Are you planning to upgrade your look? Los Angeles is a perfect place to do so. A city where the sun kisses the ocean and the stars walk the streets, LA is a paradise for shoppers. From the luxurious lanes of Beverly Hills to the quirky shops of Venice, LA offers shopping places as diverse and vibrant as its landscape.
Shopping here is about reveling in the city’s eclectic culture, exploring its bustling boulevards, and perhaps, bumping into a celebrity or two. Let’s journey through the best shopping places in Los Angeles, where fashion, luxury, and unique finds converge.
Tips for Shopping in Los Angeles 🛍️
LA is known for its diverse shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to unique local markets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, these tips will help you navigate the city’s shopping landscape more effectively:
- Plan Your Visit 🌟 LA’s shopping districts can be widespread, so it’s a good idea to plan which areas you want to visit based on your preferences. This helps maximize your time and minimize travel.
- Check for Events 🎉 Many shopping areas in LA host special events, from fashion shows to seasonal markets. Check local listings to see if there are any events during your visit for exclusive products and experiences.
- Transportation 🚗 Consider using ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles when shopping in densely populated areas like Downtown LA or Hollywood.
- Local Recommendations 🌴 Don’t hesitate to ask locals for shopping recommendations. Los Angeles hosts a myriad of hidden gems, from thrift stores to high-end designer boutiques off the beaten path.
- Eat and Shop 🍽️ Many shopping districts are near great dining spots. Plan meal breaks at your favorite local restaurant or cafe during your shopping trip.
Now that you’ve acquired these essential shopping tips, let’s explore some of the top shopping destinations that make Los Angeles a world-renowned hub for fashion and style.
1. Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills isn’t just a shopping street; it’s a symbol of luxury and opulence.
⭐ Great for: High-end fashion, luxury brands, and exclusive shopping experiences
💵 Price range: $$$$; luxury and designer goods
Image credit: @chloefids
With three blocks of palatial boutiques and architectural beauty, it houses legendary fashion houses like Versace, Armani, and Dior. Shoppers can find the finest in haute couture, jewelry, and accessories, often with a chance to spot celebrities and socialites.
Nearby attractions: Steps away, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and upscale restaurants like Spago offer fine dining experiences, while nearby art galleries like the Gagosian provide a dose of culture.
The immaculate streets, lined with palm trees and elegant store facades, create an unparalleled ambiance of sophistication and glamour. Most stores are open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday.
2. The Grove
The Grove, with its animated fountain and quaint streetcar, offers a fairy-tale shopping in the heart of LA. Its carefully curated retail lineup includes Apple, Nordstrom, and Anthropologie.
⭐ Great for: Fashionable brand-name clothing, latest gadgets, and home goods
💵 Price range: $$–$$$; a mix of affordable and upscale retail options
Image credit: @thegrovela
It’s a cultural hub where you can catch celebrity book signings at Barnes & Noble, enjoy free summer concerts, or watch the latest blockbuster at the cinema. The atmosphere, especially during the holidays, with its stunning decorations and snowfall, is magical.
Nearby attractions: The adjacent Original Farmers Market, from 1934, provides a historic and flavorful culinary journey.
Operating hours are 10 am to 9 pm, Monday to Thursday; 10 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday; 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday.
3. Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue offers a dynamic blend of high fashion and street culture, with shops ranging from high-end boutiques like Vivienne Westwood to renowned vintage stores like Wasteland. It’s where punk fashion meets contemporary style, creating a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
⭐ Great for: Vintage finds, indie labels, and streetwear
💵 Price range: $–$$$; offers a wide range from thrift store bargains to designer labels
Image credit: @lena_moonlight
The street is also a canvas for urban artists, with colorful murals and installations adding to the eclectic vibe, making it a destination for fashion enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Store hours vary, typically 11 am to 7 pm; some stores open later on weekends.
The area buzzes with hip cafes and bars, providing ample spots to unwind and people-watch.
4. Third Street Promenade
Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a lively pedestrian zone combining coastal cool and urban chic. The street has various stores, from well-known brands like H&M and Urban Outfitters to independent boutiques offering unique local crafts.
💵 Price range: $$–$$$; mainstream retail stores with a variety of price points
Entrance to the studio @ Cayambe
Street musicians and performers enhance the ambiance, adding entertainment to your shopping. With an array of dining options and frequent farmer’s markets, it’s a community-focused destination that caters to all tastes.
Here, you can buy casual apparel, books, and entertainment options. The nearby Santa Monica Pier offers amusement park thrills and beachside relaxation, perfect for a post-shopping excursion.
Operating hours are generally 10 am to 9 pm; individual store hours may vary.
5. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
In the heart of Venice, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the epitome of cool, featuring cutting-edge boutiques, artisan eateries, and trendy galleries. This mile-long stretch is where you can find everything from handcrafted jewelry and bespoke clothing to stylish furniture and contemporary art.
Excellent for: Bohemian fashion, unique gifts, and artisanal products.
Image credit: www.abbotkinneyblvd.com
The boulevard is not just a shopping destination but a cultural experience, reflecting the artistic and eclectic spirit of the local community. Operating hours are generally 11 am to 8 pm; this varies by store.
The Venice Beach boardwalk, with its diverse mix of street performers, artists, and vendors, is just a short walk away.
6. Beverly Center 🛍️💄👠
The Beverly Center is a beacon of fashion in Los Angeles, offering a comprehensive retail experience with over 100 stores. Renowned for its sleek modern architecture and an impressive selection of brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, it’s a premier destination for those seeking the latest fashion and style.
