If anytime you’re in the Los Angeles area, there is an experience you simply can’t miss out on: the Los Angeles Flower District. Whether you’re shopping floral arrangements for an upcoming event, spending some time with friends and family or simply need a pick-me-up, the L.A. Flower District is the place to be.
Spread over six blocks with over 200 wholesale retailers, you’re bound to find whatever blossoms your heart desires. From orchids to roses to peonies– you name it, they’ve got it. You’ll even find potted plants and succulents if you’re looking to add some greenery to your home or work environment.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the flower district, its biggest flower markets, and some tips to help you navigate your way through them.
If you’re short on time and need flowers delivered in a hurry – check out our guide to the best flower delivery services in Los Angeles offering the same day and next day delivery from the city’s best floral design studios.
The L.A. Flower District: A Brief History
Since the late 1800s flower farmers have been drawn to Southern California’s sunny weather to plant and cultivate their flowers. The warm, semi-tropical climate was the perfect place for flowers and plants alike to grow and flourish.
The first was a group of Japanese American flower growers and sellers, who by 1912 had evolved their business into the first flower market in the area, the Japanese Market, later known as the Southern California Flower Market.
A few years later, around 1917, a handful of European immigrants followed in their footsteps with their own organization, the American Florists’ Exchange dba Los Angeles Flower Market.
As both businesses prospered, they relocated to a larger headquarters in the 700 block of South Wall Street in Los Angeles, where today they form the heart of the Los Angeles Flower District, the largest wholesale flower district in the United States.
Today the L.A. Flower District (located within the L.A. Fashion District) comprises the original two major flower markets in the 700 block of Wall Street along with several smaller markets and vendors between Maple and San Julian streets, from Seventh to Eighth street in downtown Los Angeles.
The Best of the Best
With so many markets and vendors in the same place, it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know your way around. These are the 5 biggest markets with the best selection of flowers for you to choose from:
The Los Angeles Flower Market
The first of the two original historical markets, this one is the biggest with 50 vendors sprawled over a 55,000 square foot sales floor.
Address
754 Wall St. (between 7th and 8th), Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours
Monday through Saturday: 8am until 12pm or 2pm (closing hour depends on the vendor)
Admission
$2 on weekdays and $1 on Saturday.
Parking
There are several parking options. You can park on the secure rooftop parking structure, one of the nearby parking lots or in the limited metered street parking spaces.
The Southern California Flower Market
This second historical market is not much smaller, with 40 vendors displaying their blooms.
Address
742 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8 am- 12 pm
Tuesday/Thursday/ Saturday: 6 am- 12 pm
Admission
$2 on weekdays and $1 on Saturday.
Parking
Both covered and roof parking are available on site.
The California Flower Mall
The great thing about this market is that it doesn’t restrict its hours to the general public (contrary to the prior two) and entry is free as well! It also has several amenities such as a restaurant with patio dining, public restrooms, and an ATM machine- all the better for you to spend my dear!
Address
825 South San Pedro St. Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours
Monday through Saturday: 4:30 am- 4:30 pm
Sunday: 5 am- 12 pm
Admission
Free!
Parking
Convenient onsite parking available.
The Los Angeles Flower Mall
Though smaller than the other markets with around 20 vendors, you’ll still find a nice variety from exotic flowers to regular blooms in an intimate cozy setting.
Address
720 San Julian St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours
Monday through Saturday: 6 am- 2 pm
Admission
Free
Parking
Nearby parking lots/ metered street parking.
The San Julian Flower Market
Hosting about a dozen wholesale retailers, this is the place to go if you feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the larger markets.
Address
744 S. San Julian St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours
Monday through Saturday: 6 am- 12 pm
Admission
Free
Parking
Nearby parking lots/ metered street parking.
Tips for Shopping the Los Angeles Flower District:
Now that you know where and when to go, all that’s left is a few tips to optimize your shopping experience and you’re set!
1. Plan Ahead
You’ll save a lot of time and headache by having a color scheme or particular varietal in mind before going. With your color scheme in mind, choose only blooms that are in season– you’ll get the freshest flowers at the lowest price.
2. Go Early
Traders already get first dibs before the market is open to the general public, so try to get there as early as you can (preferably before 9 am) to ensure you get the best selection and find what you’re looking for.
3. Interact with the traders
The numerous flower vendors within the District offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Don’t be shy to ask questions and quiz the individual traders on the particular origin of their blooms, or for recommendations based on a specific occasion or event.
4. Comparison Shop
Try to walk around the entire market before buying and make sure to compare both quality and price. Then again if you see something you absolutely love don’t hold back – it might be gone before you get back to it!
5. Bring Cash
Most traders provide card payment facilities (can be a bit hit and miss) but sometimes in an effort to control budget (or sneak a deal) cash is still the best option.
6. Make a Few Pit Stops
After every few purchases, step aside and make sure all is going according to your color scheme and blending nicely together. This will help you not buy flowers that look too similar and not forget things (hello filler flowers!) as well.
Wrap Up
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Los Angeles Flower District and our thoughts on the best flower markets to visit. Even if you don’t have any upcoming events, the gorgeous scenery and floral fragrances wafting through the air make the visit well worth it.
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We are a floristry, plant, and lifestyle city resource curated by a passionate team of horticulturists, floral & plant enthusiasts, budding designers, and intrepid urban gardeners. We're committed to showcasing the best in floral and plant design, sharing our experience and recommendations on the best blooms and greenery for every occasion, season, and living environment, and spreading our love of the enchanting world of flowers and plants.
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