The Shoppers’ Tour : Factory outlet malls head the list of places to browse. If time is limited, there are sites closer to home.

It seems that neither flood damage nor earthquakes nor smog can keep the relatives from descending come summer. Mine arrive with a list of musts--the ocean, Disneyland, stars’ homes and, of course, shopping.

The factory outlet malls are my first choice, especially for men. In Barstow, Ralph Lauren/Polo is a big draw, as are Gitano, Van Heusen, Izod, London Fog, Aca Joe and Big Dog. There are also plenty of outlet stores for women with Evan-Picone, Anne Klein, Coach Leather, Jones New York and Barbizon. For both, there’s Royal Doulton, the Kitchen Collection (Proctor-Silex and Wearever), Black & Decker and Reebok.

The Factory Merchants Mall is just off the Lenwood Road exit of Interstate 15. Call (619) 253-7342. The vistas in the high desert make for a scenic drive--and you’re halfway to Vegas.

If it’s not too hot, head south to the Desert Hills Factory Stores in Cabazon, where there are outlets for Guess?, Esprit, Eddie Bauer, Donna Karan, Adrienne Vittadini, Patagonia, Geoffrey Beene, American Tourister, Gorham China, West Point Pepperel and Nike.

To reach the Desert Hills stores, exit Interstate 10 at Apache Trail. Call (714) 849-6641.

If the drive to either of the first two outlet malls seems too much, try the Citadel in the City of Commerce. You’ll find outlets for Harve Benard, Perry Ellis, Nancy Johnson, Eddie Bauer, Leon Max and Benetton, and clearance centers for The Gap and Ann Taylor.

To reach the Citadel, exit the Santa Ana Freeway at Atlantic Boulevard. Call (213) 888-1220.

If time is limited, take the Ventura Freeway to Reseda Boulevard and cover the Alley in the Valley behind 6000 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana. The handbags and costume jewelry at Marlene Gaines are fashion-forward and reasonably priced for the quality, as is the elegant sportswear at My Fair Lady. Prices are about 40% off top names at Dressed Up for special-occasion clothes. Honey’s women’s shoes are dynamite and heavily discounted. A Touch of Spring carries accessories at wholesale prices, and Cockadoodle offers some rather risque underthings for men and women. (I can’t tell you if they are bargains because I’ve never seen any merchandise quite like it.)

Since almost everyone seems to enjoy getting clothes that the stars have worn in various productions, swing back to the Studio Wardrobe, 3953 Laurel Grove Ave., Studio City, and let the company go wild on the racks looking for stars’ stuff. Call (818) 508-7762.

When visitors want to go downtown, raid the Black & White, an outlet for Karen Kane at 1250 S. Broadway, for some incredible deals. Call (213) 746-5841.

A quick run through the L. A. Fashion Gallery at 9th Street and Maple avenues will take you to Nicole Imports and some apparel treasures from France and Italy at half-price. The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., is a good stop: There’s a Guess? outlet, and the 860 Club (Carole Little) is a must.

Since a tour through Beverly Hills is usually in order for out-of-towners, it can be combined with a stop at Sepulveda’s Discount Row between Olympic and Pico boulevards. Bargains can always be found at Designer Labels for Less, where a number of designer names are at least 40% off. Lingerie for Less, the Robe Outlet and Azita J. always fill the bargain bill.