Popular Routes:  Shopping

Downtown L.A. has some of the best shopping in the city and these walking tours will help you navigate Downtown L.A. like a shopping pro.  You’ll discover Downtown shopping districts, including the Jewelry District, Fashion District, Flower Market, Toy District, as well as shopping areas like Olvera Street, Little Tokyo and Chinatown.You’ll also discover transportation tips, hotel and restaurant recommendations to make sure your shopping tour is complete.

Jewelry District
Hill & Broadway streets between 5th & 8th streets 

Downtown Los Angeles boasts the largest Jewelry District in the world with over 5,000 wholesale and retail jewelry shops in the 30 or so multi-story buildings throughout the district.  Starting at 5th Street and extending through 8th on Hill and Broadway streets, the Jewelry District is a shopping oasis filled with every kind of jewelry imaginable with savings of 40-70% off retail.  The best time to shop is between the hours of 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday.

Start your visit at St. Vincent Jewelry Center, 640 S. Hill Street.  Here you'll discover fantastic deals on a huge variety of fine jewelry.  Inside are shops specializing in loose stones, precious gems, sterling silver, gold, pearls, diamonds and watches.

Walk north on Hill Street and stop at Giannto Designer Jewelry at 628 1/2 S. Hill Street and the California Jewelry Mart at 607 S. Hill Street.  Continue north on Hill Street, cross 6th Street and you'll see the International Jewelry Center, located at 550 S. Hill Street.

 

Your shopping tour continues by going around the block, turning east on 6th and south on Broadway.  There you'll discover the Broadway Jewelry Plaza at 606 S. Broadway and St. Vincent Jewelry Center at 639-659 S. Broadway.

Restaurants
Have lunch or a tasty snack at St. Vincent Court.  A charming alley filled with restaurants and delicatessens.  Located on 7th Street between Hill and Broadway, open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Hotel
Make your shopping tour a weekend adventure and stay at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., located one block west of the Jewelry Ditrict on 5th Street between Olive Street and Grand Avenue.  Call 213-624-1011 for reservations.

Transportation to Jewelry District
DASH
E, C and B DASH bus routes have stops located on 7th and Olive Streets just one block north of Hill Street.  Fare is only .25 cents.  For more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
The Jewelry District is located within walking distance of the Pershing Square Red Line station.  Follow Hill Street south to the Jewelry District after exiting the Red Line station.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE

Fashion District

7th Street - south to the Santa Monica Freeway, west to Main Street, east to San Pedro Street

The 90-block LA Fashion District is one of the most vibrant and diverse wholesale and retail shopping areas in the country, offering the largest concentration of fashion-related businesses in the Western United States.  Whether you're a buyer reviewing the latest collections in the trend-setting designer apparel showrooms, or a shopper on the prowl for bargains, it's all here - women's wear, men's wear, children's wear, accessories, textiles, flowers, even live/work lofts.  For more information visit www.fashiondistrict.org.

Better men's wear can be found on Los Angeles Street between 7th and 9th streets.  This area has the largest concentration of men's wear, high quality suits, high-end designer labels and custom tailored suits.

For better women's wear go to Pico Boulevard, home to high-end European designer clothing shops and small boutiques.  The two-block area around Pico Boulevard is located between Main Street and Santee Street.

Kids wear can be found on 12th Street. For amazing deals on children's clothing, head over to Pico Boulevard between Maple Avenue and San Julian Streets as well as Wall Street between 12th Street and Pico Boulevard.  You'll find everything from play clothes to party dresses, even school uniforms.

Santee Alley
Located between Santee Street and Maple Avenue starting on Olympic Boulevard.

Santee Aley is one of the most popular LA Fashion District shopping spots.  The open-air market place is known for its bazaar-type atmosphere.  There are over 300 vendors concentrated in the Alley, selling everything from clothing and accessories, to perfume and toys.  Open 365 days a year, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

L.A. Flower Market
742 Maple Avenue and 754 Wall Street (The main entrance is on Wall Street between 7th and 8th streets.)

The L.A. Flower Market is the largest flower market in the United States.  It is the premier resource for those in the floriculture industry, with virtually every type and variety of cut flower and potted plant available, as well as dried and silk flowers, plus floral supplies.  For those not in the trade, the Flower Market has special hours for the public to come and take advantage of this amazing resource.  Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am to noon ($2 admission fee.)  Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 am to noon ($2 admission fee.)  Saturday 6:00 am to noon ($1 admission fee.)  Visit www.laflowerdistrict.com or call 213-627-2482 or 213-622-1966.

Textile Area

Between 8th Street and Olympic Boulevard, from Maple Avenue to San Julian Street

The LA Fashion District has the largest selection of fabric and notions in the Western United States.  Stylists and designers shop here for the amazing textiles and notions.

