If you've ever tried to navigate the intersection of La Cienega and Rodeo Road during rush hour, you know it's a special kind of purgatory. But right there, perched at 3535 S La Cienega Blvd, sits the Target that basically keeps the neighborhood running. It isn't just a store. For people living in Baldwin Hills, Culver City, and West Adams, it’s the tactical nerve center for everything from last-minute birthday poster boards to the specific brand of oat milk that everyone else seems to be out of.
Locals just call it the "La Cienega Target."
It's massive. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s one of the busiest retail hubs in South LA. If you’re heading to Target South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles CA without a plan, you’re going to end up circling the parking lot like a vulture for twenty minutes. I’ve seen people give up and just drive home. But if you know the rhythm of this specific location, it's actually one of the most efficient stops in the city.
Why the La Cienega Target Layout is Different
Most Targets follow a "Greatland" or "Super" footprint, but the 3535 South La Cienega location has a flow that feels a bit more urban. Because it serves such a dense population—ranging from the hilltop homes in Baldwin Hills to the apartments in the Expo Line corridor—the inventory is tuned differently than, say, the Target in Westwood or Northridge.
You’ll notice the grocery section here is sprawling. It has to be. Since the nearby Ralphs and Whole Foods can get insanely pricey or cramped, this Target acts as the primary supermarket for thousands. They’ve leaned heavily into the "Market" concept. You aren't just getting dry goods; the produce section is surprisingly robust for a big-box retailer.
One thing that trips people up is the electronics department. It’s tucked toward the back, and during new tech releases or Black Friday, that corner of the store becomes a total bottleneck. If you're looking for the CVS Pharmacy, it's conveniently located, but don't expect to "zip" in and out. This pharmacy handles a massive volume of prescriptions for the 90016 zip code. Expect a wait, or better yet, use the app to track when your meds are actually ready.
The Parking Nightmare and How to Beat It
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the parking lot. It’s a shared space with other retailers, and it is notoriously tight.
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Avoid the spaces directly in front of the main entrance. Just don't do it. You’ll get stuck behind someone loading a 65-inch TV into a Honda Civic, and you’ll lose ten minutes of your life you’ll never get back. Instead, aim for the perimeter spots closer to the street or the far end of the lot toward the bank. It's a longer walk, sure, but you'll exit the complex twice as fast.
Drive-Up is the real MVP here.
Honestly, if you aren't using the Target Drive-Up service at the South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles CA location, you're doing it wrong. They have a dedicated row of spots. You pull in, beep your app, and a tired but efficient employee brings your stuff out. In a neighborhood where parking is at a premium, this is the ultimate life hack. Just be mindful—during the 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM window, even the Drive-Up spots can have a "queue" of cars idling.
Shopping for the Neighborhood: Diversity in Inventory
One of the best things about this specific Target is how it reflects the community. You see it in the "Dollar Spot" (Bullseye’s Playground) at the front and the beauty aisle.
The beauty section at 3535 S La Cienega is legendary for its selection of textured hair care products and inclusive makeup shades. While some Targets in the suburbs might have two shelves of these products, this location has entire aisles. Brands like Mielle, SheaMoisture, and Camille Rose are always stocked because the demand is high. It’s one of the few places where you don't have to worry about the "diverse beauty" section being an afterthought.
Starbucks and the "Social Hub" Factor
There is a Starbucks inside. Obviously.
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But this isn't just a place to grab a latte. It’s basically the neighborhood town square. You’ll see producers from nearby Culver City studios taking meetings over cake pops and parents from the nearby Baldwin Hills Elementary catching their breath. If you need to use the Wi-Fi, it’s decent, but the seating is limited. Don't plan on camping out there with a laptop for four hours; the turnover is too fast, and the noise level is "industrial chic" at best.
Managing the Crowds: The Best Times to Visit
If you walk into Target South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles CA at noon on a Saturday, you have chosen chaos.
The lines will wrap around the clothing section. The self-checkout will have a 15-minute wait. The vibe will be frantic.
If you want a peaceful experience, you go on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. Specifically, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This is when the shelves have been freshly restocked from the overnight shipment, and the "aisle zombies" haven't descended yet. Sunday evenings are also a secret sweet spot. By 8:30 PM on a Sunday, the families have gone home to prep for the school week, and you can roam the aisles in relative silence.
Essential Facts for the 3535 S La Cienega Blvd Location
For those who need the quick data points without the fluff:
- Address: 3535 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
- Phone: (310) 895-1131
- Hours: Generally 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM (check the app for holiday shifts).
- Services: CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks, Wine & Beer, Optical, Photo Center, and Order Pickup.
The Optical center here is actually quite good. It’s often overlooked because it’s tucked away, which means you can usually snag an appointment for an eye exam much faster than you can at a standalone optometrist in the area. They take most major insurances, including Medi-Cal providers, which is a huge plus for the local community.
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Comparison: La Cienega vs. The Culver City "Small Format" Target
Don't confuse this location with the "smaller" Target on Washington Blvd in Culver City. That one is a "small-format" store. It’s great if you need a gallon of milk and a pair of socks, but it doesn't have the heavy-duty inventory.
If you're looking for furniture, large appliances, or the full "Target Home" collection, you have to go to the South La Cienega Boulevard location. The furniture section here is surprisingly well-maintained, though the floor models often look like they've been through a war zone by the end of the weekend. If you see a piece of furniture you want, check the "Pick Up Today" status on your phone before you start trying to lug a box onto a flatbed cart.
Navigating the Checkout Gauntlet
The checkout situation at this Target is a frequent topic of local neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. They have a massive row of self-checkout kiosks and a limited number of manned registers.
Here’s the truth: The self-checkout is usually faster, but it has a "item limit" that is sometimes enforced and sometimes ignored. If you have a full cart, do everyone a favor and wait for a cashier. The staff here is used to high volume; they are some of the fastest scanners in the Westside.
Pro Tip: If the front lines are insane, check the electronics counter or the beauty counter. Sometimes—not always—they can ring up a few items for you if they aren't busy. Just don't try to bring a full week's worth of groceries to the beauty lady. That’s just rude.
The Future of the Area
The area around the La Cienega Target is changing fast. With the Cumulus District—that massive skyscraper complex right across the street—thousands of new residents have moved in. This has made the store even busier.
There’s been talk of further renovations to keep up with the "luxury" shift of the neighborhood, but for now, it remains a gritty, functional, and essential part of South LA life. It bridges the gap between the old Los Angeles and the new, tech-heavy "Silicon Beach" adjacent crowd.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Download the App First: Check the "Aisle View" on the Target app. This store is huge, and items aren't always where you think they’d be. The app will tell you exactly which aisle (e.g., G24) your item is in.
- Join Target Circle: Since this is a high-volume store, they run out of "deals" fast. Being a Circle member lets you reserve things or get notified of restocks.
- Check the Pharmacy Hours: The CVS inside has different hours than the main store. They often close for lunch between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Don't get caught standing at a closed window.
- Bring Your Own Bags: This is Los Angeles. They will charge you for every bag, and the paper ones they provide aren't great for heavy groceries. Bring the sturdy reusable ones.
- Use the Expo Line: If you're just grabbing a few things, the La Cienega/Jefferson station is a short walk away. You can skip the parking lot disaster entirely.
The Target South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles CA location is a beast, but it’s our beast. Approach it with a little patience and a clear strategy, and you'll get exactly what you need without losing your mind.