6 Best Shopping in Los Angeles, California

Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this redbrick walkway is lined with historic buildings and overhung with grapevines. At dozens of clapboard stalls you can browse south-of-the-border goods—leather sandals, woven blankets, and devotional candles, as well as cheap toys and souvenirs—and sample outstanding tacos. With the musicians and cafés providing the soundtrack, the area is constantly lively. Annual events include a tree-lighting ceremony and Día de los Muertos celebrations.

A local fixture in Highland Park for decades, Galco's is in some ways a trip down memory lane, carrying more than 600 sodas—most of which harken back to the days when soda was a regional affair—and options from all over the world. They also have a collection of retro candies, a soda creation station with more than 100 syrups to choose from, and a selection of alcohol that would put most liquor stores to shame.

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.

You probably won’t find anything useful in the Time Travel Mart and that’s exactly the point. From dinosaur eggs to robot milk, this is a store that touts the absurdly hilarious—all of which should bring back memories of your childhood and maybe a little bit of joy. That's because the store holds a secret: it’s really a fundraiser for the nonprofit 826LA, which tutors neighborhood kids in the back section. So even when you're buying something unnecessary but absolutely wonderful, remember it's for a noble and worthy cause.

This mall that sits between Beverly Hills and Brentwood is home to dozens of great stores, restaurants, and a massive movie theater. The best options here include L.A.'s iteration of Eataly, the ultimate Italian market; Din Tai Fung, an award-winning dumpling house; and Shake Shack, the famous East Coast burger joint. Some unique stores include a Tesla showroom, a Peloton shop, and the new Venus et Fleur flower boutique.