Los Angeles Shopping Guide
The basics you need.
These five locations feature the city's most unique shopping experiences, from chic to extreme.
Shopping Stop 1:
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive
· Known as the “celebrity wardrobe,” Rodeo Drive is the most famous luxury shopping street in Los Angeles and a hotspot for star sightings.
· Here you can find the newest collections from top designers like Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana.
· Most luxury boutiques operate out of individual buildings, each with a unique style.
Storefronts create an experience as you stroll along Rodeo Drive. Here you will find fine restaurants, bars, and galleries that add to the experience, making it much more than a simple retail stop.
Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive features grand and beautifully designed storefronts that give passerby the feeling as though they are walking through an open-air gallery. The drive showcases jewelry and apparel of some of the world's most recognized designers. The avenue hosts international luxury labels such as Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Badgley & Mischka. It is this collection of high-end labels that places Rodeo Drive among the top shopping destinations in the world.
One thing to note is that shops on Rodeo Drive close a lot earlier than those in other malls, with some closing as early as 5:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Official website:
Suggested visit time:
For a walk-through: 30 minutes
Focused shopping visit: ~ 2 hours
Admission: free
Address: 268 Via Rodeo Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Getting there: Buses Number 7, 13, 14 or 37 to Pico Wb & Beverwil Ns or drive.
Parking: paid parking garages approx. $5/hour or metered street parking.
The true appeal of Rodeo Drive is the combination of shopping, great stores and delicious dining options.
There are boutiques, high-end bars, dining spots, and art galleries. It's a great place to shop with your eyes, as well as your wallet.
Shopping Stop 2:
Third Street Santa Monica Place:
· Santa Monica Place is a contemporary landmark and an upscale open-air shopping center. It is also a few steps away from the ocean.
· There are over 130 stores, eateries, and leisure spots, all in an environment that is coast inspired.
· Bloomingdales and Nordstrom are the anchor stores, in addition to Kitson, Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, and LV.
· Fridays are special because there are local DJs and evening snacks, and drinks on the rooftop at The Dining Deck. Plus, there is a view of the Pacific Ocean from there!
Third Street is close to Santa Monica Beach. It is a pedestrian shopping street that is built around the Pacific-facing lifestyle, which is very attractive for the region of Los Angeles.
There are over 80 eateries and stores selling groceries and electronics. The shops target the younger demographics and include brands such as Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Gap. It's also one of the city’s most laid-back shopping areas; relax on a street bench, enjoy the buskers, and even take a busker photo.
Address:
Wilshire / 3rd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Business hours:
10:00 to 21:00
Official website:
Transport:
Take bus 1, 4, 8, 534, 720, or R20 and alight at Santa Monica / 3rd St Promenade.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 20:00; Friday: 09:00 to ; Saturday: 09:00 to 20:00; Sunday: 09:00 to 20:00.
Shopping Stop 3: Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Desert Hills Premium Outlets is regarded as the largest outlet shopping center in Los Angeles, with over 120 exclusive stores selling last season’s luxury items.
factory-direct merchandise.
You can buy designer brands such as Burberry, Coach, A/X, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Christian Dior, DKNY, D&G, Polo, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger.
The center is advertised as a desert shopping haven, drawing many bargain hunters with discounts of 30% to 50% off original prices.
Address:
48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, USA
Getting there:
There is no practical public transport available. The official site suggests a round-trip shuttle at $95 per person for a same-day return.
Business hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 21:00; Saturday: 09:00 - 21:00; Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00.
Telephone:
+1 (951) 849-5018
Website:
Shopping Stop 4:
Melrose
Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue is a very youthful and individualistic section of Los Angeles. Local boutiques sell unique and cutting-edge clothes. Major labels, art galleries, vintage stores, and great restaurants line the street.
Melrose is well-known in West Hollywood for shoppers who are particularly interested in fashion. The section of Melrose that is west of Fairfax is full of distinct stores.
In addition to American and European streetwear brands, there are thrift stores where the selection and curation are just as important as the clothes.
Just one trip to Melrose will make you understand why they say, “There is no place like Melrose shopping.”
Location and distance:
Around 25 miles NW from Downtown Los Angeles. It's about a 30-minute drive.
Important:
Entry to this place costs $3. Instead of a paper ticket, they stamp your hand.
Stop 5: Flea Markets
Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
Considered the biggest flea market in Los Angeles, this event has 200+ vendors, and a wide variety of goods to look at.
HOURS: 3rd Sunday EACH MONTH 6:30am–3:00pm.
Website:The Melrose Trading Post
This flea market takes place at Fairfax High School, which is easily found from the signage at the school.
It is seriously sunny California vibes, and there are often long lines at the entrance.
Entry costs $5, and hand stamps are your ticket for re-entry (they make for cool souvenir pics).
There will be tons of unique finds and local artists' original furniture and artwork, as well as old pictures, tapes, and other rare stuff.
Cash is necessary, as no mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat are accepted.
More than just shopping, talk to the vendors. They have great stories.
ADDRESS:
7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
HOURS:
Sundays 9 am – 5 pm (Cash only. Tickets close at 4:45 pm)
PHONE:
+1-323-6557679
Website: ***
Recommended plan:
