A Traveler’s Guide to the Most Popular Shopping Destinations in LA
Welcome to Los Angeles — a city where shopping is a full-blown experience.
And as a travel agent LA expert, we can assure you that the "best" shopping here isn’t found in one single place. It's a series of iconic, world-famous scenes, each with its own unique personality.
Whether you're looking for the height of luxury, a one-of-a-kind vintage find, or a great bargain, this is your guide to the most popular shopping destinations in LA.
TL;DR: How to Shop in LA
To find your perfect shopping spot, you need to know what you want. For pure luxury and iconic photo-ops, head to Rodeo Drive. For trendy, boho-chic boutiques, it's Abbot Kinney in Venice.
For the ultimate bargain hunt, brave Santee Alley, and for a fun, all-day "mall as entertainment" experience, nothing beats The Grove.
For the "Pretty Woman" Fantasy: Rodeo Drive
If you're in LA for the glamour, this is your first stop. Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is an icon of luxury known around the world.
The Vibe: It's surprisingly quiet, incredibly clean, and absolutely dripping in opulence. This isn't just a place to shop; it's a place to see and be seen.
The Stores: This is where you'll find the flagship stores for the biggest designer names in the world, like Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
Our Expert Tip: Most tourists come for the photos. The most iconic spot is Two Rodeo Drive, a beautiful cobblestone walkway with a European feel. Don't be shy; it's a public street, and window shopping is part of the fun. For more "local" high-end boutiques and cafes, walk one block over to the parallel streets, Beverly Drive and Canon Drive.
For the "Cool Hunter" & Trendsetter
This is where you go to find what's next. These areas are less about global brands and more about curated, unique, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard (Venice)
Once called "the coolest block in America," this mile-long street in Venice is the epicenter of "boho-chic" and one of the most popular shopping destinations in LA for trendsetters.
The Vibe: It's a breezy, stylish, and very "LA" scene. Think wellness-meets-fashion.
The Stores: This is the spot for digitally-native brands (think Reformation, OSEA) and amazing local boutiques. Our personal favorite is Burro, a gift shop where you can find unique, California-centric books, cards, and jewelry.
Insider Tip: If your trip lines up, go on the first Friday of the month. The entire street turns into a massive food truck festival with live music and late-night shopping.
Melrose Avenue (West Hollywood)
Melrose isn't just one thing—it's a long street with a few different personalities, so it's good to know where you're headed.
Funky & Vintage (Between Fairfax & Highland): This is the classic Melrose. It's edgy, a bit gritty, and packed with LA's best vintage stores (like Wasteland and American Vintage), sneaker shops, and cool indie boutiques.
Chic & Designer (Melrose Place): Just off the main avenue, this quiet, tree-lined street is home to ultra-chic, high-fashion designer boutiques like Chloé and Isabel Marant. It's a beautiful, calm place to browse.
For the Ultimate "Experience": The Grove
If you want to shop, eat, and be entertained all in one beautiful, outdoor setting, you go to The Grove.
The Vibe: This is shopping as pure entertainment. It's designed to feel like a charming town square, complete with a dancing fountain and a free electric trolley that runs down its main street.
The Stores: You'll find all the big names you'd expect in a high-end mall: Apple, Nordstrom, Sephora, and Nike.
Our Expert Tip: The Grove's best feature is its neighbor, the Original Farmers' Market. You can shop at The Grove and then walk right over to the market for a huge, amazing selection of food stalls, from classic donuts to Brazilian BBQ. It's the perfect one-two punch for an afternoon.
For the Dedicated Bargain & Treasure Hunter
If your idea of a perfect day is digging for a diamond in the rough, LA has two legendary spots for you.
Santee Alley (Downtown LA)
This is the most famous bargain-hunter's paradise, making it one of the most popular shopping destinations in LA for those seeking a deal. Just know that, although it’s located in the Fashion District, Santee Alley is not a polished mall.
And it’s not for the faint of heart.
The Vibe: It's a bustling, open-air marketplace packed with over 150 vendors. It's loud, crowded, and a ton of fun.
The Goods: This is the mecca for fast fashion, accessories, shoes, and perfume at 30-70% off retail prices.
Our Expert Tip: Bring cash. While some vendors take cards, cash is still king and gives you bargaining power. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, and wear comfortable shoes.
Rose Bowl Flea Market (Pasadena)
As a travel agency in Los Angeles, we can confidently say this is one of the most famous flea markets in the city, if not the world. Held on the second Sunday of every month, it's a massive event with over 2,500 vendors.
The Vibe: It's an all-day treasure hunt. Locals, tourists, and even celebrities and interior designers flock here to find one-of-a-kind items.
The Goods: Everything you can imagine. It's sectioned off, so you can find a huge area for antique furniture, another for vintage clothing, and more for local art and specialty goods.
Our Expert Tip: The pros arrive right when it opens for "Early Bird" admission. For the best bargains, start shopping an hour or two before it closes, when vendors are more willing to make a deal.
How to Plan Your Perfect Shopping Trip
Los Angeles is huge, and these shopping areas are spread out. As a travel agency for Los Angeles, our best advice is to not try to do it all in one day.
Instead, build your shopping around a shopping plan that’s customized to you. For example:
Combine a day in Beverly Hills with a visit to the nearby LA County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Pair your trip to The Grove with the Farmers' Market and the La Brea Tar Pits.
Make your Abbot Kinney day a full "Westside" day by including the Venice Canals and the Santa Monica Pier.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the popular shopping destinations in LA? We can help.
At Travel Savvy, we’re all about crafting the perfect itinerary based on your travel goals. Whether you want to shop ‘til you drop or you want to score all the unique items, we can help. Contact us today and let our team design a shopping trip that hits all the best spots for you.