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Shopping Overview

Think of shopping in L.A. as a sport, and you won't be far off the mark. To "win," plan ahead to maximize your shopping versus driving time; keep your eyes peeled for dressed-down celebs; and aim to have fun. One of the greatest pleasures is shopping alfresco, since even most malls here are outdoors, with courtyards for people-watching or a chai break. Although the city is notoriously vast, concentrated shopping areas in many neighborhoods will provide hours of browsing bang for your parking buck. One rule of thumb about business hours: the funkier the neighborhood, the later the shops open.

But where to start? Rodeo Drive is the name visitors tend to be most familiar with, and its stores uphold its longtime reputation for expensive, international fashion. Eager for some celebrity sightings? The showy boutiques on Robertson Boulevard may be your best bet. For boho-chic style, try the vintage shops and new cluster of boutiques (Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Marni) on Melrose Avenue and Melrose Place in West Hollywood or the offbeat stores along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. If clean and conservative is more your speed, browse along Santa Monica's Montana Avenue. The Avenues of Art and Design (Beverly and Robertson boulevards and upper Melrose Avenue) offer design showrooms galore, antiques vendors, and art galleries. For the best selection of edgy clothes and artsy accessories, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Echo Park are the neighborhoods to hit. The influence of Hollywood is most apparent in the city's impressive selection of music stores (many with regular live performances) and bookstores that specialize in film, theater, and other arts.