Santa Monica/Venice Beach parking

[darcie2000]

Hi guys.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on beach parking at Santa Monica and Venice Beach?

We've decided to hire a car for this trip and will be driving up from Anaheim. Is it hard to get beach parking on a weekday mid September?

I've also done some googling and seen that you can reserve and prepay for a parking spot. Is this recommended?

Thanks in advance

 

[mr.bungle]

Venice from what I remember is a nightmare. I don't really like going there, though. Santa Monica has a few parking structures so it isn't that bad. It's a short walk to the beach/pier from 3rd Street Promenade.

 

[darcie2000]

Thanks for the reply I'll check out 3rd street. Is it much of walk from Santa Monica to Venice Beach?

 

[mr.bungle]

It is a good 4ish miles away. I do not suggest walking between the two. But, maybe an Uber could save some headache? I don't think it would cost much more than $10.

 

[binareneee]

Both beaches have their own pay to park lots, but Venice fills up fast in the mornings, so get there early enough to account for that.

 

[sheetz]

It's kind of far to walk but you can easily rent bicycles to travel between them. Usually there are good deals on bike rentals on Groupon.