Open-air alley of discount stalls between Olympic Blvd and Pico Blvd; cash is preferred and bargaining is normal.
Santee Alley is an open-air alley of discount stalls in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles, California, running between Olympic Blvd and Pico Blvd near 210 E Olympic Blvd. It is known for inexpensive clothing, accessories, handbags, sunglasses, phone cases, costume jewelry, shoes, perfume and fabrics, with prices well below those of malls. Most stock is general wholesale and discount merchandise, and the alley is also known for knockoff and unbranded copies of designer styles, so visitors should treat any brand-name claim with skepticism and focus on value rather than authenticity. Bargaining is expected and is part of the experience; vendors often quote high opening prices that drop with polite negotiation or when several items are bought together. Cash is preferred and sometimes required for the best prices, though some stalls and the larger indoor shops accept cards, and sales tax is typically folded into or added to the price. There is no tax-refund scheme for visitors on these purchases. The alley is narrow and crowded, with stalls on both sides, vendors calling out to passersby, and music from shops, and the energy is loud and fast-moving. Side streets and nearby wholesale stores in the Fashion District extend the shopping area, and food options include taco stands, fruit cups, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and juice stalls around the entrances. Typical hours run Monday to Friday from about 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from about 9:00 AM, and Sunday from about 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Saturday the busiest. Visitors should keep bags zipped and phones in front pockets, since crowded alleys attract pickpockets. Parking in surrounding lots is available for a fee, and the Fashion District is also reachable by Metro.
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM-5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Address | 210 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
Location
210 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
34.0415, -118.2570 View on map
Highlights
- Bargain for discount clothing, handbags and accessories
- Browse sunglasses, phone cases and costume jewelry at low prices
- Sample street snacks such as fruit cups and bacon-wrapped hot dogs
- Explore nearby Fashion District wholesale shops and fabric stores
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash in small bills and negotiate politely
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid heavy Saturday crowds
- Keep bags closed and valuables in front pockets
- Check seams, zippers and materials before buying
- Treat designer-brand labels as likely copies and price accordingly
When to visit
Weekday mornings are the calmest; Saturday afternoons are the most crowded.
Accessibility
The alley is paved and mostly level but narrow and crowded, which can make wheelchair and stroller use difficult at busy times.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is bargaining expected at Santee Alley?
Yes. Vendors expect negotiation, and prices often fall when several items are bought together.
Should cash or card be used?
Cash is preferred and often gets the best prices, though some shops accept cards.
When is Santee Alley busiest?
Saturdays are the busiest, and weekday mornings are generally quieter.