Thanks again for all the tips. We decided on an overnight in Catalina on days 7/8. We'll go to the beach a few times, take the TMZ tour, Warner Bros tour, and Farmers Market.

Is there other good shopping areas where there may be unique shops you can walk from one to another? We've been to Rodeo Drive and that's a bit rich for the shopping we want to do.

Also going to Disney one day, but trying to decide on just one park or attempting a Park Hopper.

Also up for more restaurant ideas - unique, independent places anywhere in greater LA. We'll probably do both upscale and less-expensive. Ideas?

Well--there will be shops in Santa Monica, which I think you're going to. Olvera Street is well known.

Bel Campo might be the best hamburger you'll ever have in a restaurant. Farm to table. They raise their own beef. Two in Los Angeles and one in Santa Monica.

https://belcampo.com/eat/

Shopping on Robertson Blvd might appeal to your teen.

I doubt if you are going to find anything "unique" in shops, at least not ones you can afford. What are you expecting to find, anyway? IF you want cheap unique stuff, buy something from a beach vendor as a souvenir. Because unique things are expensive, whether art or clothing or jewelry.

They might enjoy shopping on Melrose Avenue
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/...ue#tab_panel_2

https://www.melroseavela.com/shopping-melrose/

Thanks Christina,

By unique, I meant not a chain store. We have The Gap and Banana Republics here. Hoping to find some independent stores, not necessarily custom-made merchandise.

Shopping. Okay--this is a wildcard. Years ago when I lived there, the fashion district was mostly wholesale, and the streets were pretty rough/industrial. But I've read that there are stores to shop at now for the general public, but they are mixed in with shops that are wholesale only.

Here's a link:

LA Fashion District

Another option--if you do get them into a California Mission or Art Museum or anything like that, stop in the Gift Shop. Often the buyers for such places try to buy from local artists.