Michael Levine
920 S. Maple Avenue and 919 S. Maple Avenue (on Maple Street, between 9th and Olympic Blvd.)

This famous fabric store is a goldmine for fabric and notions and is where Hollywood costume stylists and designers come to shop.  Hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.  Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Visit www.mlfabrics.com or call 213-622-6259 or 213-622-6316.

Restaurants
There are many fast food restaurants located in the Fashion District but if you are looking for a special treat try Angelique Cafe located at 840 S. Spring Street, 213-623-8698.  For a taste of El Salvador visit the El Salvador Cafe at 575 E. Pico Blvd., 213-741-2370 or stop by the New Moon restaurant at 112 W. 9th Street, 213-624-0186 for great Chinese food.

Hotel
Looking for a budget hotel with pizzazz, stay at the Figueroa Hotel, 939 S. Figueroa Street.  This former YWCA built in 1925 has been transformed into an enchanting 12-story property within shouting distance of STAPLES Center and one block away from the Original Pantry, the landmark 24-hour breakfast house.  Call 213-627-8971 for reservations.

Transportation to Fashion District
DASH
E DASH bus routes have stops throughout the L.A. Fashion District.  Fare is only .25 cents.  For more information, visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
Take the Blue/Red Metro Line to the 7th Street Metro Center at 7th and Flower streets.  Catch the E DASH at 7th and Flower streets to 9th and Los Angeles Streets.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE.

Shopping Centers

Downtown has wonderful department stores to complete everything on your shopping list.  Macy's and Robinsons-May call Downtown home and are located inside two distinct shopping centers.  Specialty shops and boutiques, casual cafes and eateries are clustered in these two malls at street level and below.

 7+FIG
725 S. Figueroa Street

7+FIG is Downtown's premier outdoor shopping destination and is a refreshing oasis in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle.  The tri-level 7+FIG houses Robinsons-May as well as an array of specialty shops such as Ann Taylor, Capucci Optics, Cookies by Design, Godiva, Mr. G's Toys & Expressions and 7+FIG Newsstand.  Hours are Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  For more information visit www.7fig.com or call 213-955-7150.

Hotel
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, 930 Wilshire Boulevard offers myriad opportunities for shopping, dining, meeting and just relaxing.  Located north across 7th Street, the Wilshire Grand Hotel is the perfect get-away.  Call 213-688-7777 for reservations.

Transportaiton to 7+FIG
DASH
Front door access to 7+FIG via A, E and F DASH.  Fare is .25 cents.  D & C DASH stops within walking distance.  For more information visit www.ladottransit,com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
7+FIG is located directly across the street from the 7th Street Metro Station.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE.

MACY'S PLAZA
750 W. 7th Street

Macy's Plaza boasts national and local retailers including Casual Corner, Macy's Department Store, Bally Total Fitness, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express and Radio Shack.  Patrons can eat at the eclectic food court and enjoy seasonal entertainment and events in the main lobby of the Plaza.  For more information visit www.macysplaza.com or call 213-624-2489.

Hotel
The Sheraton Hotel with its 485 rooms is incorporated onto Macy's Plaza with its main entrance on Hope Street.  The location couldn't be more convenient if you want to spend the evening here after a full day of shopping.  Call 213-629-3230 for reservations.

Trasportation to Macy's Plaza
DASH
C, B, & E DASH bus routes have stops located directly in front of Macy's Plaza.  Fare is only .25 cents.  For more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
Macy's Plaza is across the street from the 7th Street Metro Station.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE.

Little Tokyo

Broadway & Alameda streets between 3rd Street and Temple Street  

Small restaurants and retail shops intermingle with modern office buildings, hotels, shopping plazas, cultural facilities, theaters and religious shrines.  Most shops are conveniently located in small malls and plazas such as Little Tokyo Mall, located at 318 E. 2nd Street.  There's also interesting and unique shopping at the Japanese American National Museum, located at 369 E. 1st Street.  Visit www.janm.org for more information.  The Geffen Contemporary, one of the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MOCA) two Downtown museums is located north of the Japanese American National Museum at 152 N. Central Ave., 213-621-2766.

There are numerous Japanese restaurants specializing in one type of Japanese cuisine such as Donburi, Japanese noodles or Japanese curry.  There are also many Korean barbecue restaurants in the area.  The Japanese Village is located in the heart of Little Tokyo at 350 E. 1st Street, and is where you'll find several restaurants and a number of shops geared towards tourists.

Hotel
The New Otani Hotel located at 120 S. Los Angeles Street, 213-628-1200 has an enchanting Japanese Garden on the 3rd floor of the hotel.  The garden is a miniature half-acre version of its historic 400 year-old ten-acre garden in the hotel New Otani in Tokyo.

