Best Spots To Window Shop In Los Angeles

By Katherine Lewin

Whether you crave a good bargain hunt or frequent high-end luxury stores, shopping can be a very expensive habit. Fortunately, we live in a city that lends itself to an extremely cheap alternative: window shopping. In my opinion, window shopping (okay, and maybe even some trying-on), can often be as much fun as actually taking home some goodies. The best part of window shopping? You always go home guilt free. Los Angeles is home to many wonderful spots to indulge in retail therapy for the eyes.

Rodeo Drive

North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Sure, it may be cliché, but it's fairly impossible to deny that Rodeo Drive is Los Angeles' most quintessential window shopping district. Made hugely famous by Julia Roberts' shopping spree in Pretty Woman, this Los Angeles street is the ultimate destination for luxury window shopping. Boasting names like Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and Cartier, Rodeo Drive is an L.A. institution that plays home to stores few people can actually afford to shop. However, it's always a treat just to see what these big-name designers have up their pricey sleeves each season.

Silverlake

Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90026

Looking for a shopping area that's a little more under-the-radar? Another of my favorite districts for window shopping is in Silverlake, along Sunset Boulevard. Here you'll find everything from small, independent stores selling boho dresses and beat-up tees to small art galleries full of quirky, obscure items. As a bastion for all things hipster, Silverlake is also a paradise for people-watching. If you need a break from the tiring nature of all your window shopping, be sure to grab an espresso at the famed Intelligentsia Coffee and watch the parade of Silverlake locals go by.

Olvera Street

845 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Olvera Street is a vibrant marketplace located in the El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument, otherwise known as the birthplace of Los Angeles. Olvera Street is a wonderful place to wander while checking out authentic Mexican wares from various vendors. Make sure to stop on your stroll for a taco at one of the outdoor cafes. On the weekends, Olvera Street also hosts performances by musicians and dancers that reflect the Latino culture and its traditions.

Robertson Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90034

Robertson Boulevard is a mainstay for the hip Los Angeles set. Combining the luxury of Beverly Hills and the trendiness of Melrose, Robertson is a destination for the monied elite of L.A. At stores like Maxfield and Giorgio Armani, feast your eyes on the beautiful clothing, or pop into the famed tourist hub that is Kitson, a one-stop-shop for 6 month-olds to 60 year-olds.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

1001 Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena, CA 91103-2898
(626) 577-3100

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is a Southern California legend. Every month, some 20,000 people flock to the Market to scour the 2,500 booths full of vintage wares, antiques, furniture, and every other type of item imaginable. This shopping experience is not for the faint-of-heart: be prepared to navigate a huge space—wear shoes you don't mind walking in and bring sunscreen. If you want to see everything this market has to offer, you're in for an all-day adventure.