There’s a lot we Angelenos take for granted…the palm trees, the ocean, the mountains, and the ability to throw a stone in any direction and hit a unique shopping experience. We’ve got it all, from high-end to vintage, and couture to cultured. Following, is a list of some of the most popular destinations in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills:
The Grove Los Angeles
THE GROVE Everyone has malls, but in Southern California, they’re a little more unique because of our year-round great weather. By far, the most popular outdoor mall is The Grove in the Fairfax District of Hollywood. Opened in 2002, and built by Rick Caruso, this is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Large anchor stores like Nordstrom and Crate and Barrel, are surrounded by businesses like Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Banana Republic. Visitor’s can ride an antique trolley down the center of the pedestrian-only complex, or grab a meal near the dancing fountains and enjoy the people watching. While at The Grove, visit the Original Farmer’s Market, which is on the same property. This landmark has been here since 1934 and includes over 100 kiosks for produce, gifts stores and restaurants.
Melrose Avenue
MELROSE AVENUE This street has transformed big time since it’s heyday in the 80’s. One can still find the hip and trendy section east of Fairfax, with dozens of unique stores and vintage clothing. This is definitely a walking street, because of the many hidden gems tucked away between the larger stores and eateries. Travel west of Fairfax, and you’ll find the higher-end retail stores like Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Furstenberg, and Marc Jacobs. Build up an appetite in this area? Grab a bite at the café inside Fred Segal, Urth Caffe, or Cecconi’s West Hollywood.
Robertson Boulevard
ROBERTSON BOULEVARD Robertson, sometimes called “The Red Carpet Street,” because of it’s celebrity clientele, primarily stretches between 3rd and Beverly. It’s here that you’ll find Chanel, All Saints Spitalfield, Madison, Kitson, and Tory Burch, among dozens of other hot retailers. If you walk north of Beverly, you enter West Hollywood, and will come across more interior designer showrooms, including the massive Pacific Design Center, with it’s blue, green and red glass buildings.
Rodeo Drive
RODEO DRIVE IN BEVERLY HILLS If you’re a big name like Tom Ford, Prada, Juicy Couture, or Harry Winston, you must have your signage on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This is an amazing street to see and be seen. Rodeo Drive is in the heart of the Golden Triangle and is some of the most expensive retail real estate in the country. Make sure to hit the beautiful Via Rodeo section near the south end of the drive. Visit the side streets of Camden, Beverly, Canon and Bedford for additional shopping and dining opportunities. It’s on these streets that you’ll find eateries like Scarpetta, Spago, Bouchon, Il Pastaio, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen.
This is a small sample of what Los Angeles has to offer in terms of shopping. In future blogs, we’ll explore the beautiful Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, The 3rd Street Promenade, Montana Avenue and Santa Monica Place in the city of Santa Monica, Abbott Kinney in Venice, The Beverly Center, The Westfield Shopping Mall in Century City, and the Southern California outlet malls.
For more information on Tours of Los Angeles and recommendations, visit Glitterati Tours.
