Outdoor Malls You Might Not Have Heard Of
As teen’s we loved a chill day at the mall after school, but now, as adults we have to say goodbye to stores like Pacsun and Forever 21 and hello to stores like Club Monaco and Zara. These upper class stores can be surprisingly reasonable and typically all found in the same area. To find out which locations to find stores like these stick around because these are 10 Outdoor Malls You Might Not Have Heard Of.
1. The Grove
The Grove is an LA favorite from all types of different groups of people who love fashion, dining, and entertainment. This lovely outdoor mall you might not have heard of is located right in between the Fairfax District and Miracle Mile, on W 3rd st. You can find amazing stores like Brandy Melville, Coach, October’s Very Own, and tons more. They also have the classiest restaurants like Maggiano’s Little Italy, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, and the list just gets better from there. Along with great places to shop this mall offers entertainment like an AMC theater and weekend events such as live entertainment, meet and greets, and fitness groups.
2. Century City
Century City mall is the more affordable mall with the best stores selling things for amazing prices. This mall is a part of the Westfield mall chain, but is located in Santa Monica. Like The Grove and many other outside malls, this mall has tons of designer stores like Michael Kors and Steve Madden, but also has stores like H&M and GAP which are on more of the affordable side. Some of the restaurants they have are California Pizza Kitchen, Chick-Fil-A, and more amazing food that doesn’t cost up to $100.
3. Downtown Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica is a personal favorite as it’s the environment that really gets you going. At this mall you’ll see many people walking around in amazing outfits, carrying bags from the top designer stores with assistants carrying their custom made Prada. What makes this mall stand out from the rest is simply the fact that it is no less than a mile away from a sandy beach. This shopping center is home to stores like All Saints, Hugo Boss, Patagonia, and restaurants like North Italia, Kappo Osen, Tar & Roses and more.
4. Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is the most popular of all of the malls you might not have heard of. If you haven’t heard of it you’ll be thrilled to know you can spot many celebrities and influencers shopping there for things like custom made garments, luxury watches, and designer handbags. This upscale mall is located in Beverly Hills, sunny California right across from Beverly Gardens Park. This mall may be the most expensive, but many people often come to walk around and take pictures for free. While we’re on the subject of free, a good tip to take into consideration is coming on a Sunday. That way you can take advantage of the free parking. On a more expensive note, the restaurants are very lovely and the food is just to die for. But with that being said, not only are they the most expensive but also the most private. To get into one of these restaurants you would have to book months prior or be some type of influencer or celebrity.
5. FIGat7th
FIGat7th is the smallest mall on this list, but is definitely more geared to the younger generation. This mall is a one-stop shopping, dining, and entertainment location with plenty of fashion stores, a unique group of restaurants, and an arts and events program. FIGat7th is located in Downtown La, California right in between two tower skyscrapers, 777 tower and Ernst & Young Plaza. You can find stores like Zara, MAC, H&M and more affordable favorites. Some dining options you have are California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks, Morton’s The Steakhouse, and more.
6. The Commons
The Commons at Calabasas is another high end retail market, restaurant, and entertainment destination with distinctive Mediterranean architecture, polished landscaping, and dynamic fountains. Something you might have not known is this historic looking area is home to Edwards Grand Palace Stadium 6 as well as retail stores like Sephora, The Kingdom, and Lululemon. This Greek little mall also has food markets like Ralphs and Rite Aid. The mall is also home to some important stores like Citibank, Union Bank, and Fazio Cleaners. The Commons is located in Calabasas on Commons Way and because of the location and important stores you can often catch celebrities like Kim Kardashian shopping there with family.
7. Irvine Spectrum Center
As one of the most popular entertainment and shopping destinations, Irvine Spectrum Center still holds that spot according to recent reports. There’s much to discover at this location such as the latest brands, trends, tastes, experiences, and entertainment. Shop at Bearfruit Jewelry to find a piece of jewelry that will up your style with their large collection of necklaces, earrings, layering pieces, custom gifts, and more. More of a foodie? Check out some food spots like Vietnamese & Asian Fusion or Burnin’ Mouth , if you’re into chicken. This mall is located in east Irvine on Fortune Drive. Along with all the amazing places to shop and eat, Irvine also offers endless entertainment such as weekend entertainment, improv, carousels, and more.
8. Hollywood & Highland
Hollywood & Highland is the central entertainment center of Los Angeles for primarily tourists which is why this is probably an outdoor mall you’ve never heard of. This mall is famous for its world class shopping, dining, red carpet movie premieres, and live theater. You can find many activities here as well because of the central location. Things like the Hollywood sign and the world’s record store are all within walking distance. Hollywood has been a favorite for years as it’s known for big productions and great actors and actresses, but you’d be surprised to realize it’s very rare to see someone famous in Hollywood unless they live in the hills because of the over-saturation through the years. Despite being over-saturated, this is still a great place to visit when you’re in town or live around and don’t have anything to do.
9. Fashion Island
Fashion Island has many locations but by far the most iconic has to be the Newport beach location. The Newport location is an elevated shopping ground, dining area, entertainment lounge, and is walking distance to the iconic Newport Beach. What truly makes this place special is the fact that Fashion Island, since 2020 has become a fashion magazine. Along with quick rising popularity, this mall has more to offer such as movies, events, and promos. You can find shopping stores like Balenciaga, Buck Mason, Chanel and plenty more designer stores. You can also find places like Barnes & Nobles, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and even a salon.
10. Platform
The last mall on this list of outdoor malls you might not have heard of is Platform. Platform is a fun little village looking shopping center in Culver City, California on the West Coast. This boutique retail center is an indoor and outdoor space. Platform mall is often called Hipster Mall, as all you’ll actually want to do is hang out. This mall has tons of greens and the design is breathtaking so it’s no surprise people would come here to just chill out and sip on some coffee while finishing up some work. This location has tons of seating options and all are surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. Some of the hipster and chic style coffee shops are Bianca, Bondi Harvest, Loqui, Pops Bagels, and tons of other shops you’ve never heard of but will grow to love.
