California is the world’s most well-known fashion and lifestyle destination, and it offers a wide variety of shopping centers that are worth your time and money. I must admit that in California, shopping is an art form! Even someone like us, who is not particularly drawn to shopping sprees, became seduced by the concept of “shop ’til you drop” when traveling across California. The fashion collections in California’s retail hotspots pulse with the energy of the crowds and the sunshine. We list out the best places in California.
Best places to shop are here
1. SANTANA ROW
• What we recommend here? – Premium-end fashion, casual chic, and canine beauty
Visit this chic outdoor mall, a cross between California’s laid-back stylishness and a fancy European town on market day, for the city’s most opulent shopping experience. Vintage fountains, live performers, and outdoor seating in front of high-end restaurants are all features of this walkable, nook-and-cranny-filled complex. That as result it’s that kind of a place where you can easily kill time by browsing your purchases while munching on freshly baked croissants from Cocola while sitting on a seat. There are well-known chains like Orvis and H&M if your shopping preferences lean more toward Main Street than Paris boutiques. And for the ultimate Silicon Valley extravagance, why not have your own luxury all-electric automobile custom designed at the Tesla store on Santana Row, and yes that makes it to our best places in California list.
2. SANTA CRUZ SHOPPING
• What we recommend here ? – Browse for boho, bathing suits, and antiques
The shopping culture in this town is diverse, even hip, and certainly one of the best places in California. Many local-inspired stores can be found along Pacific Avenue in the downtown area. Such as the historic O’Neill’s, where surfers may buy flip-flops, board shorts, bikinis, or wetsuits made by the city’s most famous son, the renowned Jack O’Neill (he still lives a beach ball toss from the beach here). Numerous other businesses sell art, apparel, and home furnishings, and the independent Bookshop Santa Cruz is sometimes full of delighted locals, particularly during author lectures. Visit the Santa Cruz Antique Faire if you’re an antique hunter.
3. LOS ANGELES COUNTY
• What we recommend here ? – Antique goods, authentic cuisine
One of the most well-known fashion destinations in the world offers a broad selection of goods for everyone. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, which is close to Chanel, Giorgio Armani, and other enormous designer boutiques, is the place to go for opulent shopping experiences. Chosen to be the best places in California, there are some excellent boutiques on the nearby Robertson Boulevard as well. The Grove, located just across the street from the well-known Original Farmers Market. While just at the east of Beverly Hills, has a village-like ambiance with a park with fountains and green outdoor cafes.
Aim for Montana Avenue in Santa Monica if you want to spot celebrities as you buy. The Third Street Promenade, a well-liked pedestrian-friendly area in the city with big-name shops and a dynamic vibe, is also present. Modern stores and a rooftop eating deck may be found at open-air Santa Monica Place. It is situated at the southern end of the promenade. You would be missing out on one of the best places in California if you are not here.
4. GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
What we recommend here ? – A former chocolate factory serves up fun
The location of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory (originally a woolen mill) in San Francisco’s grand 1895 Ghirardelli Square is now home to a chic mix of shops and restaurants as well as the opulent Fairmont Heritage Place hotel. It has the credibility of being the nation’s first successful adaptive reuse project. Also it is one of the most enjoyable areas to stroll around and shop in the city.
Visit a variety of boutiques and gift shops as you meander through alleyways and across squares. You could also choose from a number of restaurants to unwind. While taking in views of the bay, such as the Cheese School of San Francisco, a café and cheese shop. The Pub BBQ, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood & Steaks, Pico Latin Street Food, and the Mac and Cheese School make it to the best places in California.
5. RODEO DRIVE
What we recommend here ? – Jewellery and Accessories
Because of Hollywood, Rodeo Drive is undoubtedly the most well-known shopping boulevard in the world. It is impossible to keep track of how many movies had sequences shot here. Yet despite the influx of ultra-luxe stores, one thing never changes. This is the Beverly Hills neighborhood where wealth prevails. When you visit Tiffany’s, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Harry Winston, or Cartier to purchase jewellery, bring lots of it; large wallets are also required at Chanel, Valentino, Dior, or Prada. The best rolling luggage is sold at Rimowa, so be sure to visit their store. If you’ve been busy, you may fill your bag with all of your purchases and simply roll it at one of the best places in California.
6. PALM DESERT
What we recommend here ? – Premium quality food and beverage, clothing stores
Be sure to pack adequate space in your suitcase if you plan to visit the Palm Springs region. Here you will find exclusive boutiques, stores, and galleries decorated with artwork and flowers. Many bargain hunters look for stunning and current apparel and accessories. Before enjoying a delicious supper at one of the outdoor cafes, it’s the perfect place to spend some time among the opulent gardens nearby.
These shops provide everything, whether you want to splurge on the newest brand of clothing or buy some eccentric clothing. You’ll have plenty of options to select scout from to treat yourself to a closet refresh, including high-end styles, boho chic, and athleisure. If you are scratching your heads over, you must visit to what we call the best places in California.
7. THE GROVE
What we recommend here ? – From high end luxury stuff to discounted goods, the Grove has everything that’s on your shopping list.
The Grove, claimed to be amongst the best places in California. It is constantly bustling with shoppers, no matter which time of day it is. Teenagers enjoy hanging out there and taking pictures by the open-air mall’s animated music fountain. Adults enjoy browsing the variety of stores (including Apple, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Nike, and the Banana Republic), and everyone enjoys the delicious food available there. Favorites include Alma, the newest hotspot that specializes in upscale Mexican cuisine, La Piazza, and Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, where you must have fried chicken with wasabi because it is divine. And the Original Farmer’s Market, where a number of venerable restaurants are located, is only a small walk away.
8. MONTANA AVENUE
What we recommend here ? – Plenty of cool boutiques and restaurants.
The Montana Avenue retail district, makes the list of the best places in California. It is almost 10 blocks long and has over 150 high-end stores selling anything from children’s apparel to home goods. Before heading to Savannah to shop for the newest styles, be sure to stop by Moondance Jewelry Gallery. Claude Joaillier is another palce for stunning jewellery and other items that every woman will appreciate. Furniture may be found at Lovesac or Nest Bedding, bath and body products can be found at Larissa Love, and you can even get all your kinks sorted out at The Massage Place. Eat at Forma or Father’s Office to round off your time in Montana, sample some French sweets at Le Macaron French Pastries, and then continue on your way west a few more blocks. Opening (The learn-unlearn-relearn process in our lives)
Looking for the best places to shop in California? We cover the best places in California to visit and to shop that will make your trip successful
