LA's premier outdoor lifestyle mall adjacent to the Farmers Market features upscale retailers, a vintage trolley, dancing fountain, and the best people-watching in West Hollywood.
The Grove is an open-air lifestyle shopping center located at 189 The Grove Drive in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, California, adjacent to the historic Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax. Opened in 2002 and developed by Rick Caruso, The Grove has become one of the most visited retail destinations in the United States — frequently cited among the highest-grossing shopping centers per square foot in the country. The design evokes a walkable Main Street environment with cobblestone paths, manicured gardens, a vintage-style electric trolley that runs the length of the property, and a dancing water fountain programmed to music that activates at regular intervals throughout the day. The retail mix is solidly upscale, centered on premium fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands: anchor tenants include Nordstrom, Apple, Banana Republic, and Free People, with dozens of mid-to-high-end specialty retailers filling storefronts along the two main shopping promenades. The Grove sits immediately adjacent to the Original Farmers Market — operating since 1934 — providing access to one of Los Angeles's most beloved outdoor food destinations without additional travel. Together, the two properties offer an exceptional range of dining: The Farmers Market's individual food stalls span Mexican, Cajun, Thai, American barbecue, and traditional diner fare alongside fresh produce and specialty grocery vendors, while The Grove's restaurants include more polished full-service dining options. People-watching is a genuine draw — The Grove is located in a neighborhood densely populated by entertainment industry professionals and attracts a mix of residents, tourists, and celebrities in a way that few American retail centers replicate. Parking is available in a multi-story structure beneath the property; the first two hours are validated for shoppers who make a purchase at any Grove retailer. All stores accept credit cards, and prices reflect the upscale tenant mix.
Location
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Highlights
- Ride the vintage electric trolley that travels the length of The Grove's open-air shopping promenades throughout the day
- Watch the synchronized dancing water fountain set to music, which performs regularly in the central plaza during operating hours
- Shop anchor stores Nordstrom and Apple alongside dozens of upscale fashion, beauty, and lifestyle boutiques
- Visit the adjacent Original Farmers Market for a complete outdoor dining and food shopping experience at one of LA's oldest institutions
- Experience the quintessential Los Angeles open-air lifestyle shopping atmosphere in the heart of the Fairfax District
Tips for visiting
- The Grove connects directly to the Original Farmers Market — visit both in the same trip for a complete Fairfax District experience
- The first two hours of parking are validated with any Grove retailer purchase; present a receipt at the parking structure exit
- Weekday evenings between 5PM and 8PM see manageable crowds; weekend afternoons are the busiest period of the week
- The trolley runs a loop the length of The Grove and is free for all visitors — practical for moving between the north and south ends of the property
- Valet parking is available at the 3rd Street entrance for an additional fee, which can be more convenient during peak holiday shopping seasons
Frequently asked questions
Is The Grove an indoor or outdoor mall?
The Grove is an open-air lifestyle center — all shopping promenades are outdoors, connecting retail stores along landscaped walkways with a central plaza. Individual stores are enclosed; the connecting paths are open to the sky. Los Angeles's typically mild climate makes this format comfortable year-round.
Is The Grove connected to the Original Farmers Market?
Yes, The Grove is directly adjacent to the Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax, and the two properties are physically connected. Visitors can move between The Grove's retail stores and The Farmers Market's food stalls without re-parking or crossing a public street.
Is parking at The Grove free?
Parking is not free but is validated for the first two hours for shoppers who make a purchase at any Grove retailer. After the validated period, hourly rates apply. Valet parking is also available at select entrances for an additional fee.
What makes The Grove different from a standard American mall?
The Grove's open-air pedestrian street design, vintage electric trolley, dancing fountain, and direct connection to the historic Original Farmers Market set it apart from enclosed malls. The combination of high foot traffic, celebrity sightings, and the outdoor California atmosphere gives it an energy distinct from conventional enclosed shopping centers.
Are there dining options at The Grove beyond fast food?
Yes, The Grove hosts multiple full-service restaurants alongside casual eateries. The adjacent Original Farmers Market adds dozens more food vendor options ranging from Mexican and Thai street food to American diner classics and specialty grocery items.