The beautiful city of Los Angeles is not traditionally known for being walkable. In fact, our city has always had the reputation of ‘car is mandatory’ to tackle those freeways and navigate the heavy traffic.
Really the main reason you need a car is too reach places far from you because Los Angeles is so spread out. But if you hang out in one area most LA neighborhoods are actually very walk-friendly.
Shopping destinations are among the most common and enjoyable activities to do in this diverse city and for most, you don’t need your car (except maybe to get there).
Because of our amazing weather, there is a large selection of outdoor malls. Some look like mini towns and are filled with tons of stores to please crowds with all kinds of interests.
So in this article, we share some fun shopping experiences, with good looking stores, great food, tasty drinks, and lots of valuable space.
Here they are for you, 5 of our favorite walkable LA shopping neighborhoods.
1 – Downtown LA
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Downtown LA is well known for its vibrant retail experience. It changes constantly, always offering something exciting and new to shoppers.
Take your shopping to another level exploring all the different open-air shopping plazas, unique restaurants, and trendy spots around Downtown.
Some of the coolest open-air shopping plazas in Downtown are FIGA 7th, THE BLOC, and The Fashion District. Also, don’t forget to try ROW DTLA which is a 30-acre historic district!
Beautiful little Tokyo will transport you to Asia as it captives your senses with all the Japanese decor, unique stores, and good food.
So many outdoor shopping adventures to choose from downtown!
Location: Downtown LA
Pic Credit: @lifenaturelvr
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DTLA has so many major modern shopping centers like we listed above but make sure you don’t miss out on the old school classics that are packed with charm.
You can shop for some unique items in some historical areas that include Santee Alley, Jewelry district, Olvera street, and more.
2 – Pasadena
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Enchanting, lively, diverse, and beautiful are some of the words that locals and tourists alike use when describing their walkable shopping experience in Pasadena.
This captivating city with a small-town feel will charm you with its architecture, hundreds of restaurants, shopping choices, major events like the popular chalk festival, and much more.
Get in the shopping spirit and visit Old Town, The Paseo, or the Rose Bowl Flea Market for some epic shopping adventures.
Location: Pasadena CA
PIC Credit: @oldtownpasadena
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Some have complained that Old Town is getting too many commercial chains and losing some of its charms.
But there are still plenty of independent own shops with plenty of character you can check out.
Here is a link to a great article from Visit Pasadena that lists 12 of them. Pasadena vintage shops.
3 – Hollywood
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Get a one of a kind of experience on the streets of Hollywood with famous names etched beneath your feet on the Walk of Fame while being surrounded by the infamous real-life street characters.
Jam-packed on both sides of the Walk of Fame is a unique mix of seedy and upscale stores.
Take a break and shoot some selfies outside the prettiest movie theaters in the city, or museums holding the secrets of Hollywood past.
Hollywood and Highland have something for every budget and taste as well as being packed with entertainment and character.
Don’t forget to reward your cardio walk afterward with a tasty and inexpensive meal from one of the street vendors.
Location: Hollywood and Highland
PIC Credit: @hollywoodandhighland
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If you have kids and want to entertain them for a few hours for free make sure to check out Funkos Hollywood.
The massive space is part store and part interactive museum jam-packed with lifesize Funkos.
It’s completely free to enter and the kids will be delighted to run around and take pictures with the giant figures of their favorite characters.
4 – Melrose Avenue
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When you think walkable shopping you think Melrose Ave! This is probably one of the most walkable and well-known shopping places in all of Los Angeles.
Near Fairfax and the Mid City area of LA, this super famous street is for you to stroll, shop and snack.
There is so much energy and vibrancy when you are walking and window shopping on Melrose. As you shop you have plenty of options for stopping somewhere to eat or drink, refueling and continuing on your shopping mission.
On Melrose, you can also find lots of stores that will help you furnish or redecorate your home or maybe spoil yourself with that new luxury handbag you’ve had your eye on for awhile.
Location: Melrose ave.
PIC Credit: @landofcocoline
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Do you love urban art like murals? Melrose is for sure the place for you! As you walk around doing your shopping you will come across dozens and dozens of incredible murals.
One of our favorite areas for murals in this little alley right next to Sporties.
In that alley, you will find 1/2 dozen murals including a few amazing tributes to Laker legend Kobe Bryant.
5 – Beverly Hills
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Get picture ready and go shopping luxury style. Beverly Hills, with its unique boutiques, high-end stores, fine restaurants, and beautiful streets, make it one of the most walkable shopping neighborhoods in the city.
Take your friends and have some fun walking around the world-famous Rodeo Drive, and its two-mile-long streets full of eye-catching beauty.
While you are there make sure to check out The Rodeo Collection. This magnificent two-story outdoor plaza will satisfy your desire to experience opulent style. And don’t forget to stop at one of the open-air cafes at the end of your stroll.
Location: Beverly Hills CA
PIC Credit: @hilaryopheim
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The most famous and glamorous shopping area is of course Rodeo Drive and the streets next to it. But if you want a little less expensive options to eat and still be in the glamour of Beverly Hills go a few blocks South.
On South Beverly, there are more casual places you can eat that won’t break the bank. The divider between North Beverly Drive (right next to Rodeo shopping) and South Beverly Drive (where it’s slightly more casual) is Wilshire Ave.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!