Renowned for its eclectic mix of fashion, accessories, and unique finds, The Santee Alley offers a diverse shopping experience. Visitors can explore a maze of narrow alleyways lined with colorful stalls and small shops, showcasing an array of trendy clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty products. This bustling marketplace caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, making it a popular destination for fashion enthusiasts, especially for those on a budget. The lively atmosphere, vibrant street culture, and the opportunity to discover hidden gems make The Santee Alley a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the diverse shopping scene of downtown LA.
Blast From The Past is the place to go to find to look through their comic book selection and find that rare action figure or movie memorabilia. The store has more than 5,000 action figures and 2,000 movie posters. The staff is very helpful, knowledgeable and you can debate the merits of a comic book for an entire day. If you love TV, movies, and comic books then this store can't be missed!
Years ago, one of the summer rituals for L.A. children was a new pair of huaraches from Olvera Street and maybe some Mexican jumping beans. Nowadays those rituals are a year-round treat on this cobblestone street, which is a block-long cornucopia of traditional Mexican clothing, artwork, gifts, leather goods, novelties and restaurants. There is also a Visitors Center where tourists can appreciate the complimentary screening of a film which depicts early life in Los Angeles. Olvera Street was created in the 1930s and comprises the area known as the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, which is the site of the city's beginnings. Free tours are given to the public by the Las Angelinas, a non-profit organization.
In addition to a full-spectrum grocery store, Jons Market is a trusty source of a wide range of ethnic foods, with a stress on Russian and Armenian. Come here for a handsome assortment of Russian chocolates (assorted sets in sumptuous packaging, the likes of which you have never seen), the widest selection of Russian vodka and Eastern European full-bodied brews, as well as many dainties and delicacies, from buckwheat to vareniki to kvas to fish liver. The sweeping selection of salamis, sausages and various delectable cured meats by the pound will capture the fancy of many a meat lover. Finally, get a taste of “little Russia” while here as you are jostled unceremoniously by Russian matrons, plowing by with huffed determination.
This urban indoor flea market is spread out over 10,000 square feet of space with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork. Tucked away in the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles, the Arts District Flea is an amalgamation of vendors with locally made products and handcrafted items. Find delicate silver bow necklaces or a gorgeous sturdy reclaimed wood coffee table. Local art can also be found here, adding a pop of color and character to your space.
Bert and Rocky's emulates classic ice cream and candy parlors, with a variety of treats to choose from. Their chocolates are handmade and available individually, and the shop also sells mass-produced candy such as M&Ms. Their ice cream parlor serves shakes and frozen yogurt as well as ice cream, available in waffle cones, sugar cones and disposable bowls. The cozy atmosphere emphasizes the family-owned dynamic typical of the Claremont Village, and seating is available both inside and out on the nearby sidewalk. The shop stands on the corner of Yale and Bonita Avenues, just across the street from Rhino Records.
This fine shop specializes in both traditional and modern invitations that will impress your invitees with their elegance and understated simplicity. Most of the invitations are created on handmade paper. Brenda Himmel Stationery store also carries stationery from names like William Arthur and Crane for business and personal purposes, picture frames, photo albums and a small selection of books.
A few minutes south of downtown Los Angeles stands this small and unique bookstore. The stock features all Spanish language books with a religious focus. In addition to the many hardcovers and paperbacks, the store also offers a wide variety of articles, pamphlets and even some old manuscripts. Although prices vary, the bulk of the selection easily fits into any budget. Call for open hours.
Atara's Hebrew Book and Gift Center is a small but very eclectic bookstore on Fairfax. It offers a diverse collection of literary titles all in the Hebrew language. The store also features Israeli novelties, jewelry and decorations. Be forewarned, however, that if the store is crowded, walking around can be a bit of a challenge. Just chalk it up under atmosphere. Plus with a location in the center of the Fairfax district, it is a great stop while experiencing the culture.
Helping brides find their dream gown, Brilliant Bridal is a top notch destination for bridal wear. The stylish store located in Whittier offers a wide range of styles for the traditional as well as modern bride, at incredibly budget-friendly prices. While the quality says designer, the "off-the-rack" concept of the store gets you great deals. Book an appointment before you visit, and you are certain to receive splendid service from this boutique store's staff.
It is hard to find a good Italian market outside of Italy or New York but Claro's is a gem. They sell everything Italian, from sausage and meats to all the cheeses (buffalo mozzarrella, provolone, ricotta, mascarpone). They sell some great dried pastas in unusual shapes and canned sauces. For those who make their own sauce, they sell all the necessary ingredients, from canned tomatoes to olive oil and herbs. Grab some sweets too, like a bag of authentic biscotti or freshly made cannoli. There are several other locations, including West Covina, San Gabriel, and Arcadia.
There's a real gramophone in the window of this little place, As the Record Turns, that will bring back memories for many lovers of vinyl records. The ambiance of this place is rather upscale; with its marble floor and Oakwood cabinets, it looks like a private room in a very wealthy person's mansion. Whether you love R&B, jazz, rock, soundtracks or specialty records by various personalities, you should be able to find what you're looking for here. The makers of more than 3,000 films have contacted this store while searching for copies of special records that have become hard to find over the years. Nearly 25,000 records are on hand here, and all are in excellent condition. The personal assistants of such well known figures as George Lucas, Henry Rollins and George Harrison have ordered records from this store on behalf of their employers. MTV, Sony and AMC have all called here looking for records. Even Jay Leno's 'Tonight Show' staff calls here when a special recording is needed. Call for open hours.