| L.A. is not a particularly pedestrian friendly city and neighborhoods where window-shopping is even feasible are few and far between. Tasteful and interesting clothing, music and bookstores can be found though.
In Hollywood, a small strip of unique stores and cafés sits across from the Scientology Celebrity Center on Franklin Ave between Vine and Bronson. Melrose Ave is lined with trendier boutiques and bistros designed to encourage browsing and people watching. Sunset Junction (around 4000 Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake) is another pedestrian oasis of a slightly less chic and more bohemian bent.
To shop like the stars, or at least pretend to, head to Rodeo Drive, mocked in movies like “Bowfinger.” Here’s where you’ll find expensive and ritzy boutiques you’ve never heard of and the famous designers you have.
In Santa Monica, the Third Street Promenade makes the sprawling car-oriented city feel more like a community. A short walk from the beach with its carnival atmosphere, this three-block pedestrian walkway runs along independent and chain stores alike with plenty of places to stop for a relatively cheap meal.
For food try the Los Angeles Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax. It has an incredibly diverse selection of international food stands and lots of fresh meat and produce. (Ph: 323-933-9211. Open M-F 9am-9pm, Sa 9am-8pm, Su 10am-7pm.) Trader Joe’s is also a local favorite. This small chain of grocery stores, which spouted in Los Angeles and has now expanded nationally, specializes in the basics and more exotic fare, all bought bulk and sold at reasonable prices. It feels more like a bazaar than a corporate behemoth. (Locations at 7304 and 8611 Santa Monica Blvd. Ph: 310-657-1052. Open daily 9am-9pm.)
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| This very small Bay Area chain of very large music stores recently expanded to Hollywood to much fanfare. It's become one of LA's best music stores, and anyone familiar with their locations in Berkeley or the Haight will know why. Amoeba is a huge warehouse of CDs with a selection that rivals internet retailers. The shelves are cluttered with hard-to-find imports and obscure vinyl, as well as... |
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