For travelers visiting Los Angeles and Hollywood, finding souvenirs to remember their trip by is an absolute must-do. However, with countless shops lining the streets, many might wonder ‘Where should I buy things?’ or ‘I don’t want to get ripped off by tourist prices!’
This article introduces 5 carefully selected spots you absolutely need to know: from huge, entertainment-filled souvenir shops around Hollywood Boulevard, to historic markets where you can feel the local vibe, and even Japanese supermarkets where you can dash to when you miss the taste of home. We’ll also explain local price ranges and shopping tips, so be sure to use this as your guide!
La La Land
📍 Address: 7001 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
Located in the heart of Hollywood, ‘La La Land’ is one of Hollywood’s largest souvenir shops, boasting an area of approximately 30,000 square feet. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a dazzling display of exhibits that are irresistible to movie fans, such as Elvis Presley’s custom Cadillac and a life-sized Terminator figure, creating an atmosphere akin to a theme park.
The biggest draw of this store is its impressive selection of ‘mugs.’ You’ll find a rich variety of unique designs and high-quality items not typically seen in airport shops, making it the perfect place to find practical souvenirs for friends or yourself. If you want to avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Souvenirs of Hollywood
📍 Address: 6800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
‘Souvenirs of Hollywood’ is a souvenir shop packed with Hollywood-exclusive apparel and goods. It boasts an especially rich selection of stylish T-shirts and hoodies, making it perfect for travelers who want to take home souvenirs that embody LA’s fashion culture.
Another hidden gem is their ‘movie star photo prints.’ Authentic 8×10 inch photo prints of stars, ranging from classic films to recent blockbusters, are available at affordable prices (around a few dollars per print), making it an irresistible niche spot for movie buffs. However, beware of tourist pricing and some reviews mentioning billing errors at the register. Always double-check product prices and your receipt before purchasing to protect yourself.
The Hollywoodland Experience
📍 Address: 6904 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
Located right next to the TCL Chinese Theatre, ‘The Hollywoodland Experience’ is a souvenir spot notable for its dazzling digital signage inside the store. It’s also known as a filming location for Japanese TV programs and gained attention when YOSHIKI of X JAPAN and DAIGO were seen shopping there.
The spacious interior features wonderful Spider-Man sculptures and life-sized character figures. From standard Hollywood and Los Angeles logo merchandise to commemorative movie posters, it’s a very convenient location when you want to quickly find classic souvenirs. Just gazing at the highly entertaining displays will fully enhance your Hollywood sightseeing experience.
Marukai
📍 Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012 United States
Located in the Little Tokyo area, ‘Marukai Market’ is a Japanese supermarket that perfectly cures any ‘Japanese food cravings’ you might have during your trip. Since its parent company is the same as Japan’s ‘Don Quijote,’ the store is packed with familiar seasonings, snacks, bento boxes, and daily necessities, allowing you to enjoy a Donki-like shopping experience even in LA.
While prices are higher compared to Japan due to rising costs and import fees, it’s an invaluable ally when you want to give your stomach a break during your journey, or simply enjoy familiar Japanese flavors (like sushi, bento, or favorite snacks) easily at your hotel. If you use the parking lot at the nearby ‘Weller Court,’ you can receive 1 hour of free validation with a purchase above a certain amount, making it easily accessible for travelers with rental cars.
The Original Farmers Market
📍 Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 United States
Since opening in 1934, ‘The Original Farmers Market’ has been a beloved hub for food and shopping in Los Angeles. Over 100 local eateries, butcher shops, spice specialists, and general stores are densely packed here, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant energy of an exotic market firsthand. Across the street are the popular supermarket ‘Trader Joe’s’ and the large shopping mall ‘The Grove,’ creating a golden route where you can enjoy a full day of shopping.
It’s a fantastic location for enjoying street food and takeout lunches, but it’s also known as an important filming location (such as restaurants next to the parking lot) for the hit drama ‘Bosch,’ making it a pilgrimage spot for fans of international TV series. If visiting by car, pay close attention to parking rules. While admission itself is free, failure to receive free validation (e.g., for 90 minutes) after shopping or dining within the facility will result in high parking fees, and losing your ticket incurs additional penalties, so manage your parking ticket carefully.
【Tips】Navigating Souvenir Shopping in LA
When looking for souvenirs in Los Angeles, stores along Hollywood Boulevard, a major tourist area, offer a wide selection and an immersive movie experience. However, they generally operate on ‘tourist pricing.’ If you’re buying bulk items like keychains or magnets for spreading around, it’s wise to check out multiple stores to get a sense of the average prices before making a purchase.
Furthermore, supermarkets and markets where you can experience real local life are excellent souvenir spots for travelers. We recommend exploring ‘local-perspective LA souvenirs,’ such as buying local spices or coffee beans at a farmers’ market, or looking for uniquely packaged Japanese products at the Japanese supermarket Marukai.
