If discounts are what you're after, head out to Venice Beach. The souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts won't burn a hole in your wallet, and you'll come away with some great deals and bargains in your shopping bag. Clothes lovers will want to make a special trip to the Fashion District and Fourth Street out in Long Beach, where you'll find clothes made by locals and designers, as well as vintage clothing for a "back to the 80s" (or whatever time period takes your fancy) charm.
If smart but trendy is more your goal, take a walk down to Third Street Promenade or Main Street in Santa Monica. There you can zone out among the designer labels, galleries, and restaurants. For a classic Hollywood feel, check out Hollywood and Highland, which was designed to look like a movie set, complete with boutiques and malls. For a more quaint charm, Old Town Pasadena has much to offer from its chain stores and boutiques set in a historic location.
Also a must-see is the Farmer's Market that can be found in several neighborhoods. Some of them resemble an open-air food court with cuisine that touches upon a wide variety of cultures from Japanese to French. The shops offer goods at low prices, and the area can often be peppered with historical landmarks and monuments.
For something a little "different," though, walk down Olvera Street and be greeted by the sights and sounds of Mexico, nestled in the midst of Los Angeles. Little stalls line the street, offering clothing, shoes, musical instruments, toys, postcards, and various other collectibles.
Of course, no mention of Los Angeles shopping would be complete without Rodeo Drive. Possibly one of the most famous of all shopping areas, it is considered one of the most exclusive places to be. You may find that the same items are available at lower prices at the major malls like the Beverly Center. Even if you don't buy a thing though, it may be worth it to catch a glimpse of your favorite stars as they walk the same streets and peruse the same items alongside you. Many of the upscale boutiques in Midtown and West Hollywood are hotspots for celebrities and celebrity spotters alike.
Shopping in Los Angeles should be seen at all levels from discount to exclusive stores. After all, the best part of shopping is the experience, rather than what you buy.
