Tips for Traveling to Santa Monica

Dress

Casual and comfortable: Jackets and ties are optional even in Santa Monica’s fanciest restaurants, and comfortable walking shoes are a necessity

Dress in layers: While it’s warm during the day, ocean breezes can be cool and once the sun sets, the temperature can drop. A light jacket or sweater is often necessary.

Traffic laws

• Seat belts are required by law
• Any child weighing less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety seat, secured by a seat belt
• A driver is considered legally intoxicated when the blood alcohol level is .08% or higher
• Pedestrians always have the right of way – cars must stop for them – but may only cross Santa Monica’s streets in a marked crosswalk
• Drivers are required to use hands-free devices when talking on cellphones
• Bicycles and scooters are legal on city streets and must follow all standard traffic rules
• On some freeways, the left-most lane is a Diamond-designated lane, for carpools only (i.e., two or more passengers in the car)
• For up-to-the-minute traffic information, check www.sigalert.com

Parking in santa monica

Street / Metered Parking: Usually $1/hour with a two-hour time limit. Be sure to read instructions on meters and street signs.

Parking Structures: Ten downtown Santa Monica parking structures offer two hours of free parking each day before 6 pm

Short-term Beach Parking: Some short-term beach parking lots offer payment via central kiosk

Valet Parking: Many restaurants and hotels and some businesses offer valet parking for a fee

Limit the need for parking by attempting to park once and walk, take the Big Blue Bus, or rent a bike or Segway.

For further parking information, including a comprehensive parking map of the city, visit http://parking.santa-monica.org.

For up-to-the-minute parking availability, visit http://parkingspacenow.smgov.net

Tipping guidelines

Tipping for many services — and as a gesture of appreciation for anyone who helps make your visit more pleasant — is customary. Gratuities are rarely included in your bill. A few tipping examples:

Restaurant, bar, taxi and limo service: 15%–20% of the bill

Hotel doormen, valet parking attendants (pay when you receive your car), and other service personnel:$1–$2 per transaction

Hotel bellmen: $1.50–$3 per bag

Housekeeping staff: $1–$2 per night and $1 more for special services

Hotel concierge: $5–$20 for special service, depending on the service

santa monica Time Zone

Santa Monica is eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT). The United States observes Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.