I hate mall parking garages. They’re so claustrophobic and trafficky, made even worse during the holidays by angry, angry last-minute holiday shoppers. (Relax, people, it’s Christmas!) So last night as I battled with said holiday shoppers in a crowded Target parking lot for one measly spot to open up, I thought about how fortunate I am to have the super-secret alternative parking spaces that I do for my fave malls during this holiday season. I’ll share ’em with you but keep in mind that I have no problem with walking as I gladly give up proximity for ease of entrance/exit. And those of you who plan to do a lot of shopping may not want to carry a bunch of bags and boxes for long distances. Most of these are street parking with meters (and the occasional non-metered spots) but if you go after 6pm or on Sunday, in most cases you get to park for free, just mind the parking signs. Also they’re located far away enough from the malls where you can avoid most of the traffic.

Westside Pavilion is my least favorite mall to park at, especially since they temporarily closed the structure across the street which housed Barnes & Noble and my favorite parking spot, the second underground level down. It seemed like only a select few knew it was there as the masses usually vyed for spots on the roof of the mall or in the clusterfuck near Nordstrom. Suckas! But when I pondered going to Westside Pavilion recently in quest of a Nordstrom gift card, I got sick thinking about having to set tire in that horrific parking structure. And then I remembered the neighboring side streets and all that lovely metered parking, specifically east of Westwood Boulevard and north of Pico. If you come down Veteran toward Pico instead of via Westwood or Pico itself toward the mall, you’ll pretty much steer clear of mall traffic.

Holiday hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-10pm
Sat 8am-10pm
Sun 8am-6pm

Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica during the holidays is a beautiful place to stroll and take in the lovely lavender strings of lights while window shopping and sipping a peppermint hot chocolate. Unfortunately, even with all the parking garages along 2nd and 4th Streets from Colorado to Wilshire, trying to score a spot during this high shopping season can turn even the most mild-mannered driver into a road rage-aholic. To spare myself from sprouting even more gray hairs I opt to park either north of Wilshire and Third (usually as far as Idaho) or along 5th and Broadway near Fred Segal. The latter is usually more available during off times of day like right after work on a weekday.

Holiday hours for Santa Monica Place:
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm
Sat 8am-10pm
Sun 8am-6pm

Beverly Center‘s already confusing parking structure will no doubt be five levels of hell on earth now that H&M opened up. I haven’t dared to check it out yet but if I want to I can rest in the knowledge that I can just drive down Burton Way, southwest of the mall and find street parking. If you go during the day, you’ll most likely be competing with those who are going to Cedars Sinai Hospital. Sure you may have to search around for available street parking but this way you can shop longer than three hours (there is Hunky Santa after all), you don’t have to bother with the crazy slow and crowded elevators and you can stroll past those poor saps sitting in those looong lines of cars exiting the garage.

Holiday hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-10pm
Sat 9am-10pm
Sun 9am-6pm