One of the biggest attractions in Los Angeles is shopping—something I really love to do. With the weather perfect almost all year-round, many shopping centers are located outdoors making shopping an unforgettable experience for combining sun, good food, and entertainment. I am so glad to share my top 5 shopping destinations in Los Angeles, where shopping is an experience to remember.
Third Street Promenade & Santa Monica Place: Very close to the Pacific Ocean, this is my 
favorite. Running for almost 3 blocks, the car-free outdoor shopping zone is filled with funky street performers, beautiful fountains, and fashion kiosks. Restaurants, bars, and cafés line both sides of the street. There are loads of big brands and boutiques to shop from, and sitting by the roadside you can see upcoming artists performing all day and night. Getting here from downtown can be an all day event.
Hollywood & Highland Center: This is a favorite tourist destination, right next to the Kodak Theatre and historic Grauman Chinese. It houses over 70 stores and is surrounded by famous clubs, restaurants, and museums. Along with shopping your favorite stores, you can also have fun walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and clicking pictures with street artists dressed as characters like Batman, Spiderman, The Joker, etc. This destination is full of life, colors, and glamour; everything Hollywood is all about.
The Grove: Last year I visited The Grove for the first time. This destination has its own charm and is a reminiscent of old French architecture. A double-decker trolley runs down the length of the outdoor shopping center, taking visitors to a great mix of brand name retailers and local boutiques. A fountain show with lasers lights up every half hour to keep kids and visitors entertained. An added attraction at The Grove is the historic, original Farmers Market, and a couple of French restaurants, including a favorite of mine. Unlike the first two shopping destinations, the atmosphere is not chaotic, but very romantic and inspiring even if it is always crowded.
City Walk: This destination ranks high on entertainment relative to shopping, even though it does have a few great brands to shop. But the experience here is unforgettable. Full of life, people, and action, it is located near the tourist destination of Universal City. Along with stores like Bubba Gump, Hard Rock Café, and loads of kiosks, there is a movie theatre, performing artists, dancing fountains, Zen Zone Oxygen and Water Massage bar, iFly, and more.
Oxygen Bar is a fun venue for nighttime entertainment.
Rodeo Drive: I am writing this with a big smile on my face. This famous Beverly Hills destination is one of the best in the world. All the luxury brands are represented straight from the runway. Although prices may be unreachable for most of us, it is a great experience just to window shop. As you walk down the palm tree-lined streets, luxury cars drive past—and you may even have a celebrity sighting. And yes, there are a few cute, very affordable cafes for great food and people watching.
Namita Seksaria is an Apparel Industry Management major at FIDM.
