Los Angeles draws you in with the glitz of Hollywood and the allure of Beverly Hills. Yes, it is a city known for the rich and famous, but it is also one of the best places to shop if you're looking to get your hands on the latest collections. While Rodeo Drive's display windows will be decked out with the latest offerings, quaint neighbourhoods like Abbot Kinney Boulevard boutiques will ensure retail therapy gets a new spin. But this is just a starting point. And when you see a long queue wrap right around the block (a regular sighting in the city), you know there is a new drop that's worth all the hype!
Whether you want to shop near the beach, or in the heart of Beverly Hills, you have a variety of shopping experiences to choose from. There are gigantic malls, beachfront strolls like Venice Beach Boardwalk, and whole streets devoted to selling you something you cannot buy anywhere else on the planet like Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the upmarket Melrose Avenue and one of the best spots for shopping and a Holiday Vibe is the Grove. We recently visited Los Angeles and here are our ultimate guide to the best shopping in Los Angeles.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive needs no description – it is THE most famous shopping street in the world, thanks to Hollywood. If you've got the bucks to spend, Rodeo Drive is every shopper’s heaven. But what makes it so spectacular is that you can get your hands on the latest collection from your favourite luxury brands including Stephano Ricci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, AMIRI, Tiffany's, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Harry Winston, Chanel, Valentino, Dior or Prada and more. And even if the price tags in the shops are out of your budget, it is still a thrill to stroll along Rodeo Drive and do a little window shopping – they do have the best window displays!
Venice Beach Broadwalk
On a bright sunny California day, there's no other beach scene quite like the one you will find on Venice Beach. It’s a lively mix of laid-back beach culture and vibrant street shopping. Think surfers, skateboarders, pickleball courts and street performers setting the scene while you explore a shopping paradise right along the sand. A stark contrast to the luxuries of Rodeo Drive, it offers a flea-market-style shopping experience with a quintessential California vibe and is a popular spot for tourists to shop for local items like surfboards, paintings, swimsuits, souvenirs, jewellery and more. While walking along the boardwalk don't miss seeing the famous Muscle Beach outdoor workout area.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
A 10-minute walk from Venice Beach, if you are searching for a truly eclectic shopping experience, look no further than Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This bustling district is home to luxury boutiques, quaint cafes, dining hotspots and trendy galleries. What makes some of these stores so unique is that you can't shop from there anywhere else in the world! Highlights include Aviator Nation for retro-inspired clothing, Heist for curated high-fashion pieces, and Gorjana for minimalist jewellery. Stop by Le Labo for custom fragrances or Kreation Juicery for a healthful pick-me-up. Abbot Kinney perfectly blends laid-back charm with high-end shopping.
The Grove
The Grove is one of the most beautiful outdoor shopping destinations in Los Angeles, especially during the holiday season when it is adorned with twinkling lights. And, a charming feature of The Grove is the emerald green-double decker trolley that travels between The Grove and The Original Farmer's Market, adding to the beauty of the space.
On the retail front, The Grove boasts a variety of stores from luxury to premium brands like Coach, Alo Yoga, Aritzia, Coach, Lululemon Topshop, Michael Kors, Nike and Banana Republic, the Nordstrom department store to Nike and Apple and the AMC Theatre, you’re always bound to find something exciting there! But other than the shopping in itself, The Grove has an upbeat vibe with the iconic fountain located in front of the theatre and tunes in the background. In fact, many visitors have referred to The Grove as a theme park for grown-ups and it is the perfect spot for some sun while taking part in some much-needed retail therapy all year round.
Santa Monica Place
After spending a fun-filled day at the Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy thrilling rides and the vibrant atmosphere of Pacific Park, take a leisurely stroll for about 10 minutes to reach Santa Monica Place. This shopping centre has transformed from the old Frank Gehry-designed structure into a contemporary, three-story open-air mall that is sleek and modern. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an array of shopping options that cater to various tastes and budgets. Major department stores like Nordstrom offer a wide selection of high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories, while trendy boutiques such as 7 For All Mankind, Hugo Boss, and Tiffany & Co. showcase the latest in luxury fashion and exquisite jewellery.
What sets Santa Monica Place apart is its seamless blend of upscale and accessible brands, making it an ideal destination whether you’re looking for a new designer outfit or everyday essentials from retailers like Nike and Uniqlo. After a day of shopping, be sure to head up to the third floor, where you’ll find an enticing selection of restaurants.
The ROW DTLA
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, the Row DTLA offers a laid-back and eclectic atmosphere perfect for a day of relaxed exploration. Surrounded by converted warehouses and open-air spaces, this hidden gem encourages visitors to stroll through a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and artisanal markets, including Smorgasburg, which takes place every Sunday. The complex houses vintage boutiques, quirky art galleries, and hipster-friendly cafes like Go Get ‘Em Tiger while soaking in the industrial-chic ambience.
Some of the must-visit stores include A+R, an interior store that has modern furniture, lighting, décor, housewares and more. Also, make your way to 3Sixteen, a brand dedicated to denim. For those who love table scaping, ARJ LA brings Eastern and Western elements together in the form of unique tableware and home décor. And fans of New York will love The APT. 4B concept shop which reflects a 90's era New York city hustler’s apartment. Finally, if you wish to get your hands on archival fashion pieces, make your way to ARCADE – a vintage shopping destination with a vast collection of clothing and accessories ranging from perfectly worn denim to iconic and rare runway pieces. With its casual charm and offbeat appeal, the Row DTLA is the ideal destination for those seeking a low-key urban adventure in the heart of the city.
Melrose Avenue
While Rodeo Drive has its own charm, Melrose Avenue offers a distinct appeal as well! This street is another great destination for shopping in Los Angeles. One of the highlights on Melrose Avenue is the exclusive Gucci Salon, a high-end concept store that promises a premium shopping experience. . Access to this prestigious boutique is reserved for private clients who schedule appointments, ensuring that each visitor receives personal attention and access to stunning collections. Alongside Gucci, you’ll also find an impressive line-up of world-renowned designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, known for her avant-garde designs, Chloe with its chic and feminine aesthetic, Oscar De La Renta’s timeless elegance, and Bottega Veneta with its exquisite craftsmanship.
As you continue your walk, the iconic Paul Smith store stands out with its cheerful pink walls, drawing the eye of passersby. Moving closer to the Design Center, the ambience on Melrose shifts visibly— boutiques become increasingly eclectic and vibrant. You’ll discover a treasure trove of funky, edgy shops brimming with trendy outfits that are reasonably priced. So whether you've got a punk sensibility or a more elegant sense of style, you’re bound to find a retail outlet on Melrose Avenue that holds a treasure just for you.
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