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Window-shopping on Rodeo Drive . Searching
for bargains at a flea market. Buying a new hat at The Grove. Shopping for souvenirs
in Chinatown , Hollywood , or on the Santa Monica Pier. As is the case with most
everything Los Angeles , the town's shopping experience cannot be summed up in
a few words. There's simply too much that needs to be said. From mega-malls to
the newest, trendiest shopping districts, L.A. has it all. Though
you might not buy anything, a trip to Rodeo Drive is a must for all tourists visiting
Beverly Hills . This famous shopping district (particularly Two Rodeo Drive )
is lined with high-end boutique stores and world-famous brand names that exude
wealth and privilege Though it may seem a bit intimidating to approach such shops,
the area is usually filled with tourists, so it's easy to blend into the crowd.
Plus, window-shopping can be just as fun as shopping, with boutique windows adorned
with the latest fashion and accessories. Find that perfect handbag or blouse,
and try and find a similar one later on a bargain hunt. Speaking
of bargains, Los Angeles does have them, as well as sales and discounts. While
Rodeo Drive may be a window-shopper's dream, the malls in the area are where serious
shopping can be done. You can find standard malls where stores like The Gap and
Macy's are featured, plus upscale malls where shops are a bit more exclusive but
nevertheless accessible. Westfield Shoppingtown
Century City for example, is an open-air mall on Santa Monica Boulevard , featuring
upscale fashion and specialty stores. While you'll still find mall standards,
like The Gap and Macy's, you'll also find Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and
Francesco Santoro Handbags among them. It's a rewarding shopping experience, one
that is different and new but also familiar, and thus not as intimidating. The
Hollywood & Highland mega-complex is home to the Kodak Theatre, as well as
to a variety of designer shops and chain stores. Shop for fashion, health and
beauty, and specialty gifts while enjoying the California sunshine and the rush
of being "in" Hollywood . Stores include Ann Taylor Loft, Argenti, DFS
Galleria, and Backstage at the Chinese, a specialty shop selling memorabilia and
gift items from the Chinese Theatre. Staying
with the open-air market theme, the Farmers Market and The Grove in Santa Monica
create the perfect place to spend the day. The Market's stalls and counter-order
restaurants can fill up a day's worth of exploring, but leave room for The Grove
too, a European-style 80,000 square-foot shopping complex featuring retail stores
and restaurants. Though the Farmers Market opened in 1935 and The Grove in 2002,
the two complement each other very well and for tourists, combine for a must-see
destination. For even better bargains
than the retail stores and boutique shops can offer, flea markets can be found
throughout Los Angeles , including the Santa Monica Flea Market and the famed
Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena . Don't be surprised to find that each offers
its share of new items, in addition to the used items and antique collectibles.
Bargain hunters can search for deals on all kinds of furniture, clothing, toys,
plates, and photos. Also located in
Santa Monica , the Third Street Promenade is another outdoor shopping experience
that aims to leave cars and other vehicles behind. This pedestrian-only street
is frequented by movie stars (so keep an eye out for them), and boasts an interesting
mix of celebrity, street performers, tourists, and locals. Take time out to appreciate
the crowds of people walking the promenade together with you. Bookstores, chain
stores, antique and memorabilia shops, restaurants, and movie theaters make up
the Promenade. Shop at Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, and Barnes & Noble,
as well as at Puzzle Zoo and the Vintage Animation Gallery. For
those venturing to downtown Los Angeles , shopping is truly an urban experience
and more close in feel to Santa Monica than to Beverly Hills . Grand Central Market,
for instance, is similar to Santa Monica 's Farmers Market and is home to a variety
of vendors selling produce, dried goods, flowers, wares, and more. Also downtown
are Chinatown , Koreatown, and Olvera Street , where shoppers can shop for souvenirs,
hand-crafted wares, and other gift items. Before
leaving Los Angeles , make sure to buy a souvenir of some kind to remember the
trip. Not surprisingly, vendors and souvenir shops can be found throughout L.A.
, so take your time finding one that captures what you wish to remember. Whether
it be the Hollywood Sign or Chinatown , Rodeo Drive or Farmers Market, there's
certain to be some kind of souvenir available. Shopping
in Los Angeles is inclusive, offering a mix of upscale stores, clapboard stalls,
and street vendors. Find an array of familiar brands, designer names, and one-of-a-kind
originals. All of it can be found in Los Angeles and its many communities. For
the precious, visit Rodeo Drive ; for the laid-back, Santa Monica's the place;
and for urban shopping, downtown L.A. Whatever you wish to buy, this town seems
to have it. From the opulent to the simple, from the extravagant to the deal. |
