Why visit
The Grove combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in an attractive, walkable setting that is enjoyable even without spending money. Its fountain, trolley, and proximity to the historic Farmers Market make it a pleasant, easy stop on any Hollywood-area itinerary.
The Grove is one of LA's most popular shopping destinations, designed to feel like a stylized old-fashioned main street with brick paving, a central park, and a musical fountain that puts on regular water shows. Major retailers, a flagship cinema, and a range of restaurants and cafes line the pedestrian promenade, and a free electric trolley shuttles visitors between The Grove and the neighboring Original Farmers Market. The atmosphere is lively year-round and especially festive during the holidays, when large decorations and seasonal displays draw big crowds.
Beyond shopping, The Grove functions as a gathering place where people come to stroll, dine, catch a movie, or simply enjoy the ambiance. Street performers, seasonal events, and frequent celebrity sightings add to its appeal. Its location next to the Farmers Market makes it easy to pair a meal of historic LA character with a modern retail experience.
History
The Grove opened in 2002, developed adjacent to the 1934 Original Farmers Market, and quickly became one of the most-visited shopping centers in the country. Its design intentionally evokes a nostalgic streetscape, complete with a trolley line connecting it to the historic market.
Insider Tips
- ✦Pair The Grove with a meal at the adjacent Farmers Market.
- ✦Catch the fountain show on the hour or half-hour during operating times.
- ✦Visit on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Photo Tips
- 📸Capture the dancing fountain during one of its shows.
- 📸Shoot the vintage trolley as it passes along the promenade.
- 📸Visit during the holidays for dramatic seasonal decorations.
Before You Go
- ✓Check store and restaurant hours online, as they differ across the center.
- ✓Common mistake: underestimating weekend and holiday parking demand, so arrive early or consider rideshare.
- ✓Confirm current parking rates and any validation before visiting.
Visiting with family
Kids love the fountain shows and the free trolley ride to the Farmers Market, and the open promenade is easy with strollers.
Where to Eat Nearby
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The Grove FAQ
Is The Grove free to visit?
Yes, entry and strolling are free; you only pay for shopping, dining, movies, or parking.
Is The Grove connected to the Farmers Market?
Yes, a free trolley connects The Grove with the adjacent Original Farmers Market, and they share a parking structure.
Is there a movie theater?
Yes, The Grove has a cinema along with shops and restaurants; check showtimes on the theater's website.
Nearby Neighborhoods
WestsideBeverly Hills
Beverly Hills is the byword for upscale LA, famous for Rodeo Drive's designer boutiques, manicured streets, and celebrity homes. It offers polished luxury shopping, fine dining, and elegant gardens in a compact, walkable core. Even for window-shoppers, the glamour and people-watching are part of the appeal.
CentralLos Feliz
Los Feliz is a leafy, hilly neighborhood on the eastern edge of the Hollywood Hills, beloved for its mix of historic architecture, indie shops, and gateway access to Griffith Park. It blends bohemian creativity with old-Hollywood elegance.
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