Los Angeles has an array of shopping centers that create unique experiences for visitors as opposed to standard malls. This is particularly true during the holidays when their décor is in full swing. Most are outdoors, and our temperate weather allows us to enjoy them year-round.
Rick Caruso shopping centers
Rick Caruso is a wealthy land developer who has turned several malls into luxurious themed “town centers.”They blend high-end retail with entertainment in beautifully designed, walkable outdoor spaces. Each features California architecture, lush landscaping, and signature elements like fountains, trolley rides, and exceptional concierge services that make people want to stay all day.
The Grove, located next to the Original Farmer’s Market in the Fairfax District, is designed like a movie set. Stores include premium brands such as Gucci, David Yurman, Barnes & Noble, and Apple.
During the holidays, The Grove comes alive with a 100-foot White Fir Christmas tree, Santa’s Village, and other holiday-themed pop-ups.
The Paris brand Sezane recently set up shop at the Grove, and one of my favorite restaurants on Montana Ave., Sogno Toscano, has a satellite location there.
Watch my video of The Grove in December
The property features a state-of-the-art AMC theater, showcasing the latest blockbuster movies.
Visitors can walk directly to the Old Farmer’s Market to enjoy ethnic food in an outdoor patio setting.
The Grove has its own parking garage, which is expensive and a bit claustrophobic, but you can also park in the Farmer’s Market lot and have your ticket validated for 90 minutes of free parking.
Americana at Brand is similar to The Grove but is set in historic Glendale. It also features high-end stores, outdoor eating areas, and restaurants. Across the street is the Museum of Neon Art, and it’s close to the Glendale Galleria. The Americana also goes all out during the holidays.
Both the Grove and Americana at Brand have a man-made pond with fountains and statuary. They are lovely places to spend the day and shop until you drop.
The Commons in Calabasas is also a Rick Caruso shopping center. It is a spread-out upscale, open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment center decorated in Mediterranean architecture. If you’re lucky, you may see a Kardashian walking about.
Down the hill is Old Town Calabasas, built like a Western town and home to the Sage Brush Cantina and the Calabasas Farmer’s Market, which is open every Saturday morning
I love The Commons turtle pond, which is popular with kids.
Palisades Village is another Caruso property that suffered smoke damage during the January 7th Palisades Fire. It was saved by Caruso’s private firefighters and is set to officially reopen in early 2026.
Other shopping centers in Los Angeles with experiential environments
Westfield Topanga Village is another upscale outdoor lifestyle center in Woodland Hills, known for its sophisticated Southern California vibe. It’s designed with water features, fire pits, patios, and leafy walkways, is dog-friendly, and kid-friendly.
On the second level is a Burke Williams Day Spa, and Costco is next door. A trolley will take you across the Boulevard to the Westfield Topanga Mall. There you will find luxury stores such as Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, along with standards like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Target.
On the lower level is Topanga Social, a massive, upscale food hall and entertainment center featuring over 25 LA food vendors, multiple bars, live DJs, and photo ops.
The iconic Sportsman’s Lodge has been turned into The Shops at Sportsman’s Lodge. The hotel closed and is still standing, but the area where the entertainment center used to be is now cozy shops and restaurants. It’s rather small, but still charming. The hotel is scheduled for demolition to make way for The Residences at Sportsman’s Lodge, a multi-use apartment and retail complex.
Westfield Century City was recently renovated with a bright and modern outdoor mall, a central courtyard, gardens, and a mix of high-end and accessible stores. It frequently hosts events, entertainment, and is the home to the famous Eataly and other high-end and casual eating establishments. Check out its dining guide book here.
The Beverly Center is an indoor mall known for its fashion-forward selection and unique architecture. It is a destination for designers and contemporary brands. It hosts monthly happenings and other events.
Entertainment-focused malls include Universal CityWalk Hollywood, designed as a movie-themed entertainment district next to Universal Studios Theme Park, and Hollywood & Highland (Ovation Hollywood) located on the Walk of Fame. Ovation offers tourist shopping, restaurants, Japan House, and the Ovation Theater (home of the Oscars).
The Shops at Santa Anita, is a large, two-level, family-friendly shopping center in Arcadia, California, known for its diverse mix of major retailers, Asian-influenced shops, diverse eateries (like Din Tai Fung), entertainment (cinema, kids’ play area, carousel), and its clean, organized atmosphere, making it a significant hub for the San Gabriel Valley with both standard mall fare and unique cultural offerings. It is both indoors and outdoors.
The creme de la creme of LA Shopping
I can’t list L.A. shopping experiences without mentioning Rodeo Drive, the shopping center to the stars. It is an iconic, ultra-luxury outdoor shopping venue in Beverly Hills, known for its glamorous, palm-lined streets and featuring the most famous designer brands (Chanel, Gucci, Dior, etc.), exclusive boutiques, high-end jewelry, and art galleries.
It is a three-block stretch of shops that includes the cobblestone Two Rodeo area, and even if it is out of your budget, it is always worth walking around. Don’t miss it during the holidays.
Many more areas in Los Angeles offer unique shopping experiences. However, those listed above offer comfortable and safe lifestyle environments with a little bit for everyone.
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