The Waterside at Marina del Rey
This sparkling neighborhood center with meandering sidewalks and bubbling fountains is located within walking distance of Fisherman’s Village, offering three dozen restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and one of a kind boutiques. Favorites include Chico’s, White House/Black Market, Universal Jewelers, Marmi, Wrapsody and Beyond Scents. West Marine offers high quality boating supplies and gifts. California Pizza Kitchen, Cold Stone Creamery, Rainbow Acres and Le Marmiton are perfect for meals and snacks. Convenient ATM, post office, pharmacy and 24 hour market are also here. Admiralty Way at Mindanao Way. Open daily.

Villa Marina Marketplace
This is the largest center in the immediate vicinity of the Marina. Shoppers, browsers and diners alike will love the 85 shops, restaurants, and movie theaters (12 screens). Unique candles at Petals ‘N Wax, fragrant shower gels at Bath & Body Works, sporting goods at Sport Chalet, women’s clothing at Ann Taylor Loft, and men’s suits at The Men’s Warehouse and The Gap for your every day needs. Enjoy cuisine at the Ballona Fish Market, Chin Chin Restaurant and dozens of other local favorites including Jerry’s Deli (open 24 hours), all-you-can-eat salads at Souplantation, Chan Darette (Thai) or splurge at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. 24-hr market and pharmacy. Open daily.

Marina Beach Shopping Center
Shop for essentials and local services here. About a dozen businesses include Noah’s Bagels, Fantastic Sam’s Haircuts, ice cream, tailor, laundramat, and a favorite of local boaters, Joni’s Coffee Roaster and Juice Joint. Step into Our Secret Garden for unique flowers and plants. Washington Blvd at Via Marina. Open daily.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard - Venice
Less than two miles from the Marina, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is home to an eclectic array of galleries, fine arts and crafts, well-known restaurants, funky cafes, antiques/collectibles, gifts, clothing, and artist ateliers. About a mile in length, it’s the perfect place to wile away an afternoon or a weekend. Open daily.

Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk
Year round, especially on weekends, Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach becomes a virtual outdoor swap meet of affordable souvenirs – everything from T-shirts, sandals and sunhats to sunglasses and kerchiefs for your dogs are available. Store front and side walk vendors share space along craftsmen and other artists who will create your memento while you wait. (Between Venice Boulevard and Windward Way); Open daily.

Santa Monica
Only three miles from Marina del Rey, Santa Monica is known for its chic, slightly quirky, avant-garde designs and fashions. Third Street Promenade runs along three pedestrian-only blocks and is lined with shops, restaurants and theatres. At the south end of the Promenade awaits Santa Monica Place with its vast collection of 165 stores. Open daily.

For truly fun, unique shops, Main Street is not to be missed. Names you know and love are here: Betsey Johnson, B.NY, Patagonia. From lace to surf wear, Mexican folk art to Japanese antiquities, designer home furnishing to handmade jewelry and wild hats -- it's all on this one very happening street. When your shopping energy wanes, put your bags down at one of the many welcoming cafes, bistros and restaurants. Linger for as long as you like; there's no telling who'll you'll see.

Before leaving Santa Monica, go just a bit further north to Montana Avenue featuring 150 interesting boutiques and inviting restaurants right in the middle of a lovely residential community.

Westfield Shopping Town, Fox Hills
This large traditional, suburban regional shopping center has 135 stores on three floors, including three department stores, Macy’s, J.C. Penny, and Robinsons-May. About four miles from Marina del Rey. Open daily.

Beverly Hills
Here's the place that proves you can't be too rich, though there's some consolation in knowing that window shopping and star glimpses are free. This is where “Pretty Woman” in the movie of that name went for a new look, right here in the Golden Triangle, right down Rodeo Drive. All the designer shops are here -- Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Valentino. For a jeweled accessory, there's Cartier and Tiffany. Nearby stores include Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The most expensive store in the world, Bijan, at 420 Rodeo Drive, requires an appointment to shop. Most stores Open daily.