For travelers visiting Los Angeles and Hollywood, ‘souvenir shopping’ is an absolute must-do, an essential event to create lasting memories of your trip. However, with countless shops lining the streets, many visitors likely wonder, ‘Where should I go and what should I buy?’ and ‘How can I avoid paying tourist trap prices?’
This article introduces 5 carefully selected spots you absolutely need to know, ranging from massive, entertainment-filled souvenir shops around Hollywood Boulevard to historic markets where you can feel the local buzz, and even Japanese supermarkets you can rush to when you crave a taste of Japan. We’ll also cover local price trends and shopping tips, so be sure to use this as your guide!
La La Land
📍 Address: 7001 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Located right in the heart of Hollywood, ‘La La Land’ is one of Hollywood’s largest souvenir shops, boasting an impressive area of approximately 30,000 square feet. Stepping inside, you’ll find a captivating display of movie memorabilia, such as Elvis Presley’s custom Cadillac and life-sized Terminator figures, creating a theme park-like atmosphere that’s irresistible to film fans.
The biggest draw of this store is its astonishing 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, an early morning visit is recommended.
Souvenirs of Hollywood
📍 Address: 6800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
‘Souvenirs of Hollywood’ is a souvenir shop brimming with Hollywood-exclusive apparel and merchandise. It particularly excels in stylish T-shirts and hoodies, making it perfect for travelers looking to take home souvenirs that embody LA’s fashion culture.
Another hidden gem is their collection of ‘movie star photo prints.’ Authentic 8×10-inch photo prints of stars, from classic old films to recent blockbusters, are available at affordable prices (around a few dollars per print), making this a fantastic spot for movie buffs. However, beware that tourist pricing is often in effect, and some reviews mention checkout errors, so always double-check product prices and your receipt before purchasing to protect yourself.
The Hollywoodland Experience
📍 Address: 6904 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Located right next to the TCL Chinese Theatre, ‘The Hollywoodland Experience’ is a souvenir spot that catches the eye with its dazzling digital signage. It’s also known as a filming location for Japanese TV programs, gaining popularity when X JAPAN’s YOSHIKI and DAIGO were seen shopping there.
The spacious interior features impressive Spider-Man sculptures and life-sized character figures. This location is incredibly convenient for quickly finding classic souvenirs, from general goods featuring iconic Hollywood and Los Angeles logos to commemorative movie posters. Simply browsing the highly entertaining displays is enough to fully immerse you in the Hollywood tourist experience.
Marukai
📍 Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
‘Marukai Market,’ located in the Little Tokyo area, is a Japanese supermarket that perfectly cures any ‘craving for Japanese food’ during your travels. 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 Don Quijote-like shopping experience right in LA.
While prices may be higher compared to Japan due to inflation and import costs, it’s an incredibly reassuring ally when you want to give your stomach a break during your trip or easily enjoy Japanese flavors (like sushi, bento, or familiar snacks) quickly at your hotel. If you use the nearby ‘Weller Court’ parking lot, you can get 1 hour of free validation for purchases 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, USA
Since its 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 this exotic market firsthand. Directly across the street are the popular supermarket ‘Trader Joe’s’ and the large shopping mall ‘The Grove,’ creating a golden route for a full day of shopping.
While it’s an excellent location for enjoying street food and takeout lunches, it’s also known as a significant filming location for the hit drama ‘Bosch’ (such as the restaurant next to the parking lot), making it a pilgrimage site for fans of international TV series. If visiting by car, pay close attention to parking rules. Entry itself is free, but high parking fees will be incurred if you don’t get free validation (e.g., for 90 minutes) after shopping or dining within the facility. Losing your ticket will result in additional penalty fees, so manage your parking ticket carefully.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping and Strategy in LA
When searching for souvenirs in Los Angeles, stores along Hollywood Boulevard, a major tourist area, offer a wide selection and an immersive movie world experience. However, they generally operate on ‘tourist prices.’ If you’re buying bulk items like keychains or magnets for mass distribution, it’s wise to visit several stores to get a sense of the average prices before making your purchase.
Furthermore, supermarkets and markets where you can experience genuine local life are excellent souvenir spots for travelers. We recommend exploring places like the Farmers Market for local spices and coffee beans, or Marukai, a Japanese supermarket, for unique American-packaged Japanese products, to discover distinctive ‘LA souvenirs from a local perspective.’
