10 Best Shopping Malls in Los Angeles

Everyone and anyone mentions The Grove in the list of LA’s top shopping malls. Highly considered to be the crème de la crème of shopping centres, The Grove may only have 50 retailers, but its collection proves strong with a Barney’s New York Co-Op and an Apple Store among others. Not to mention, the Original Farmers' Market sits adjacent, so you can do a bit of shopping cardio and then treat yourself with fresh, tasty food.

In this beautiful outdoor centre, shopping is not the only form of entertainment. Frequent events take place throughout the year and they even have their very own Art-Deco cinema.

With its countless makeovers over the years, Westfield Century City has slowly but surely come into its own. Found in the heart of the city, this retail centre impresses with a huge gourmet food hall, countless upscale and main-street shops and its very own outdoor event area, stylishly coined The Terrace. Expect everything from Kate Spade, Thomas Pink and Swarovski rubbing shoulders with H&M, Free People and Kiehl’s.

Build up your shopping strength at one of the many dining options on offer. Head to Shake Shack for a burger and fries to fill your tummies, then to La Colombe’s for coffee to get you back on your feet again.

South Coast Plaza is immense in size and quantity. Think endless rows of shops lit up with glossy window displays and parades of eager shoppers clutching green juices. With almost 300 stores here to choose from, you’ll struggle to explore it all in just 1 day.

There are 5 department stores, including Sears and Saks Fifth Avenue, covering a wide range of fashion tastes to spoil you for choice. This mall is also renowned for its impeccable specialist stores. Be sure to check out its website first for any special events, sales and contests taking place.

Third Street Promenade is found just steps away from Santa Monica Pier. With friendly waving palm trees leading you to retail paradise, it’s the quintessential laidback LA scene. After a carefree day on the pier, a wander around this sun-kissed promenade will be the highlight of your day.

Shops follow the relaxed vibe with Urban Outfitters, GUESS, Armani Exchange and many more. Movie-goers will be pleased with some 20 cinema screens available. Make sure to look out for enthusiastic buskers parked along the promenade, these talented performers may just be the next big thing.

There is never a dull moment on Hollywood Boulevard and the same goes for the shopping at Ovation Hollywood. Boasting iconic tourist attractions such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre and the Walk of Fame, this shopping centre offers just as much in its range of shops.

Familiar favourites include Gap, American Eagle and LA’s only Virgin Megastore, as well as smaller chains like Swatch, Bebe and Hot Topic. If you’re looking to take something back home, the centre also has excellent souvenir shops. Though Ovation Hollywood may be crowded, its easily understandable thanks to its legendary status.

The Americana provides one of the very best shopping experiences in LA. In this pristine and beautifully designed outdoor centre, shopping is only the tip of iceberg. Sister mall to The Grove, you can expect The Americana to be just as impressive, given it’s a lot bigger.

Found in Glendale, this picturesque retail outlet features eateries, bars, a cinema, a sprawling green lawn and year-round events such as free yoga and even special visits from Santa and the Easter Bunny. There’s even a kids club at 10 am and 11 am on Tuesdays for those parents looking to escape to the shops. Hop on Americana’s cherry wood, electric-powered trolley for a tour around the property.

Westfield Topanga & the Village stands out for its immaculate outdoor area known as the Village. Black stone sidewalks are littered with flowery streetlamps and shop fronts are veiled with stylish awnings signaling the upscale nature of the shops. Its luxurious cast includes Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Burberry and Jimmy Choo… just to name a few.

That’s not to say only big bucks must be spent here, Topanga also carries main-street favourites like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People and many more. Restaurants offer all fresco patio dining and there’s even a full-service gym, spa, yoga studio and, in true LA fashion, a weekly farmers' market.

With Santa Monica Place just blocks from the beach, a dip in the ocean and a trip to the shops became incredibly easy. Worth mentioning is its sleek, modern open-air design, which involves a rooftop dining deck with chef-driven restaurants and stunning views of the city, the mountains and the Pacific.

The centre has shops that range from Louis Vuitton and Ted Baker to Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. But the experience is made all the more special with the complex’s superb dining options and a state-of-the-art 12-screen cinema experience. You could easily spend a few days here.

If you’re looking for a quality shopping spree as well as an all-round leisure experience, head over to Glendale Galleria. This deceptively large shopping centre carries all the usual suspects: Apple, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, but its additional facilities really draw in the crowds.

With a fabulous food court, a children’s play area and countless spas and salons, you’ll be unaware of how much time you’ve actually spent in the complex. It’s also worth noting there’s not 1, but 2 parking decks and both are free, so you can spend more money on actual shopping.

Found in the lively 7th street corridor linking the financial, jewellery, fashion and theatre districts, The Bloc is stylish, open-air precinct in the hub of Downtown Los Angeles. With a sheeny Macy’s, an open-to-the-sky marketplace and rows of thoughtfully curated local boutiques, artisans, premier retailers and eateries, this retail outlet sets itself apart with its hip personality.

Given its design and location, you’ll find all sorts of crowds around here, chatting over juices in the marketplace or sinking a glass of wine on its wooden patios. The centre also plays host to some of the coolest live performances and art installations in the city.