Locals and tourists alike love to shop in Los Angeles because of the immense variety of options.
There is something for every shopaholic in LA including those looking to splurge on designer brands or deal hunters keen on sniffing out great bargains. This makes it an awesome choice for anyone looking to keep up with the latest and hippest fashion trends.
But something else that makes shopping in LA so special is our many outdoor destinations made possible by our amazing sunny weather.
Here is our list of some of the best outdoor shopping destinations to make your shopping excursion even more fun.
Shop and enjoy the marvelous SoCal sunshine or beautiful evenings with splendid lights as you stroll around these remarkable outdoor shopping hotspots.
1. The Grove in Mid-City
Anyone who is familiar at all with Los Angeles will not be surprised by our first pick.
The Grove is a gorgeous outdoor centerpiece to the spectacular Miracle Mile and one of the places you are most likely to see a celebrity while shopping.
This 15 year old mall masterpiece continues to be outrageously popular and it’s located in one of the best spots in Los Angeles with major T.V. studios, museums and plenty of other attractions nearby for tourists and locals alike to enjoy.
There is debate among some that the combination of European and American styles that The Grove displays are attractive or not, but they have left no detail out and you will even see actual original works of Picasso in the restroom seating areas at The Grand Lobby.
Another cool feature at the Grove is the trolley. It travels along First Street between The Grove and The Original Farmers Market. This green double decker trolley was built on a historic 1950s Boston street car’s undercarriage.
At the heart of this mall, there of course is the majestic water fountain. Many people enjoy taking a break from there shopping to watch the dancing fountain and toss a few coins while making wishes. The spectacular fountain was built by WET Design the same company that built the famous ones at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The very centrally located Grove continues to drive plenty of tourists and locals to enjoy its wide variety of restaurants, shops and the legendary Original Farmers Market which would take a whole other dedicated article to describe how awesome it is.
If you live in LA and have not yet been to The Grove it should be at the very top of your list for shopping destinations to experience.
2. Brentwood Country Mart
Located on 26th street just South of San Vicente blvd, this historical outdoor mart is a local food and shopping center for the extremely wealthy residents of Brentwood. Although its tucked away deep in a residential neighborhood its also popular with tourists since its one of the most likely places to spot a famous actor or artists.
One of the things that makes Brentwood Country Mart special is despite its upscale vibe and location it has kept its original historical barnyard look. This keeps it charming, cozy and popular for locals and tourists alike.
3. Americana in Glendale
Next we head North of LA to Glendale California, home of spectacular The Americana at Brand. This luxury outdoor mall is huge (!) with 242 luxury apartments above it offering its residents a swimming pool, spa and a park with weekly yoga.
But of course for most people The Americana at Brand is a gigantic shopping center with plenty of stylish boutiques displaying lots of brands, home good stores, movie theaters, book stores and much more.
In addition to the vast amount of stores and luxury residential apartments, Americana at Brand is also a foodie destination. You can enjoy a range of fine dining or casual restaurants, and you can also dine al fresco overlooking the dancing fountain or get inside a wine bar and have some tapas!
4. Malibu Country Mart
Tired of the standard cookie cutter looking malls everywhere? You may want to check out Malibu Country Mart. This shopping destination by the sea features upscale, unique and beautiful boutiques, great restaurants, art galleries and more.
Take a break from shopping and relax while enjoying the lush garden in this country mart. Bring your kids and let them play and have fun in the playground while you nourish your soul and body with sunshine and a delicious smoothie from SunLife Organics.
Lets be real. You will likely make the trip all the way out to Malibu for the spectacular beaches and ocean views. But the next time you go make sure you also carve some time out for shopping at the Malibu Country Mart. You will be happy you did!
5. The Point in el Segundo
Located at the crossroads of Rosecrans Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard, this has now become the shopping destination and gathering spot in the South Bay for locals and visitors.
The giant outdoor shopping mall has over 115,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and features unique shops and retailers you don’t find at every other mall in California.
In addition to the great amount of stores and restaurants, The Point also offers beautiful grounds with plenty places to sit under shade and structures and activities for kids to play.
Also, enjoy the summer music series, every Wednesday starting on July 11 through the end of August from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at The Point Plaza.
6. The 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica
Just down the street from the world famous Santa Monica Pier is an almost equally famous shopping destination.
Starting in the 1960s three blocks on 3rd street in Santa Monica have been closed to through traffic and converted into an outdoor pedestrian mall.
Yes this trendy shopping spot is now known as The 3rd Street Promenade, located in Downtown Santa Monica and short walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier, the Ferris Wheel and the beach.
At the Promenade you can enjoy the open air, car free blocks of retail shops and street performers. Find everything from fresh market products, great restaurants and designer fashions.
7. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
One of the most famous outdoor shopping spots in the world let alone Los Angeles is the magnificent Rodeo Drive. It’s name is known globally, not only because famous actors and other artists can be seen shopping here frequently, but also because it has some of the most fashionable and luxurious places to shop.
In addition to browsing many of the world’s most exclusive and expensive stores located at Rodeo Drive, you can also take the walk of style while you stroll around. This walk of style goes from Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard and it honors fashion legends for their contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries.
If you want to shop in luxury and live like the A-list (even just for a day) than there is no doubt that Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is where you want to go.
8. Old Town Pasadena
It seems like it would take weeks to discover every shopping treasure hiding in our next destination. Heading North of LA again we have another beautiful spot to shop outdoors called Old Town Pasadena. Distinguished by its historical architecture the vibe and character at the 22 block district has so much for you to explore and discover.
More than 300 businesses are jam packed in this area, giving you plenty of choices for restaurants, bars, entertainment, shopping and activities for all ages.
While visiting Old Town Pasadena, make sure to take in some of the many community events including free summer movies, concerts, food tasting tours and many more.
9. Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo
The Japanese Village Plaza first opened in 1978 with the goal of revitalizing the area after a long period of neglect and decline. This goal has been more than met as it stands as one of the most popular spots for hanging out near Downtown Los Angeles.
Located in the already popular area of Little Tokyo, it shines as its crown jewel for shopping and dining. Packed with Japanese stores and goods its of course loved by fans of the culture and they go there to find unique and special Anime and Hello Kitty products.
You don’t need to necessarily be obsessed with Japanese culture to have a good time though. With so many amazing restaurants, including sushi restaurant Hama, Mikawaya and Cafe Dulce, Japanese Plaza Village is a foodie destination as well.
10. Melrose Avenue Shopping District
Melrose Ave shopping district is a timeless popular shopping hot spot that is synonymous with LA culture. You can find just about everything here, from casual and cheap to red carpet worthy outfits. Also, gothic, vintage, skater, rocker and hip hop styles can be found in this remarkable district.
Famous Melrose Ave has something for everyone and people from all over the world with variety of tastes and budgets come here to find special pieces of fashion to add to their wardrobes.
But its more than just the crazy amount of unique shops that makes this district a must visit. Much of its popularity is because of its reputation as an Los Angeles institution. Many people come just to hang out and soak up that LA vibe along with their sunshine.