It seems totally logical that the state that brought you Disneyland and Hollywood should also bring you shopping as a form of entertainment.

When cruising through Irvine’s Spectrum Centre in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, you can admire the view from the top of the giant ferris wheel or take in its Improv Comedy Show.

At Anaheim, combine a trip to the Disneyland Resort with some retail therapy at the new Garden Walk (opening in Spring 2008), with its 400,000 square feet of unique shops, restaurants and cinemas. And, in San Francisco, enjoy the free sea-lion cabaret before checking out the 110 speciality shops on PIER 39.

Looking for something exclusive? Then head for the Beverly Hills’ classic Rodeo Drive, San Francisco’s Union Street, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter or West Hollywood’s Avenues of Art and Design where the stars shop and play in shops including Stella McCartney, Kitson and Le Bra Lingerie.

Bargains galore? Then check out the Premium Outlet malls dotted throughout the state and particularly the Central Valley.

Fresh produce? Try one of the farmers markets such as those around Santa Barbara or Chino Farms where leading Los Angeles chefs buy their produce each morning.

Driving around the state, you are also bound to stumble on one-of-a-kind stores that will entrance you – glass blowing in Shasta Cascade, cheese-making in Sonoma County, art galleries and antique shops in Monterey, jewellery and ceramic boutiques in Laguna Beach or unusual iron garden ornaments in Redding.

Distinctive Neighborhoods: Spots to Stroll and Shop

California cities and towns are defined by their unique neighborhoods. Join the locals who mingle over a cappuccino before exploring the nearby boutiques and shops.

    • California is full of small towns with wonderful shopping. Two great examples: Carmel and Monterey. These historic and picturesque towns are best explored on foot. In Monterey discover its galleries, jewelry stores, and antique shops. Or in Carmel, meander from one unique boutique to another along nearly hidden paths lined with riotously colorful gardens.
    • When you think of upscale shopping in California, you probably think of Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive where famous faces in oversized sunglasses are regularly photographed—exiting couture boutiques such as Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Cartier, and Dolce & Gabbana.

The Brand Names: Finding It All in One Place

Searching for the ideal wedding gift? Or want to score a great bargain on shoes? Then head to one of California’s numerous outlets and malls, where you can find everything from haute couture to budget-pleasers.

    • For hundreds of retailers in one place, go to Orange County’s South Coast Plaza, an upscale world unto itself. Its retailers—including five major department stores—range from inexpensive accessory stores (Claire’s Accessories) to high-end boutiques (Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent).
    • Outlet malls dot the Central Valley, from the Vacaville Premium Outlets to the Preferred Outlets at Tulare (particularly strong on off-price children’s apparel).

Unique Boutiques

California is an artist’s haven, and the savvy shopper benefits from the creative energy of our artisans throughout the state. California crafters, artists and artisans create by hand exquisite jewelry, ceramics, musical instruments and hand-bound books—as well as a host of fine art pieces, ranging from one-of-a-kind sculpture installations to cutting edge photography and paintings. And California is also one of the epicenters for fair-trade objects, as many galleries specialize in importing fair-trade arts and crafts from around the world.

    • You’ll find unusual iron garden ornaments and locally handcrafted home accessories nestled amid the blooming native plants at Redding’s Wild Thyme Gifts & Gardens.