New streamlined rates take the guesswork out of public parking

December 8, 2025 3:09 PM

Stay longer and pay less Downtown as new rates take effect Jan. 12

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2025) - The city of Santa Monica is implementing new public parking rates effective Jan. 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. While pricing varies 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.

Ultimately, most visitors who park for three hours or more will pay less than they do currently for the same period of time.

The maximum daily rate to park longer than five hours will decrease or remain flat, while the cost of a monthly parking permit is being reduced by 20 percent. Additionally, the city 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 Jan. 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," Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta said. "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 City Council in August and adopted on Oct. 28 as part of the city's Realignment Plan. Ultimately, 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 santamonica.gov.

Media Contact

Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
[email protected]

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