Watch CBS News

Best Shopping Centers & Malls In Los Angeles

shopping 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

For most outsiders, Los Angeles is typically known for sunshine, surf and, of course, its celebrities. But in addition to being at the forefront of the movie industry, LA is also a trendsetter in fashion, and home to some of the best shopping centers in the world.

Foursquare Favorite: Third Street Promenade
3rd St. (btwn Wilshire & Broadway)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-8355
Read all the tips on Foursquare

Closed to vehicles, a stroll down Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is more than a shopping experience. Spanning three blocks, the pedestrian-only zone—lined with large chain stores as well as independent boutiques—is located within walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and the ocean. For more great shopping, check out this list of the best malls in Los Angeles.

LA_third_street_tip

Head to Foursquare to sort reviews by these tastes:

LA_third_street_tastes

Screen shot 2010-08-26 at 4.45.42 PM
Santa Monica Place (Credit: www.santamonicaplace.com)

Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-5451
www.santamonicaplace.com

Shopping in Los Angeles just got a little better. Fresh off a recent state-of-the-art renovation, Santa Monica Place offers a retail experience like no other. Adjacent to both the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade, this open-air shopping center features three levels of department stores and top-of-the-line specialty boutiques. It is anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, and fashion-forward shoppers can also peruse Coach, CB2, All Saints & Spitalfields Juicy Couture, Kitson and Charles David, just to name a few. Perhaps the best amenity of all is the rooftop dining deck. After an afternoon of shopping, visitors can enjoy ocean views, casual dining or even happy hour at sunset. Terrific dining options include Sonoma Wine Garden, True Food Kitchen, Blue Stove and many others.

www.beverlycenter.com1
Beverly Center (credit: www.beverlycenter.com)

The Beverly Center
8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0070
www.beverlycenter.com

Standing tall at the epicenter of fashion in Los Angeles is The Beverly Center. Each year approximately 13 million shoppers flock to this eight-story behemoth of a mall. It boasts major retailers such as Bloomingdales, Macy's, Banana Republic, H&M and Victoria's Secret, so there's no doubt that The Beverly Center is one of the best shopping centers in LA. With the mall wedged conveniently between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, celebrities and tourists alike shop these hallowed halls, so visitors should keep their eyes peeled for a star sighting at any time.

thegrove3
(credit: www.thegrovela.com)

The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
www.thegrovela.com

Spanning 575,000 square feet, The Grove in Los Angeles is more than an outdoor shopping center - it's also a major entertainment destination. A large park lies at the heart of the Grove and features an animated water fountain dancing to the tunes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Harry Connick Jr. Kids love to ride the free trolley that travels along First Street from one end of The Grove to the other. The center is modeled after some of LA's historic shopping districts, and visitors can wander through stores such as Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, The American Girl Place and the city's flagship Apple Store. A 14-screen movie theater, a delectable array of dining options, live music and movies in the park round out this extraordinary Los Angeles shopping destination. For tourists who want a little slice of LA's history, take a stroll next door to LA's Original Farmers Market. Eighty-five different shops and restaurants offer visitors every possible cuisine, souvenir or one-of-a-kind knickknack.

Americana
(credit: Curoso Affiliated)

The Americana At Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 956-3309
www.americanaatbrand.com

Located in Glendale, The Americana At Brand is just another stand out hit by the Caruso Affiliated group. With a terrific movie theatre, the outdoor shopping mall offers great eats from restaurants such as Bourbon Steak, Chi Dynasty, Deluca's Italian Deli, Katsuya, The Melt, The Cheesecake Factory, Le Pain Quotidien, Frida Mexican Cuisine and many others. Once you've filled your stomach, it's time to shop. And The Americana At Brand has you covered. Choose from a plethora of top retailers like Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, BCBG, Barneys New York, Cole Haan, JCREW Crew Cuts, H&M, Kiehls, Kate Spade New York, Anthropologie, American Eagle Outfitters, Urban Outters, UGG, Nordstrom and many many more.

westside pavilion
(credit: Joan S./Yelp)

Westside Pavilion
10800 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 474-2785
www.westsidepavilion.com

With great stores, a luxury movie theatre and dining options, The Westside Pavilion is a top choice. Its central location makes for a perfect spot for those looking to take care of shopping, dining or to see a movie. From top retailers like Aeropostale, Aldo, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Forever 21, Foot Locker, H&M, Macy's to dining options such as Westside Tavern and the food court, it's no wonder Angelenos continue to come here time and time again. The mall went through a renovation of sorts recently and has made for a more upgraded experience.

Article by Rachel Whitty Hajj
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.