SANTA MONICA—On Monday, December 8, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that it is implementing new public parking rates effective January 12, 2026, that are easier to understand and encourage Downtown visitors to stay longer and pay less.
Downtown parking structures will go from a nine-tier pricing model to a simplified three-tier model. Pricing will vary slightly based on the structure, parking for the first 30 minutes – previously the first 90 minutes – is free and the cost increases at the three- and five-hour marks.
Visitors who park for three hours or more will pay less than they do currently for the same time frame.
The maximum daily rate to park longer than 5 hours will decrease or remain flat, while the cost of a monthly parking permit is being reduced by 20 percent. Additionally, Santa Monica is offering discounted rebates for interested business owners to purchase 90-minute validations (including the 30 minutes free) for $1.50 each.
Hourly parking in beach lots and parking meters will increase by an average cost of $0.25 to $2. Discounted rates remain in place for seniors and those with disabilities. Flat rate beach lots will increase by an average of $2-5, but remain among the least expensive waterfront parking in Southern California.
Also effective January 12, 2026, parking transactions where a credit card is used will include a fee to cover the transactional costs incurred by the city for credit card processing. Transactions by cash or check will not incur these fees.
“This new rate structure responds to the needs of visitors, residents, business owners and the city by making the pricing structure simpler and more straightforward, while reducing costs for many who park for 3 hours or more in our Downtown structures,” said Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta. “Our new rates encourage visitors to downtown to stay a while to catch a movie, enjoy a meal, go shopping and enjoy all Santa Monica has to offer.”
The new rate structure was approved by the Santa Monica City Council in August and adopted on October 28 as part of the city’s Realignment Plan. The measure is expected to generate up to $9 million per year in critical revenue to fund programs and services for the community.
For a detailed chart of the updated parking rates, visit www.santamonica.gov.
By Danny Jones