6 Best Shopping in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

If your trip to La La Land has you itching to upgrade your wardrobe with a little attitude, look no further than Brat. No matter what your proclivity—be it rockabilly, Goth, punk, or cottagecore—Brat has that unique item you didn't even know you needed. It's also a perfect place to find something "L.A. cool" for folks back home.

Founded by a Nepali owner, this shop instantly whisks you away to the Himalayas, with its wide-ranging selection of clothing, accessories, housewares, incense, and more. Sip on some chai tea and indulge your inner hippie, or find all the spiritual products you've been craving.

This self-described "tiny toy shop" fails to mention that it is also a beautifully curated jewel box of a tiny toy shop. Along with traditional toys like L.O.L. Surprise, this sunny, well-organized space offers a wide range of kids' books, plushies, accessories, musical instruments, science and craft kits, puzzles, art, holiday cookie kits and seasonal decorations, and more. 

Remember when toys didn't require batteries or apps? This old-fashioned shop (for ages 10 and under) sparks children's imaginations with dress-up clothes, science-oriented gifts, picture books, and hand-painted wooden toys by brands like Poan and Haba.

There is no shortage of spots to shop everything from sporting goods to trendy fashions on this pedestrian-friendly strip. Outposts here are mainly of the chain variety, and in between splurging on books, clothing, sneakers, and more, shoppers can pop into one of the many eateries, watch street performers and artists do their thing, or even catch a movie at one of the theaters. Additionally, the chef-approved Farmers Market takes over twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday), and with the beach just a few steps away, the destination is a quintessential California stop.