An exclusive guide to sophisticated shopping in Los Angeles

Save plenty of room in your luggage as you find your desired designer pieces, vintage treasures, and more on this California dream vacation.

By Alesandra Dubin | December 3, 2021 (Updated: May 6, 2025)

There’s no doubt: LA is a top place to shop. Experienced fashionistas go shopping in Los Angeles to find the region’s famous sprawl of outlets, from top designers to unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds and everything in between. We’ll help you discover coveted treasures and experiences that will serve as lasting memories of your trip.

Beverly Hills

Is there a more famous luxury shopping district in the world? Beverly Hills is best known for its grande dame of shopping streets, Rodeo Drive. You’ll find boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and all the usual luxe suspects. Stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and have your personal concierge arrange a private shopping experience to take advantage of the hidden entrances, free-flowing Champagne, open-air terraces, and private salons of renowned brands, only available to VIP guests. With The Suite Ride package, the hotel will have a luxury vehicle — think Ferrari or Lamborghini — at your disposal, so you can drive from one shop to the next in style.

The glittering Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills makes for ideal accommodations after a day of Chanel-ing around 90210. Expansive rooms and suites at this coveted property feature floor-to-ceiling windows and top-end technology, while on-site restaurants like The Rooftop Beverly Hills offer fresh California cuisine with creative cocktails and sweeping views.

After dinner, rest those tired shopping legs in the heated rooftop pool, or even indulge in a treatment at the sumptuous La Prairie Spa. If you need anything, your personal concierge is just a text away, 24 hours a day.

Downtown Los Angeles

The two-decades-long renaissance of downtown LA has transformed the once business-focused district into one of the most exuberant places in LA to shop, sip, and see shows. In such enclaves as the Arts District and the Historic Core around Spring Street, score one-of-a-kind pieces from unique galleries and shops with distinct points of view, like The Last Bookstore.

The Bloc connects the financial, fashion, jewelry, and theater districts with a wide variety of shops and restaurants to choose from, and you’ll find even more shops, dining, and entertainment at the open-air FIGat7th.

Make your visit to downtown LA perfect with a stay at Conrad Los Angeles. From this posh pied-à-terre, you’ll have sweeping views of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus a huge rooftop terrace complete with a private pool deck overlooking downtown. Keep up with your wellness routine with complimentary fitness classes and indulgent treatments at Conrad Spa, then treat your taste buds to fine dining alfresco at San Laurel, the hotel’s signature restaurant and brainchild of a Michelin-starred chef.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue begins at Santa Monica Boulevard, where the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood meet. This legendary avenue is famous for its independent spirit, and its over 300 shops reflect that vibe. You’ll spot luxurious boutiques from the likes of Vivienne Westwood to the whimsical housewares and accessories of Jonathan Adler, plus high-end vintage shops such as Decades and Wasteland.

Nearby streets like West 3rd and Beverly Boulevard offer numerous options for shoppers exploring on foot. Mall lovers will enjoy a spin through the nearby Beverly Center and the open-air shopping center The Grove, known for its famous central fountain and kid-friendly trolley rides (plus a good chance of a celeb sighting).

Shopped 'till you dropped? Explore the museums in the nearby Miracle Mile district or take a load off at one of the many world-class restaurants within walking distance.

Venice Beach and Santa Monica

The coastal stretch from Venice to Santa Monica has its must-stop shops. Venice remains true to its reputation as a funky, individualistic destination, offering unique apparel and homeware stores in keeping with its famous flair.

Further north is Santa Monica’s popular alfresco shopping area, the 3rd Street Promenade. You’ll also find the Santa Monica Place shopping mall, an open-air destination featuring Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and many more.

Tucked into a residential enclave on the Palisades Bluffs, the intimate Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts makes a dreamy destination for your shopping-focused trip. Imagine the coveted property as your own, with its ivy-covered facade and living room-like lobby.

Lush foliage and ocean views abound here. Take it all in with a beachfront yoga class or with a meal at Sandpiper, the on-site restaurant serving fresh, hyper-local cuisine with beachfront vistas. After a day of shopping, collapse onto an oversized daybed by the pool with olive trees dotting your view.

Alesandra Dubin is a news and lifestyle editor and writer based in Los Angeles. A veteran digital journalist, she’s covered travel, food, events, fashion and beauty, entertainment, home, parenting and viral content for more than 15 years. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and 5-year-old twins.