza and parking garage show signs of decay and filthy grounds.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice view of the beach and ocean."

"This mall is right across from the beach, super convenient."

"I enjoyed the great beach view."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 for one hour, which can add up quickly.

2

The bathrooms on both levels are very clean and well-maintained.

3

The gallery is ADA wheelchair accessible for those with mobility needs.

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