By Sarah Altieri
One of my favorite things to do whenever I arrive in a new place is to drive or walk around and get the “lay of the land.” I do this no matter if it’s a family vacation or because of college. While I have lived in Los Angeles for the past 21 years (and even learned to swim in LMU’s pool when I was younger!), I know most of you haven’t. Living in an unfamiliar place can be daunting with so much to do in a city like LA. It can be hard to know where to start! Fear not, here are my top picks for the best places to eat, play, and shop around campus.
In the South Bay:
- The Point
-
850 CA-1, EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
HOURS: M – SAT 10-9 p.m., Sun 10-7 p.m.
If you are looking for a relaxed, open-air mall with local flair, The Point is your place. With stores ranging from Lucky Brand to Madewell and restaurants with a local twist such as Mendocino Farms, a sandwich and salad market, and Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream, there is something for everyone. Wanting to work out? SoulCycle, an indoor cycling studio with heart-pumping music has you covered. If you are sensitive or are on specific diets, True Food Kitchen and Pressed Juicery can help find something for you to feast your eyes on. Bellacures and BlueMercury can aid you in looking your best for that Monday 8 a.m. or date night. Topped off with a sparkling fountain and beach chairs to relax, the Point is the perfect place to experience local life here in the South Bay.
- The Manhattan Village Mall
-
3200 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hours: M-F 10-8 p.m., Sat: 10-9 p.m., Sun: 10-6 p.m.
A few doors down from The Point is a beachfront shopping experience that will have you wanting more. Recently remodeled with additional parking, more stores, and an added open-air concept adjacent to the existing property, there is a lot to unpack here. If you are looking to get back into a healthy lifestyle after quarantine (which I know many of us are), Manhattan Village has all your workout needs in one place. With Coreology, Cyclebar, and Corepower yoga all next to each other, you have plenty of options to get your body moving. Looking for a post-workout recovery? SunLife Organics, a health food, smoothie and açai bowl shop, and Sweetgreen, offering custom salads, can offer you the fuel you need to seize the day. In need of the latest in fashion or accessories? Macy’s, Apple, Sephora, have you covered. Coming soon: Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
- Waterside, Marina Del Rey
-
4700 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Hours: M-T: 10-7 p.m., Fri-Sat: 10-8 p.m., Sun: 10-6 p.m.
Waterside Marina Del Rey is the perfect hang out spot with friends: open-air, with many stores to fill this space up. If you’re in the mood for a hamburger, Shake Shack has your back. Paper Source is a great spot for any last minute gift ideas or cards. If you are in need of groceries, Ralphs fresh fare is nearby to serve you along with SugarFish, a sushi restaurant to satisfy your sushi cravings. M.Fredric is your place for the latest fashion, and Brighton can cater to your jewelry and accessory needs. If you have a sweet tooth (like me!), See’s Candies is here to help with your chocolate and confectionery needs.
Going West:
- Santa Monica Place Mall
-
395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: M-F: 10-8 p.m., Sun: 10-7 p.m.
The Santa Monica Place Mall is located in sunny Santa Monica adjacent to the famous 3rd street promenade. High-end shopping awaits you in this outdoor escape. From Tiffany to Gucci, if you are into shopping (or window shopping) like the rich and famous, Santa Monica Place is the place to be. There is a local restaurant called the Curious Palate, offering a variety of small and large plates from hummus to short ribs. To top it all off, being right across the street from the 3rd street promenade allows you to really shop til you drop.
- Westfield Century City
-
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Hours: M-Sat: 10-9 p.m., Sun: 11-8 p.m.
If you’re looking for an outdoor shopping experience that’ll make your East Coast friends in December jealous, then the Century City mall is for you. With Eataly and Equinox, as well as a plethora of boutique stores ranging from Bailey 44 and COS, and more well-known additions such as Pressed Juicery, Nordstrom, and Microsoft, Century City will meet all your shopping needs. If you need to organize, the Container Store can help you to Marie Kondo your life and then some.
Going East:
- Platform
-
Culver City, 8850 Washington Blvd
Hours: 10-7 p.m. everyday
A mixed use space in Culver City (20 mins from campus), the Platform offers a wide range of restaurants and shopping. From Blue Bottle Coffee, a local coffee chain, to Loqui Mexican, there are plenty of local eats. If you are interested in shopping and high-end boutiques are your fancy, Reformation will suit you well. Pop-up stores and items frequently come and go if you are looking for unique gifts or trinkets.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, if you have a spare minute to get off campus, any of these locations will allow you to shop and explore to your heart’s content. And, along the way, you might find something that catches your eye. Just send me an invite when you go, OK?