traveldk.com

Fun architecture, great food, and a colorful farmers market on Thursdays.

The pint-sized stores here teem with character, not to mention characters. This is Venice, after all: laid-back, hip, and plenty artistic. Fans of 1950s furniture, New Agers in search of aura-enhancing elixirs, and gift shoppers will find all that they want. Fairly moderate prices.

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s later buildings (1953), the zigzagging ramp cradling a well of light is reminiscent of the New York Guggenheim Museum.

Bookworms in search of rare and out-of-print books may find what they’re looking for. A great café next door.

The prêt-a-porter line by Italian fashion mogul Giorgio Armani is aimed at the client who loves fashionable clothes. It reflects his hallmark simplicity and sophisticated style, but at more affordable prices.

This lovely stationery store stocks hundreds of artist-made greeting cards, pens, and guest books. They also create custom-made invitations.

Upscale retail assortment within a fortress-like façade.

This boutique stocks quality menswear, said to be the world’s most expensive. Client names from Prince Charles to Steven Spielberg are etched into the window.

This esoteric bookstore specializes in New Age topics such as mysticism and astrology. Browse the shelves or attend lectures, you can even consult the resident psychic.

Swimsuits are the quintessential LA accessory, and this store stocks a large number, which range from figure flattering one-pieces to sexy, barely-there string bikinis.