Transportation to Little Tokyo
DASH/Metro
A DASH bus routes can be accessed through the Metro stations Blue Line: Pico Metro station (northwest corner of Flower Street and Pico Boulevard); Red Line: 7th Street/Metro Center (Northeast corner of Figueroa Street and Wilshire); Red Line: Civic Center/Tom Bradly Metro station (weekday only-southwest corner of 1st and Hill streets.) For more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273 or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

Olvera Street/El Pueblo

North Spring & Arcadia, North Alameda Street & Cesar Chavez Avenue  

Olvera Street is one of the oldest streets in the City of Los Angeles.  It is now a colorful Mexican marketplace and home to more than 70 merchants.

Wander around the marketplace and shop for souvenirs including handcrafted Mexican wares typical of Old Mexico.  Stroll through this beautiful street and stop for the popular taquitos or tacos at the outdoor cafes.  Olvera Street also offers a variety of traditional authentic Mexican cuisine, with delicious Enchiladas, mole and other native dishes.  Stop in at the El Paseo Inn, E-11 Olvera Street for authentic Cal-Mex, 213-626-1361, or try traditional Mexican food and margaritas at La Golondrina, W-17 Olvera Street, 213-628-4349

On weekends you can enjoy outdoor entertainment by strolling bolero musicians, Mariachis music and performances by Aztec Indians and folkloric dancing.  Visit Rudy's Mexican Candy at the center of Olvera Street for a tasty candy treat.  Open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Call El Pueblo Visitors Center at 213-628-1274 or visit www.cityofla.org/elp.

Transportation to Olvera Street
DASH
B DASH bus routes take you right to El Pueblo.  Fare is only .25 cents.  For more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
Across the street on Alameda is Union Station where Amtrak, Metrolink, the Gold and Red Lines and the city's bus services converge.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE.

Toy District

3rd Street (north), San Pedro Street (east), 5th Street (south), and Werdin Place (west).  In addition is one block to the east bounded by San Pedro Street to the west, Boyd Street to the north, Omar Avenue to the east and 4th Street to the south.

If you're shopping for a diverse selection of toys, silk flowers, clothing or other treasures - and you want them at a great price - they're all in the Toy District.

Head to the corner of 4th and San Pedro Streets where you'll find over 500 wholesale/retail stores selling everything from toys and craft supplies to shoes and electronics.

Toytown is a 12 square block area bounded by 3rd, San Pedro, 5th and Los Angeles streets.  Visit Megatoys, located at 905 E. 2nd Street, 213-617-1353 for a huge selection of toys and games.  Most shops are open Monday - Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  For information call 213-228-8484 or visit www.centralcityassociation.org.   

Eating in Toytown calls for a stop at 410 Boyd restaurant located at 410 Boyd Street, 213-617-2491.  The casual restaurant serves tasty and inventive fare.

Transportation to the Toy District
DASH
D DASH bus routes will get you as far east as Spring Street but you'll have to walk the rest of the way.  Wear comfortable shoes.  For more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273. 

Chinatown

Cesar Chavez (south) to Bernard Street (north), Spring Street (east) to Hill Street (west)  

Chinatown has a fascinating blend of old and new buildings, ancient traditions and experimental art.  The area boasts 25 blocks of shops, restaurants and food from all corners of the Chinese-speaking world.

Start your visit at Central Plaza, 947 N. Broadway where you'll find quaint walkways and tiny shops.  A step outside and to the left of Central Plaza brings you to the Phoenix Bakery, 969 N. Broadway, 213-628-4642.  Turn back and walk south along North Broadway where you'll pass curio shops and jewelry stores.  Continue south, on the left side of the street are Saigon Plaza, Chinatown Plaza and Dynasty Center, 800 block of North Broadway.

On Broadway is Far East Plaza, considered the first modern ethnic shopping mall in America.  Far East Plaza houses several restaurants serving styles of regional cuisine that can be found nowhere else in Chinatown.  It is home to Wing Hop Fung Ginseng and China Products Center, 727 N. Broadway, 213-626-7200, the largest store of its kind in Los Angeles, fragrant with herbs and tea, and overflowing with chinaware, garments, arts and crafts.

A little detour will take you to an incense-filled Taoist Temple, 750 Yale Street.  At the end of North Hill Street, turn right on Bernard Street where you will find the headquarters of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, 411 and 415 Bernard Street.  The visitor center showcases artifacts and historical photos of the Chinese in Southern California.  Call 323-222-1918 for information or visit www.chinatownla.com.

Transportation to Chinatown
DASH
B DASH bus routes stops in many locations throughout Chinatown.  Fare is only .25 cents.  Fore more information visit www.ladottransit.com or call 213-808-2273.

Metro
Chinatown Gold Line station is located on Alameda & Main streets.  Information: 1-800-COMMUTE.