Los Angeles deserves more credit as a shopping destination. Paris, London, and New York City tend to reign supreme on that front, while Hollywood and its dreamy landmarks tend to steal all the attention in this city. Is that fair? Not when there are places like Rodeo Drive, The Grove, and Westfield Century City, among many others. These are just some of the best places to go shopping in Los Angeles, full of famous brands, interesting finds, and lots of great eats. Even celebrities shop at some of these hotspots, further proving that they're truly worth your while!
Rodeo Drive
No list of the best places to go shopping in Los Angeles is complete without Rodeo Drive. Located in the famously affluent
Beverly Hills, this place is the city's mecca of luxury shopping. High-end boutiques and designer stores line up this two-mile-long stretch of fashion and glamour. There's Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Gucci, Balenciaga, and all the other big names that A-list celebrities. In fact, it's not far-fetched to bump into a movie star or a top-charting singer here too. Many of LA's rich and famous, which is practically all of Hollywood, do their shopping here. They also eat in the upscale restaurants in the area.
Robertson Boulevard
Robertson Boulevard is another place where celebrities go shopping in Los Angeles. It spans Beverly Hills and Culver City, two of the most upscale
central LA neighborhoods where, unsurprisingly, many of the city's rich and famous also reside. But just what is there to expect on Robertson Boulevard? Chanel, Lululemon, Rebecca Taylor, BCBG Max Azaria, and more. These are just some of the most recognizable and beloved brands you'll find here, coupled with a few chic restaurants where celebrities dine and are often caught by the paparazzi. So expect a few photographers lurking about when you shop here yourself!
Melrose Avenue
While it's not a fashion capital in the vein of New York City or Paris, LA still has a pretty strong style scene that's as influential as those big cities. You'll see it best on Melrose Avenue, another stylish address known for great shopping. But what makes it different from Rodeo Drive or Robertson Boulevard is that the shops here are mostly local and indie. These are the designers that only celebrities and LA fashionistas know about. They offer the most unique, intricate, and 'out there' pieces that fit Hollywood and beyond. One you might know is “Queen of Melrose” Cosmo Lombino, whose Cosmo's Glamsquad boutique has seen the likes of Beyonce, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and more.
Ovation Hollywood
Truth be told,
Hollywood Boulevard is no longer the glamorous star-studded destination it once was. While the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame is still here, the area has become a lot sketchier over the years. It's gotten to the point that you're better off not going here at all, or just going here once just to see all the famous spots in person, and never return. Nevertheless, even locals know that Ovation Hollywood, the shopping complex in the area, is another top spot for shopping in Los Angeles. The place features a good mix of high-end labels and high-street brands, which is great for shoppers with different budgets.
The Grove
Any true local or anyone who's
moved to Los Angeles and has lived here long knows that The Grove is perfect for spending a day outside. The outdoor shopping complex is a treasure trove of famous brands, must-try restaurants, cool cafes, and more. Shopaholics will have a field day going from one store to another, especially with the likes of Michael Kors, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Nike, Sephora, and more. Additionally, The Original Farmers Market of LA is nearby too, which is another must-see for its fascinating history and high-quality produce. What more could you ask for?
Westfield Century City
Westfield Century City is the quintessential shopping mall in Los Angeles. It's a massive and mostly enclosed space filled with lots of stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and more. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, it's one of the best places for locals to hang out, have fun, and of course, shop. Aldo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, Banana Republic, Madewell, Marc Jacobs, Skechers, Uniqlo, and Vans are just some of the stores here. These are both high-end and affordable brands, which makes shopping here more accessible to a wider consumer audience. Who wouldn't want to shop here?
Third Street Promenade
Let's stay in Santa Monica for this next one. Third Street Promenade is the district's answer to the previously mentioned Rodeo Drive or Robertson Boulevard. It's another long stretch of shops and boutiques dotted with tropical trees. Since it's only a stone's throw away from the famous Santa Monica Pier, it makes sense that the place evokes that signature West Coast vibe. Hence, locals and tourists alike love it here. Who wouldn't? There are countless shops on offer, many movie theaters, awesome spots to eat, and a few street performers who liven things up even more.
Fashion District
Does affordable shopping exist in an expensive city like LA? Yes, it does. Downtown LA has its infamous Fashion District, a 100-block shopping district with over 4,000 independently owned shops and boutiques. Unfortunately, quality and authenticity are not this place's strong suit. Despite its name, LA's Fashion District is notorious for its barrage of fakes, dupes, and the like. So is still worth shopping here? Yes! If you're just barely managing to cope with the high
living costs in Los Angeles but you still want to shop for new clothes, this place is your best bet.
Planning on shopping in Los Angeles? Then you're in luck! The city has several amazing spots where you can get your hands on the most awesome finds. From the iconic districts to lesser-known gems, LA is one of the best places to go on a shopping spree.
