Los Angeles is best known as home of the rich and famous but its other claim to fame is most definitely its shopping. LA is a shopper's Mecca and, if money is no object, there are plenty of exclusive designer shops that can help you lighten your purse and load up your bags. In recent years the city has become home to some of the world's best designers and, each year, hosts the Los Angeles Fashion Week where all the best outfits and accessories hit the catwalks. Fashion aficionados flock to the city to get a taste of designer luxury and shop till they drop in one of America's shopping hotspots.

One of the most exclusive shopping areas in Los Angeles is Rodeo Drive. Dubbed the golden triangle because of its exclusive boutiques, the area was made famous by Julia Roberts in the 1990 film, Pretty Women. If you're looking to live the lifestyle of the rich, if only for a day, then you'll find yourself in good company there. Following in Julia's footsteps down the Drive you'll come across luxury stores such as Tiffany's, Gucci and Cartier. The area also boasts restaurants and cafés where you can relax and refuel while keeping your eyes peeled for a glimpse of a celebrity sauntering around the many up market stores.

If you like all your shopping and entertainment in one place then a visit to Hollywood and Highland should be right up your street. This huge complex is situated along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is home to the famous Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held annually. It is amongst the most popular destinations for tourists to the city and is home to a life sized replica of a Babylon movie set in its forecourt. There are more than 75 different shops housed here ranging from GAP to Louis Vuitton and if the shops and boutiques get too much then you can give the wallet a break by sampling some of the many entertainments the complex has to offer. From bowling to the movies, there is something here for all the family, including a great view of the Hollywood sign.

If you're not looking to blow your holiday budget straight away then a trip to Venice Beach is a bargain hunter's must. You can pick up gifts, clothes and much more at discount prices leaving you with plenty of extra pennies to spend on those 'must have' designer pieces. With all that Los Angeles has to offer it's no wonder it's the place to shop and be spotted. Shopping itself has become one of Los Angeles most popular tourist activities and most restaurants and Los Angeles Hotels can be found within walking distance of the main shopping areas so you'll never have far to haul your bags after a full day's spending at the shops.