Santa Monica Public Parking Structure 7

Conveniently located near by Benihana. Paid $ 2.50 and parked there less than 3 hours.

I love that this parking structure is convenient to where I like to be. I’ve only been here a few times, so take that with a grain of salt.
TIP 1: The entrance to this structure is actually at 340 Broadway, not on 4^th Street itself.
TIP 2: Bring your parking ticket with you.
The reason why you need to take the ticket with you is that you will need it at the Pay Station before heading to your car!!! We stuck the ticket in and paid the amount we owed. We had been there for quite a while!
This parking structure is closest to the Santa Monica Place shops & if you cross Broadway, you’ll be at the Third Street Promenade.
It is easy to navigate in and out of the structure. I think parking in here is less stressful than parking at meters and making sure you’ve inserted enough money. Plus, the first 90 minutes are FREE!
Facts:
— There are 820 Parking Spaces
— 24 Hour Parking
— Rates: FREE for 90 minutes, $ 1 for 1 more hour, $ 1.50 each additional 30 mins, $ 14 for 24 hours (maximum)
— No cash accepted/​Pre-​Paid tickets only at exit
— Lost Tickets pay maximum
I do like the green/​red light indicators on the ceiling which denote whether a space is available or occupied. I am sure those lights are not 100% accurate, but they were more correct than incorrect. Besides those indicator lights, the structure itself is nicely lit at night.
On the bottom level, there is a machine which will help you locate your car. I didn’t use it, just snapped a picture, and hope it works for those that need it!
From the time you settle the cost of your parking ticket in that Pay Station machine, you are allotted a 20 minutes to exit the lot in your car. We parked pretty close to the exit, so we had more than enough time. I can see where 20 minutes might be an issue if it is crowded with people leaving.
When you exit, you can only turn right (legally).

Unilocal insider tip from doreen (aka azn persuasion): lots of parking, organized structure, not too pricey.