Summary
- The Grove is a trendy shopping destination in LA with popular shops like Nike and Topshop, as well as affordable options and delicious restaurants.
- Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is known for its glamour and luxury shopping experience, with famous brands like Gucci and Prada.
- Montana Avenue in Santa Monica offers a less-crowded shopping area with a range of mid-range to expensive stores, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Home to Griffith Park, one of the most beautiful city parks in the US, Los Angeles is one of the must-visit destinations in America in any season. The city is also famous for its shopping scene, and since it's incredibly huge, one will have to choose a spot among the vibrant LA neighborhoods.
Once settling for a spot, the next thing to do is choose the ultimate shopping experience, and whether looking to explore a mall, the street markets, or a beach boardwalk, there are endless places to opt for. But one thing vacationers must be prepared for is crowds because shopping is one of the major reasons people visit Los Angeles.
For those intending on a splurge, here are some of the spots that offer the best shopping Los Angeles has in store for visitors with purse strings ready to snap.
10 The Grove
Arguably LA’s most popular shopping destination, the Grove, is a huge outdoor mall that comes with plenty of shops. Tourists will find some of the world's most famous brands here, including Nike, Barrel, and Topshop, among others. This mall is incredibly stunning, and whether it's day or night, it is always brimming with shopaholics.
Some people, especially teens, just like to hang out in this place, taking some epic photographs, usually by the animated music fountain in the heart of the mall. While the shops are mostly high-end, that doesn't mean that budget travelers can't shop here. There are some affordable shopping experiences in this mall that anyone will be happy to explore. Foodies will love being here, as there are numerous restaurants to satisfy every craving.
- Top shops to explore: Anthropologie, Nike, Barrel, Topshop, Nordstrom
- Top dining spots at the Grove: AMC The Grove 14, Bar Verde at Nordstrom, and Blue-Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
Being an extremely popular shopping spot in LA, parking can be challenging. So, instead of experiencing the traffic at the mall’s parking lot, one should opt for valet parking on The Grove Drive.
9 Rodeo Drive
Located in one of the best neighborhoods in LA, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is considered one of the city’s fanciest shopping spots. Stretching over three blocks, the place is so huge, and tourists will definitely get lost in the place’s glamour. It is also a perfect spot for celebrities because it's where all of them come to shop.
Home to over 100 world-famous and some of the best luxury hotels in Los Angeles, Rodeo Drive is incredibly photogenic, and vacationers will see many people taking pictures during their visit as they shop in the numerous stores.
- Shopping price range: $$$ (expensive)
- Top brands to explore: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Fendi, and Harry Winston, Inc.
8 Beverly Center
Dating back to 1982, Beverly Center has been a favorite shopping spot in Los Angeles since it was launched. This mall might be familiar to many people, even those who haven’t been there, as it’s been featured in plenty of movies and TV shows. The iconic shopping mall is very beautiful on the inside, and vacationers will enjoy the luxury atmosphere.
There are numerous high-end shopping stores and plenty of dining options to choose from. Situated in Beverly Hills-West Hollywood, some of the city's coolest neighborhoods, Beverly Center is one of the best attractions in LA.
- The cost of parking: $1 per hour
- Top stores to explore: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana
7 Robertson Blvd
Robertson Blvd is one of the most beautiful streets in the US and among Los Angeles' top shopping spots. It is a popular destination for celebrities and a perfect place to explore high-end shopping experiences. This place is definitely one of the most expensive and can put a hole in one's wallet, making it unsuitable for tourists looking for a more affordable shopping spot in LA.
However, strolling through the street without expecting to buy something is a great way of seeing what it has to offer. One can just visit to enjoy people watching and celebrity spotting because they always come here in plenty of numbers.
- Price range: $$$ (expensive)
- Top stores to explore: Ted Baker, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, and Paige Premium Denim
6 Montana Avenue
Montana Avenue is one of the top shopping districts in Los Angeles and extends over 10 blocks. It boasts more than 150 high-end shops, which sell everything, ranging from clothing to electronics to furnishings. Only minutes from the ocean, Montana Avenue also comes with a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes.
It is found in Santa Monica, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California, and guarantees personalized experiences. It is an excellent choice for vacationers looking for a less-crowded shopping area in Los Angeles.
- Price range: $$-$$$ (mid-range to expensive)
- Top stores to explore: Montana Optometry, Bijou Indochine, and Larissa Love
5 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place is another favorite spot for tourists who prefer shopping by the beach, as it’s only steps away from the ocean. One of the top luxury shopping spots in Los Angeles, it comes with multiple premier shops and delicious eateries serving various cuisines.
It also provides a family-friendly environment and offers a good number of child-friendly activities, including the Kids Club, which visitors can visit on the Wednesday of every month to enjoy some unforgettable fun moments for free. That makes Santa Monica Place one of the best places to visit with kids in California.
- Best stores: Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, Nike, Rolex, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co., and Uniqlo
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Mondays to Saturdays); 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sundays)
4 The Santee Alley
Looking for one of the cheapest things to do in Los Angeles? Strolling through Santee Alley should be on top of one’s bucket list. Not only does it offer one of the best shopping spots in Los Angeles, but it is also among the cheapest, making it perfect for budget tourists who plan to experience the city’s bustling shopping scene without having to spend a lot.
Here, one can purchase various items, including cosmetics, footwear, food, and accessories. Santee Alley’s streets are very vibrant and guarantee some of the most fun, memorable outlet shopping experiences in L.A.
- Opening hours: Most vendors operate from around 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Best stores: Me Loreta, Alley Angel Shoes, and Couture Shop La
3 The Commons At Calabasas
The Commons at Calabasas is one of the best shopping hotspots in Los Angeles and offers an incredible blend of luxury shopping and splendor. The heart of the outdoor mall is occupied by gorgeous gardens and fountains, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles, and there are high chances that travelers will find other people taking pictures at the center of the mall.
Some guests are just drawn here because of the ambiance. Shopping here also gives visitors a chance to spot some familiar faces, as it's a favorite among many celebrities, including the Kardashians.
- Best stores: Williams Sonoma Home, Lululemon, and Barnes & Noble
2 Melrose Avenue
Once in the largest city in California, one can never fall short of fancy shopping areas in LA. Located in Beverly Hills, Melrose Avenue is one of the top spots not to miss for an unforgettable shopping experience in the city. Shopping here is one of the best ways of exploring one of the fanciest neighborhoods in LA, which is famous for its luxury taste.
At Melrose Avenue, visitors can buy different or peruse different items, including cosmetics, clothing, arts, accessories, and more. One doesn't have to come here for shopping, as there are plenty of photogenic spots along the avenue that guests can share on their Instagram feeds or stories.
- Best stores: Vivienne Westwood Los Angeles &Jonathan Adler
- Price range: $$-$$$ (mid-range to expensive)
1 Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Shopping
From fancy watches to designer apparel to beautiful handbags, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is one of the must-visit shopping spots in Los Angeles. It is the go-to hub for one's travel necessities and is home to some of the city's most iconic brands that ensure guests' flight experiences are fun and comfortable.
Even if boarding in a few hours, one last hour of strolling at the mall will help in passing the time. But one should be prepared and learn to stick to their budget because only minutes of walking at the mall can do damage to one's wallet.
- Price range: $$$ (expensive)
- Stores to visit: Access Hollywood, A/K Boulevard, AllSaints