Nestled along Santa Monica’s vibrant Third Street Promenade, the Apple Store Third Street stands as an oasis of calm amidst the lively atmosphere. Despite the energetic buzz of street performers, enticing aromas from food vendors, and the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that define this famous shopping destination, the Apple store commands attention and offers a unique retail experience.
Apple has mastered the art of crafting spaces that are not only architecturally impressive but also deeply inviting. The Apple Store Third Street Promenade is a testament to this expertise, drawing visitors in with an almost magnetic pull, regardless of their immediate tech needs. There’s a palpable sense of tranquility within its walls, a “temple-like calm” that provides a welcome respite from the bustling energy of the promenade outside.
Apple's thick glass storefront
The architectural design of the apple store third street is perfectly in tune with the Southern California aesthetic. Reflecting the region’s affinity for glass structures that symbolize status and success, the store embodies these very qualities. Apple, as a global powerhouse and a brand synonymous with innovation and aspiration, is ideally represented by this design. Stepping inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The excited chatter of the promenade fades into a muted hum, reminiscent of the reverent quietude found within a sanctuary. This temple-like ambiance is further accentuated by the store’s iconic glass facade, creating a visual and auditory separation from the outside world. Inside, the design elements work in harmony to enhance this sense of peace: lush potted plants, cool grey brick walls, expansive wooden tables displaying Apple’s products, and subtly dimmed lighting all contribute to an atmosphere of sophisticated tranquility.
Getting to Apple Third Street: Your Accessibility Guide
Los Angeles, celebrated for its idyllic weather, celebrity culture, and sun-drenched beaches, isn’t as renowned for its public transportation system. For those planning a visit to the Apple Store Third Street Promenade, driving remains the most straightforward and recommended mode of transport.
Navigating street parking in Santa Monica can be a challenge, with a complex web of signs detailing time limits and fees that can bewilder even seasoned travelers. Therefore, the most convenient option is Parking Structure 6, located at 1431 2nd Street. For an added treat, park on the higher levels of the structure. Ascending the stairs rewards you with panoramic views of stunning sunsets, iconic palm trees, the vast ocean, and the distant Malibu hills.
Looking out from the 6th st. parking garage showcasing sunset and palm trees
For those in need of a caffeine boost before their Apple experience, especially visitors accustomed to European espresso, Espresso Cielo is conveniently situated adjacent to Parking Structure 6. This cafe provides a perfect opportunity to savor artisan coffee before immersing yourself in the tech offerings of the Apple store.
Artisan espresso at Espresso Cielo near Apple Third Street Promenade
Refreshed and ready, a pleasant quarter-mile stroll along the Third Street Promenade will lead you directly to the Apple Store Third Street.
This brief, four-minute walk is not merely a transit; it’s an integral part of the Apple Store Third Street experience. The palm-lined promenade itself is a visual delight, enhancing the anticipation of reaching your destination.
From Bookstore to Beacon: The Evolution of Apple Third Street
Originally named Santa Monica Mall in 1965, the pedestrian-friendly shopping area underwent a significant revitalization and rebranding in 1989, emerging as the Third Street Promenade we know today. Its proximity to the ocean and California’s reliably warm climate made it an ideal location for an open-air, pedestrian-focused retail environment.
The building that now houses the 17,550-square-foot Apple Store Third Street Promenade once served as a multi-level Borders bookstore.
The building that is now Apple Third Street Promenade was formerly a Borders bookstore
In 2012, a complete transformation took place. The space was meticulously redesigned into the sleek, contemporary Apple store, erasing all traces of its literary past. With a staggering property value of $5,700 per square foot, this Apple Store Third Street location rivals the high-end retail spaces found on Beverly Hills’ famed Rodeo Drive, placing it among the most prestigious retail addresses. Upon the opening of the Apple Store Third Street Promenade, the smaller, previously existing Apple store located further down the street was closed, consolidating Apple’s presence in this prime location.
Like many flagship Apple stores distinguished by their imposing glass facades, the Apple Store Third Street Promenade offers an immediate escape from the external environment. The heavy glass doors effectively mute the sounds of bustling crowds and street performers. Much like stepping into the pages of a captivating book transports you to another world, the store’s design intentionally creates a sense of detachment, allowing visitors to focus solely on the products and experiences within – and perhaps, to make a purchase.
The store’s architecture is characterized by a minimalist, single-story rectangular structure, featuring grey brick walls that extend upwards to a striking crisscross metal beam ceiling. The ceiling itself is constructed of glass, incorporating built-in sun shades to manage the intense California sunlight. This design allows natural light to permeate the space, bathing browsers in the warm, pink-orange hues of the California sunset, a daily spectacle in Los Angeles, particularly during the coveted “golden hour.” Visiting the Apple Store Third Street around sunset is highly recommended for this visual treat.
Echoing design elements later seen in Apple London Brompton Road, the Apple Store Third Street Promenade incorporates natural elements to enhance its calming atmosphere. Potted trees, various types of foliage, and natural finishes are used throughout the interior to create a sense of organic serenity. In addition to floor-standing plants, spot-lit ferns are integrated into the walls, further contributing to the store’s tranquil ambiance.
Ferns and foliage integrated into the design of Apple Third Street Promenade
For customers waiting for assistance at the Genius Bar, comfortable wooden cube seating is available near the back of the store, adjacent to a large, muted television screen. The television displays information about Apple’s latest products, instructional content, and schedules for Apple learning workshops, all presented silently to maintain the store’s peaceful, temple-like environment.
Muted television advertising and information screen in Apple Third Street Promenade
Consistent with the design of many Apple stores, a designated Pickup area is located in a corner of the Apple Store Third Street, featuring a long wooden desk for customers collecting online orders. Ample seating is provided in this area as well, ensuring a comfortable experience even during busy periods.
Apple’s Los Angeles Footprint
California boasts the highest number of Apple Store locations in the United States, with an impressive 54 stores across the state. Within Los Angeles County alone, there are fifteen Apple stores. However, only a select few, like the Apple Store Third Street Promenade, feature this distinctive, earthy, temple-like aesthetic. Many of the smaller Apple stores, particularly those within indoor shopping malls, adopt a more clinical, brightly lit, and less atmospherically distinct design.
Another noteworthy Apple store in Los Angeles is The Grove location, situated in another upscale outdoor shopping area. While also in an open-air setting, The Grove location projects a different ambiance, one that is perhaps less beachy and more overtly luxurious, complete with valet parking, decorative fountains, string lights, and the sounds of classic jazz vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday filling the air. In contrast, the Apple Store Third Street Promenade offers a unique blend of sophisticated design and relaxed Californian charm, making it a standout retail destination.