⭐ Great for: Contemporary and designer fashion and beauty products
Beyond clothing, the mall features several beauty outlets, including a flagship Sephora and gourmet dining options on its rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic city views.
Image credit: Beverly Center
Nearby attractions: The vibrant scene of West Hollywood, with its array of dining and entertainment options, is just around the corner.
Operating hours are 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am to 8 pm Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm Sunday.
7. The Americana at Brand 👗
The Americana at Brand in Glendale merges the elegance of European street style with the convenience of an urban shopping center. Its central park, dancing fountain, and historic-style trolley offer a unique LA shopping atmosphere.
💵 Price range: $$-$$$; a variety of retail options
Image credit: Americana at the Brand
Home to luxury retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Nordstrom, along with various dining options from casual to gourmet, it’s a place where shopping is an experience to savor.
Places to visit: Neighboring Glendale Galleria extends the shopping spree, while the nearby Museum of Neon Art dazzles with its electric exhibits.
Operating hours are 10 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm on Sunday.
8. Los Angeles Fashion District 🏙️
Spanning 100 blocks, the Los Angeles Fashion District is a hive of creativity and commerce. It is known for its wholesale businesses, bustling retail scenes, and the famous Santee Alley.
The district pulsates with energy, offering everything from high-end fashion showrooms to bargain clothing and fabric stores. Are you planning a birthday and looking for some activities? Our curated birthday ideas in Los Angeles will make your day special.
It’s a treasure trove for fashion designers, bargain hunters, and anyone searching for unique pieces or raw materials for crafting their creations. Santee Alley, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of products, provides an immersive shopping experience.
9. Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place, located at the end of the iconic Third Street Promenade, is a sleek, open-air shopping center that blends luxury and lifestyle under the Californian sun.
With upscale Los Angeles boutiques, including Bloomingdale’s and Louis Vuitton, and views over the Pacific, it offers refined shopping. The rooftop Dining Deck provides food and drink and stunning ocean views, making it a perfect relaxing spot after shopping.
It is ideal for brand-name and luxury shopping, beachwear, and oceanfront dining.
Nearby attractions: The adjacent Santa Monica beach and pier offer iconic California experiences, from beach sports to amusement park rides. Exploring the best beaches in LA & Orange County will complete your visit.
10. Sunset Plaza 🌆🛍️
Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood is more than a shopping destination; it’s a lifestyle. This stretch of Sunset Boulevard is lined with high-end boutiques, beauty salons, and outdoor cafes, reflecting the glamour and sophistication of LA.
💵 Price range: $$$$; luxury boutiques and designer stores
Operating hours are typically 10 am to 6 pm but vary by store and restaurant.
With exclusive fashion stores and personalized service, it’s a place to see and be seen, offering a luxurious shopping experience. The area’s nightlife, including legendary music venues and upscale clubs, provides a glimpse into the glamorous Hollywood scene.
11. Westfield Century City 🏢🎬
Westfield Century City Mall encapsulates the spirit of LA shopping with its beautiful outdoor spaces, various stores, and entertainment options. Following a billion-dollar renovation, it now features over 200 shops, including high-end brands like Cartier and A|X Armani Exchange, alongside a modern AMC multiplex cinema and many dining choices.
The mall’s design, with lush gardens and open-air walkways, invites shoppers to linger and enjoy the Californian lifestyle.
Nearby attractions: Proximity to cultural venues like the Annenberg Space for Photography offers a blend of shopping and cultural enrichment.
Are you tired from shopping? How about a luxury picnic?
As you weave through the city’s vibrant streets, exploring where to shop in LA, you’re easily captivated by the allure of the city’s fashion scene, from luxurious boutiques to eclectic shops. However, why not elevate this experience further with something unique and memorable? How about a luxury pop-up picnic in LA?
Whether it’s a sunset view by the beach or a quiet nook near your favorite shopping district, we ensure every detail is tailored to create a magical experience. Get to know our range of services, and book your luxury pop-up picnic, where we turn moments into cherished memories.
FAQs
What is the best street in LA for shopping?
Melrose Avenue is an excellent choice for those seeking a mix of high fashion, street culture, and unique finds. From high-end boutiques like Vivienne Westwood to iconic vintage shops and vibrant murals, Melrose Avenue offers a shopping experience that captures the eclectic spirit of LA.
What street in the City of Angels has expensive stores?
Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive is home to some of the most expensive stores in Los Angeles. This iconic street features luxury brands and designer boutiques, making it a prime destination for those seeking high-end shopping.
What is the famous shopping street in Los Angeles?
The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is another famous shopping street. It is known for its lively pedestrian zone that blends coastal cool with urban chic. The area is filled with various stores and street performers and is just a short walk from the beach, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists.
Are there any lesser-known shopping spots?
Yes, head to Silver Lake for indie boutiques and quirky shops, or visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice for a blend of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and stylish eateries, all with a laid-back vibe.
How to discover designers and independent brands in LA?
Keep an eye on pop-up markets and events like Unique LA and Renegade Craft Fair, where you can discover a curated selection of emerging designers, artists, and unique products. Additionally, boutique stores in neighborhoods like Silver Lake often feature local designers and independent brands worth exploring.
With so many incredible places to shop in LA, every visit can lead to discoveries and delightful experiences, making Los Angeles a true shopper’s paradise. Cheers!
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