[Los Angeles’ Trendiest Street] 11 Shops Worth Taking Your Time to Explore

Los Angeles is a hub for influencers and trendsetters due to the city's many social media hot spots, including trendy cafes, museums, dessert shops, and tourist attractions. However, my favorite place to spend time is Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is an iconic LA street. Abbot Kinney Blvd is not just a normal street. Every store on the street is worth considering for a prolonged visit. Designer brands include and the mises have stunning and unique designs, and the craftsmanship is top notch and really shows the small attention to detail that makes each space memorable. The stretch from Venice Blvd up to Main Street is the reign of Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Recommended Shops

The Piece Collective Visit for: Lovely designs and a few shops that are connected. The Piece Collective showcases a variety of collections from independent designers. Most of the garments are handmade and focus more on the fabrics and craftsmanship, so the prices tend to be pretty high. It may appear from the outside to be just a single storefront, but there is actually a lot to discover inside. Many of the boutiques are interconnected, and one leads directly into the next. It is also probably worth dedicating an entire day just for that. Location: 1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Website: _ Gorjana Visit for: An elegant all-white jewelry store in a calm environment. Just around the corner is yet another beautiful jewelry store, but this one has a bit of a surprising mix. Gorjana looks very boutique-like, but there is a very calm brightness that makes the space beautiful. Everything seems to work because of the clean white interior. Each corner utilizes the same design language, but the inclusion of deliberate accents and small decorative elements allows it to not feel sterile. Even the lounge area has been deliberately put together, which speaks volumes of the store's undertone of design detail.

Address: 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Website:

03. Grow Venice

Why stop: A courtyard style store brimming with home and gardening goodies.

This stop is especially good for home décor and planting materials enthusiasts. Although its container-like exterior may seem shut-off, the inside reveals an unexpectedly generous space. At the entrance, you will find succulents, small plants, pots, and vessels, and then you will go further in to discover cushions, notebooks, and an extensive variety of small lifestyle goods.

Address: 1650 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Website:

04. James Perse

Why stop: Soft, well-made clothing in a minimal, gender-neutral style.

With a focus towards elevated basics, James Perse is a storefront offering clothing for men and women with a polished, minimalist sensibility. The materials used are notably soft and comfortable, and some home pieces like blankets are offered too.

The interior stays true to this clean, understated approach. Even the wall art appears to be carefully selected. The difference between menswear and womenswear is very subtle, presenting an admirably unisex look rather than a divided shopping experience.

Address: 1617 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Website:

The Kimono

Why stop: A specialist store for Japanese yukata.

This shop is specialized in Japanese yukata. I couldn't go in when I visited, so I just admired it from the window, but the collection is worth checking out if you're interested. Address: 1510 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Website:

Happy Socks

Why visit: Socks in bold color blocks and a photogenic store front. While sock shops are a common feature in many shopping areas, Happy Socks is different. The color combinations of the front of the store that match the socks. This makes the store very visually pleasing, and a great spot for photos. Address: 1420 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Website:

Aviator Nation

Why visit: Great wall for photos. The wall at the entrance and side of the store is the main attraction, making it a good spot for photos. The shop sells sporty casual wear in a somewhat industrial workshop style. Address: 1224 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Website:

Tortoise General Store

Why visit: Ceramics and home goods from Japan. There is a small shop on San Francisco’s V Street that carries a brand from here, but the selection is more limited and the prices are higher. If you are driving in Los Angeles, this is the type of place where you could easily collect many things to bring home. Address: 1208 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Website:

HUSET

Why visit: Home goods in a Scandinavian style. Home accessories are often more tempting than clothes when I am shopping, and this is the case when I am in the Scandinavian home goods store. The delightful charm of HUSET's unique pieces draws you in and shopping becomes an activity rather than a chore.

Address: 1316 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, Ca 90291

Website:

10. LCD

Why visit: Instagrammable photo walls surrounding a popular multi-brand boutique.

Although LCD’s multi-brand boutique featuring a curated selection of streetwear and contemporary labels is worth a visit, it is also notable as a destination since you can find great photo walls in the area.

Address: 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Website:

11. SAJE Natural Wellness

Why visit: A striking exterior wall.

This shop specializes in essential oils and also carries a large selection of soaps, lotions, and other related products. The fragrance inside is likely to be overwhelming, but the exterior wall is lovely and is definitely worth a look.

Address: 1421 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Website:

Overall Impression:

1. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is an absolute delight. Each store leaves you wanting to explore more, and almost all stores have something you end up wanting to buy.

2. Each storefront has its own personality. With so many distinct shops, one day is barely enough time. During my visit I was forced to quickly move through a number of places to catch a flight, but ideally each store deserves time to appreciate all of the detail and decorations. Many stores have well designed and compact courtyards that are finished beautifully adding to the overall experience. "Wow, this is beautiful," was a common reaction to all the new doorways.

People are most familiar with the photo walls, angel wings, and heart wall. However, the murals that are less known and the painted facades around the neighborhood have their own charm. Don't restrict yourself to just the popular photo walls.