The malls are still indoors except the one in Century City. It's partially outdoors and partially under construction as well. The Beverly Center in my opinion is a great place to start out while The Pavillion is also good but so many little other shops are around the Beverly Center. If you go to Melrose, Saturday is good but busy day because everything seems to be on sale but during the week is good too, less crowds. There is great shopping in the Fashion District in downtown LA past Staples center. I especially enjoy going there as well as the regular mall. If you are at a hotel, you can ask the concierge to recommend you some places. In Beverly Hills there is the world Rodeo Drive, I don't have Rodeo Drive money but it has some nice stores as well. I would recommend bargainsla.com because it has an alert newletter of sample sales and the like. I hope that help.