Callejones de Los Angeles or known as the alleys is referring to the bustling Santee Alley located at the Fashion District in Downtown LA. The Fashion District is about 107 blocks of stores that range from selling fashion wear, jewlery, flowers, textiles, and fabrics to food. It is a shoppers paradise that welcomes businesses looking for wholesale or just the average shopper. If you a tourist looking for souvenirs to a local looking for something to do or shop, you will be impressed with the amount of things to see, eat, and buy.
The Fashion District
About: The Fashion District consists of street level stores that specializes in wholesale and retail that includes women and men wear, kids clothing, shoes, accessories, purses, etc. It’s the center of L.A. fashion industry where you can find more than 2,000 independently-owned stores. You can find brands like Holy Grail, Nice Kicks and Urban Outfitters to brand name knock-offs. However, most stores are for wholesale buyers so you might need re-seller’s permit. Though there are over 1,000 stores that sell to the public at discounted prices. Also, you will find L.A Flower District and the ever so popular Santee Alley
Directions: You can take take the Red Line of Go Metro and get off Pershing Square Station. It is also accessible from all major freeways and parking is all day with price ranging from $5-15 or you can park at metered parking. The Fashion District website also has a list of parking structures.
General Hours: Store hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Monday to Sunday but on Sundays only about 20 percent of the stores are opened.
Tips: If you are looking for some great deals this is the place to go. Make sure you wear some comfortable walking shoes and cash for purchases. Some stores you can bargain the price or get a better deal if you buy more than one item. Most items are non-refundable so keep that in mind.
Santee Alley
About: So remember I mentioned there are stores which sell to the general public? At Callejones de Los Angeles or Santee Alley is where you find discounted bargains for phone accessories, clothing, toys, jewelry, shoes, perfumes, etc. Here you can also experiences some amazing eats from Mexican fruit cups to freshly made tacos and birria from the street vendors as well as some restaurants. It stretches about two blocks long with over 150 plus stores packed in an open alley.
General Hours: 7 days awake rain or shine from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Directions: The Santee Alley is located between Santee Street and Maple Avenue, from Olympic Blvd to 12th Street. Use this link for transportation options https://fashiondistrict.org/stay/transportation. To find the prices of each parking lot you can use spothero.com
Tips: The parking facilities at 1030 S. Santee St and 1201-1247 S. Santee Street are about as close as you can get to there. Remember to bring cash because a majority of vendors and stores are cash only. Go hungry because you will be able to try some really delicious street food. It is generally busier on Saturdays and less busy on Sundays.
