L.A.｜Recommended Sightseeing & Shopping at Melrose Ave

Located in LA, the trendy “Melrose Avenue” is a hotspot for setting trends. This approximately 10 km-long street, centered around Santa Monica, is lined with chic shops, high-end brand stores, and Instagram-worthy spots. Attracting trend-conscious young people from around the world, this destination is perfect not only for shopping but also for simply enjoying a stroll. If you’re visiting LA, make sure to add Melrose Avenue to your itinerary. Below is a summary of the highlights of Melrose Avenue.

For Sightseeing & Shopping, the Area Around Fairfax High School is Convenient

If you want to efficiently enjoy shopping and sightseeing on Melrose Avenue, the area near the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue—right by Fairfax High School—is very convenient.

This area is lined with distinctive American vintage shops, select shops, and miscellaneous goods stores, making it the perfect area for shopping. With around 300 stores ranging from rock and hippie styles, it’s a good idea to research your favorite shops in advance to make your visit more efficient.

Also, on your way from Melrose Avenue to the Fairfax area, you can find brands famous in your country like Supreme and Fred Segal. You can enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace while strolling.

Additionally, it takes about 5 minutes by car from Hollywood and about 15 minutes from Beverly Hills to reach Melrose Avenue. The Metro Bus “No.10” running along Melrose Avenue takes you to Fairfax Avenue in about 5 minutes.

Melrose Ave. Offers a Fun Flea Market (Melrose Trading Post)

At Fairfax High School on Fairfax Avenue, the “Melrose Trading Post” flea market is held every Sunday.

Here, you can find uniquely American vintage items and stylish miscellaneous goods at reasonable prices. In addition to items you won’t find in brand shops, there is a wide variety of products available. Try to discover those one-of-a-kind treasures that you can only find here.

■Event Date: Every Sunday
■Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For Sneakers, “Shoe Palace” is a Must-Visit

Being a trendsetting area, Melrose Avenue is also the place to check out sneaker shops. If you love the street culture born among American youth—such as hip-hop and skateboarding—you simply cannot miss the sneaker shops.

Among the many sneaker shops, one that is currently gaining momentum is “Shoe Palace.” It stocks new shoes from various brands like NIKE, adidas, and Reebok, and boasts an abundant inventory of both models that have not yet been released in your country and popular models.

Sneaker fans will especially appreciate models that quickly sell out, such as NIKE’s “just do it” Air Force 1 or “Kobe 1 Protro.”

The store is located along Melrose Avenue’s street, just to the northeast of Fairfax High School.

Photogenic Streets are Popular

Melrose Avenue is a magnet for Instagrammers from around the world thanks to its photogenic spots. From retro streetscapes reminiscent of America’s 1930s–50s to 1980s–90s street vibes and pop graffiti, you can experience American history up close. Every shop and restaurant on the street offers picture-perfect moments, making it a top destination for photo enthusiasts.

Some recommended iconic spots include Paul Smith’s pink wall, the angel wing wall, and a wall painted by the famous street artist Banksy.

Movie Fans Should Consider a Paramount Studio Tour

When you think of LA, you think of Hollywood – the sacred place of American cinema. Just a short distance north of Melrose Avenue is Hollywood, home to numerous film studio tours for visitors. If you’re a movie buff, this is a must-visit.

The following four studios offer tours:

■Universal Studios Hollywood
■Warner Bros. Studio
■Paramount Pictures Studio
■Sony Pictures Studio

A particularly recommended studio is “Paramount Pictures.” This venerable film studio has produced many classic movies.

Its representative works include the mafia film “The Godfather (1972)” featuring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, “Forrest Gump” starring Tom Hanks, and “Titanic” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. On the tour, you can see sets and props used in movies, allowing you to relive some memorable scenes.

Note that studio tours require advance reservations, and the cost typically ranges from 7,000 to 20,000 yen. When planning your trip to LA, be sure to check the details of the tour that interests you.

When Hungry, Grab a Bite at Pink’s Hot Dogs

If you get a bit hungry while sightseeing, try America’s soul food: hot dogs. Among the many hot dog stands on Melrose Avenue, “Pink’s Hot Dogs” stands out as a long-established favorite that often has long lines of tourists. The shop’s interior, dominated by a pop pink theme, is adorned with autographs of various Hollywood stars, making it another popular photo spot.

Their signature dish is the “Chili Cheese Dog” — a hot dog generously topped with chili sauce and cheese. In addition, you can choose from a variety of toppings like onion rings, bacon, and nacho cheese. Most dogs are priced at around $5 (approximately 550 yen) and are known for their generous portions that epitomize American style.

◎ In Conclusion: Melrose Ave Stretches About 10km East to West. Focus on the Key Spots for a Walking Tour!

From shopping and gourmet food to Hollywood movies, Melrose Avenue offers a taste of various aspects of American culture. Because it stretches for about 10 km, trying to visit every store in one day might be challenging. If you find a walking tour too tiring, taking a taxi between spots is a good option. For instance, nearby areas such as Hollywood and Beverly Hills are accessible within 10 to 20 minutes by taxi. Prepare a list of must-visit shops in advance to make the most of your day.

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L.A.｜Recommended Sightseeing & Shopping at Melrose Ave