P.S. Steer away from Hollywood Blvd’s tourist traps!
When it comes to shopping in Los Angeles, naming specific boutiques makes it immensely difficult for travelers to navigate. The city is massive, wide and you can’t get around by metro. So we’ve filtered down the best neighborhoods and their main shopping streets so that you can park your car nearby to spend an afternoon browsing for whatever you want to bring home. P.S. Steer away from Hollywood Blvd’s tourist traps!
Robertson Boulevard
Where: Between Wilshire and Beverly Blvd.
For: Latest fashion trends.
In addition to celebrity sightings, Robertson is where you can find L.A.’s hottest boutiques that always make the pages of People Magazine and US Weekly. Two of the most famous boutiques are: Kitson (115 Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, map) and Lisa Kline (123 Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, map.) Don’t forget to stop by The Ivy (113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, map) for a meal, if you really want to do it like the stars.
La Brea Avenue
Where: Between Beverly Boulevard and West 6th Street.
For: Menswear by local designers, vintage shops.
Recently redeveloped into an eclectic area for posh artists. Here’s where you can find great home decor, one-of-a-kind vintage goods and even designer labels. This area is great for souvenir shopping since the price range is wide. For awesome menswear designed by locals: Aether Apparel (161 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, map,) Undefeated (111 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, map) and Bonobos (101 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, map.) For vintage finds, check out Jet Rag (825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, map.)
For a fun, outdoor shopping complex, you might want to stop by The Grove (189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, map.) This is where they filmed entertainment show Extra, and you’ll find every mainstream brand possible alongside food stands and cafes.
Abbot Kinney
Where: Venice Beach.
For: Authentic, diverse shops.
For many, the most interesting place to shop and browse in Los Angeles today is on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Situated by Venice Beach, it’s filled with vintage stores, antique shops, and fashion brands that you won’t find anywhere else. Forget about franchise brands, this is where you’ll also discover galleries and local art stores that define the new hip. We won’t list all the cool shops you’ve got to check out, park your car and stroll through to discover unique gems on your own.
Beverly Hills
Where: Beverly Drive, Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd.
For: Luxury brands.
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. The most famous streets known around the world is home to a plethora of international fashion houses. Stop by Two Rodeo (9480 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, map) for high-end outdoor shopping plaza featuring posh, designer retailers & upscale eateries. Or for a luxury shopping mall, check out Rodeo Collection (north, 421 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States, map.) For high-end vintage watches, Second Time Around Watch Company (160 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA, map.) Head to Wilshire Blvd for New York-based famous department stores, including: Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York.
Beverly Boulevard
Where: Between Robertson Blvd. and La Brea Ave.
For: Home furnishings.
Not to be confused with Beverly Hills, Beverly Boulevard is filled with eclectic boutiques that you can only find in L.A, especially for furniture! For home furnishings: Modernica (7366 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA, map.) For vintage footwear, Re-Mix (7384 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA, map.) For perfumes and candles: Scent Bar by Luckyscent.com (7405 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA, map.)
DTLA
Where: Downtown, around Spring Street.
For: Art District influences, up-and-coming vibes, and markets!
In recent years, Downtown Los Angeles has been the hottest and coolest spot to be spotted at (this sentence totally makes sense, right?!) Revived by modern skyscrapers, and inspiring creatives, shopping in DTLA has gotten massively interesting with original storefronts perfect for getting something for yourself or souvenir shopping. Early in the morning, local Angelenos will stroll through Los Angeles Flower District (766 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, map.) Grand Central Market (317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, map) – an emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events, since 1917 – also oozes of awesomeness. Stroll through the historic Olvera Street which has been around since 1781. The tree-shaded marketplace is lined with craft boutiques, restaurants and it’s been named as one of the Top 5 “Great Streets of America.” For bargain shopping, the flea market on Santee Alley is a must-do for handbags, accessories, and leather goods.
Melrose Ave.
Where: From Highland to Fairefax Ave.
For: Grunge & glamour at the same time.
Beyond just a TV show, shopping on Melrose means: there’s something for everyone! Alternative, 80’s grunge, indie, Urban Outfitters, vinyl, thrift stores, tattoo parlors, body piercing, Starbucks…you get the drift? Check out some shops that have been the city’s institution for more than decades, including: vintage store Aardvark’s Odd Ark (2621 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, map,) or upscale shopping at Fred Segal…Clueless, anyone? (8100 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, map.) Also on Melrose are: Linkin Park’s art-clothing shop SURU (7662 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA, map) and where Michael Jackson used to shop, Moist Wear (7526 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, map.)
