The Groove | Los Angeles

The Grove is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor shopping and entertainment complexes. Situated in the Fairfax District adjacent to the historic Original Farmers Market, it combines a luxury retail experience with classic Southern California charm. Opened in 2002 by real estate developer Rick Caruso, The Grove has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

General Overview

Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Developer: Caruso Affiliated

Opened: March 15, 2002

Architectural Style: A blend of Art Deco and Main Street Americana aesthetics, meant to evoke a timeless, upscale neighborhood atmosphere

Layout: Designed as a pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall with landscaped walkways, a trolley line, a central plaza, and signature musical fountains

The entire environment is curated to be a place not just to shop, but to linger, dine, relax, and be entertained.

Shopping Experience

The Grove hosts around 50 shops and boutiques. These are a mix of upscale national chains and trendy specialty stores. The design encourages strolling, with retail spaces arranged around a landscaped main street.

Notable Stores:

Nordstrom (flagship anchor store)

Apple Store

Nike

Lululemon

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury

Alo Yoga

Madewell

Michael Kors

Anthropologie

Many brands host exclusive product launches and special events at The Grove due to its visibility and customer base.

Dining and Food Scene

The Grove has a wide array of dining choices, from fast casual to elegant restaurants, many with patio seating to take advantage of the L.A. weather. In addition, visitors can walk to the adjacent Original Farmers Market, which is an historic open-air food court offering cuisine from around the world.

At The Grove itself, you’ll find:

The Cheesecake Factory (very popular and usually crowded)

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Umami Burger

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

La La Land Kind Cafe

Ladurée (Parisian macarons and pastries)

In the Farmers Market, highlights include Brazilian, Cajun, Korean, French, and American comfort food options. It also features butchers, bakeries, gourmet cheese shops, and coffee stands.

Entertainment Features

AMC The Grove 14:

One of the most popular movie theaters in L.A., often hosting red carpet premieres

State-of-the-art sound and projection

Full recliner seating and dine-in options

WET-Designed Fountain:

In the central plaza, a dancing water fountain choreographed to music

Shows run every hour, set to both classical and contemporary music

At night, the fountain is illuminated with soft lighting, creating a romantic atmosphere

Live Events:

The Grove hosts year-round events like yoga mornings, book signings, fashion shows, movie nights, and holiday parades

Signature Attractions

Electric Trolley:

Runs between The Grove and the Farmers Market

A vintage-style double-decker trolley built on the undercarriage of a retired San Francisco streetcar

Free to ride and especially popular with children and families

Holiday Festivities:

The Grove becomes especially famous during the holidays for its:

Giant Christmas tree (one of the tallest in the U.S.)

Nightly artificial snowfall

Santa’s Cottage with photo opportunities

Live holiday music and lights displays

Celebrity Sightings:

Because of its high-end stores and central L.A. location, it is a well-known spot to see celebrities casually shopping or attending events

Visitor Details

Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 10 AM – 9 PM

Friday–Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM

Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM

Parking:

Multi-level parking structure with both self-parking and valet options

First hour is typically free; validation is available at some stores or the theater

Accessibility:

Fully ADA-compliant

Pet-friendly with many visitors walking their dogs

Security and Service:

On-site security patrol

Concierge service offers help with directions, gift wrapping, and lost and found

The Grove's Cultural Impact

The Grove isn’t just a shopping center—it has become a part of L.A.’s cultural fabric. It's featured in numerous films and TV shows, and it consistently ranks among the top retail centers in the United States by sales per square foot. It bridges luxury with accessibility and offers an atmosphere that feels like a blend of Disneyland’s Main Street USA and Rodeo Drive.

Despite being a retail space, The Grove is often considered a tourist attraction in its own right thanks to its immersive atmosphere, crowd-friendly layout, and the range of activities available in one concentrated area.