Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue, on the border of the Fairfax District and West Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, is the city's best-known street for streetwear, vintage clothing and sneakers. The stretch is lined with independent boutiques, resale and vintage stores, skate and sneaker shops, a handful of designer storefronts and a series of colorful murals that attract photographers. The Paul Smith pink wall is among the most photographed backdrops. Vendors range from small independent labels and secondhand dealers to branded flagship stores, so the proportion of authentic goods is generally high, though resale items such as limited-edition sneakers and vintage designer pieces deserve a careful check of tags, stitching and condition. Prices are fixed in most shops; some vintage and resale stores allow light negotiation on multiple items. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, and California sales tax is added at the register. There is no general tax-refund scheme for visitors. The atmosphere is youthful and fashion-driven, with pedestrians browsing, posing in front of murals and stopping at cafes, juice bars and casual restaurants that fill the side streets. Shop hours are typically about 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with weekends the busiest. The Melrose Trading Post, a Sunday flea market at Fairfax High School, sits at the eastern end of the strip, and The Grove and Beverly Center are short drives away. Street parking is metered and restricted by time, with signs that vary block by block, so paid lots or rideshare are often easier. The best approach is to walk the strip in one direction and double back along the opposite sidewalk.