Whether you like to shop on a shoestring budget or burn money like a celebrity, Los Angeles has a shopping district for you. Here are five great places to shop in L.A.
This outdoor mall is a must-visit while in Los Angeles. With a vibe that plays on a small town’s Main Street, The Grove offers shopping at retail giants like Nordstrom’s and the Gap. If you’re just window-shopping, you’ll enjoy strolling past fountains, riding on The Grove’s trolley cars and enjoying treats like pretzels and ice cream from the various kiosks. Plus, you can catch a glimpse of celebs Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos each weekday; the TV show “Extra” is filmed at The Grove Monday through Friday.
Bargain hunters and thrifty fashionistas can lose themselves for hours in the shops lining the alleys at the Fashion District, a 90-block apparel center. The Fashion District is also notable for its fashion-forward clothing and accessories, keeping Los Angelites and other shoppers ahead of the trends. Don’t miss Santee Alley, where the best deals and steals can be found. Bargaining is encouraged, if not expected.
Venice might be a popular stop for its beaches, but the shopping on Abbot Kinney Boulevard is definitely another draw. The boutiques offer a blend of the vintage, hip and modern, and you’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to stationary and art. The polar opposite of shopping districts filled with chain stores (like The Grove or Rodeo Drive), Abbot Kinney is filled with nothing but indie shops.
Melrose Avenue
Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue rose to fame as the namesake for the 1990s drama “Melrose Place.” In town, Melrose is better known as a shopping street abuzz with the latest fashions. You’ll find a delightful blend of the luxurious and envelope-pushing in Melrose’s boutiques, which attract a crowd of fashionistas that make for an interesting afternoon of people-watching.
Robertson Boulevard
The boutiques of Robertson Boulevard attract droves of celebrity shoppers, including the likes of Jessica Simpson and Halle Berry. If celebrity sightings are high on your list for your L.A. trip, Robertston Boulevard is a sure bet. Considered a more modern and hip Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard is home to shops like Kitson, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani Exchange and Chanel.
(Main image: Sharon Mollerus)
