Laguna Beach brings tourists from all over each year. Lifelong Californians, visitors from the East Coast, Mid-America, and international travelers all come to this seaside enclave to enjoy the spectacular scenery, fantastic attractions, recreation opportunities, and of course, the glorious weather.
However, there’s more to this area than sand, sea, surf, and sun. It’s a fantastic location for shoppers, and in true Laguna Beach fashion, it does it in its own relaxed style. From designer outfits fresh from the runways to handmade crafts and souvenirs impossible to find anywhere else, Laguna Beach is as much a shopper’s paradise as it is a beach lover’s haven.
Here, we’ll take a look at what makes the area so special as well as look at the venues for the best shopping in Laguna Beach.
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What Makes Laguna Beach Shopping Special?
California offers endless shopping options. With cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego within the state, shoppers have no shortage of options when it comes to the shopping experience in the world. However, while these big cities have the latest trends and top brands, they can also be overwhelming. This can cause considerable strain both physical and mental on what should be a pleasurable activity.
What sets Laguna Beach apart from these major cities is its more intimate, relaxed pace. No need to rush or worry about crowds. You don’t need a meticulously planned itinerary to enjoy the best shopping in Laguna Beach. The town’s compact but bustling shopping districts make spontaneous visits a delight. You’ll find a mix of renowned brands and unique, locally-owned boutiques, offering a diverse array of options. Whatever you’re searching for, there’s probably a shop dedicated to it here.
The variety of shopping experiences invites you to explore its charming streets whenever the mood strikes. You can check out standalone luxury boutiques, stroll through high-end department stores, visit vibrant outdoor markets, or discover charming beachside shops. Each spot offers a unique vibe, allowing you to find just the right place for your mood. And with everything within easy reach, it’s a breeze to hop from one store to another if you feel like mixing things up.
Best Shopping Spots in Laguna Beach, CA
Now that we’ve looked at what separates Laguna Beach from other shopping locations, let’s dive in and see where to shop in Laguna Beach.
South Coast Plaza
A good place to kick off any Laguna Beach shopping trip is the historic South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
The Segerstrom family, who have been prominent and influential in Orange County for decades, established South Coast Plaza in 1967 with just 70 stores. Today, this impressive shopping center has grown to host 275 stores and spans 2.8 million square feet, making it the biggest luxury shopping destination on the West Coast.
South Coast Plaza features six major department stores: Nordstrom (its first outside the Pacific Northwest), Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Macy’s Home Store, and Macy’s Men’s Store. But that’s not all – South Coast Plaza boasts a range of high-end designer names including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Celine, Gucci, Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. For those looking for more affordable options, you’ll find Warby Parker, Marni, Sephora, ZARA, Max Mara, UNIQLO, J.Crew, H&M, and Lacoste.
If and when you need a break to recharge, enjoy a meal at Vaca or Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar before continuing your retail adventure. Din Tai Fung, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and the newly opened Yu Cake are perfect for quick bites that will get you back to shopping in no time.
South Coast Plaza is so extensive and provides such a wealth of different stores that it must be considered one of the best shopping spots in Laguna Beach.
The HIP District
Another excellent location is The HIP District, an acronym for Historic and Interesting Places, which stretches from Thalia St. to Bluebird Canyon Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway.
The “historic” part of its name derives from several properties in the area that date back to the early 20th century. These include La Casa del Camino and Old Pottery Place. Shops began to crop up around these properties, organically growing with demand. At the same time, the area also began to see a growth in art and culture. There are now around 20 galleries in the immediate area though this number frequently changes with new openings. The Hip District has become a major shopping hub but also an artistic hotspot.
The ocean views serve as the perfect backdrop as you wander through the vintage stores, record shops, second-hand bookstores, and clothing boutiques that line the streets. In keeping with the area’s strong artistic vibe, you’ll find places that sell handcrafted jewelry and home decor. Artists also hold regular workshops here, which is a great way of occupying younger kids.
Scattered among these are coffee shops, quirky in the best way possible, where you can debate Art History with baristas while waiting for your coffee. It’s a delight to sit outside and savor your drink, watch passersby, and enjoy the weather.
You won’t have to leave once you get hungry. There are several restaurants here that cover a wide enough range that you’ll easily find something to suit your tastes.
Downtown Village
Downtown Village, also known as The Village Area, stretches from north of Broadway Street and Main Beach down to Victoria Beach. This part of Laguna Beach is the core of the shopping area, brimming with delightful boutiques, unique gift shops, and gourmet food places, all surrounded by the city’s well-known art galleries.
Strolling through the easy-to-walk streets, you’ll find all sorts of cool spots perfect for a laid-back afternoon. True shopping enthusiasts know the joy of heading out with no set plans. Just walking around open to whatever catches your attention can make even the most seasoned shopper excited.
Shop owners and their staff are always ready for a friendly chat, making the whole experience feel natural and uninhibited. You won’t feel pressured to do anything more than appreciate what’s there on any given day.
Lumberyard Plaza Shopping Center
Lumberyard Plaza Shopping Center is the perfect place for some relaxed shopping. Think after a day at the beach, or for a quick stop during a busy workday. The casual, laid-back atmosphere that typifies Californian style can be felt in the air here.
Its open-air design makes the most out of the area’s pleasant weather, giving you the chance to enjoy the sun as you browse through the various stores and boutiques. There’s a good mix of upscale brands and local stores at Lumberyard Plaza, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style and budget.
Additionally, Lumberyard Plaza has several services that make taking a break from shopping almost as good as shopping itself. There are hairstylists, spas, and nail salons for some pampering, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
Montage Laguna Beach
Set in a 30-acre luxury resort perched on a coastal bluff is Montage Laguna Beach. This resort is a beautiful example of Craftsman-style architecture and offers over 250 rooms, each with a spectacular view of the ocean. The amenities are top-notch, including a world-class spa, and gourmet dining options like The Loft and Mosaic Bar and Grille. There’s much to see and do here, including some of the best shopping in Laguna Beach.
Treasures, the resort’s gift shop, goes beyond typical souvenirs; it offers luxury items like designer handbags and jewelry. Round out your outfits by heading over to Elaine Kim and R&R Surplus, both located on the Front Drive.
If you’re looking for more, there’s The Shops at Montage Laguna Beach. With careful curation by expert personal shopping concierges, these intimate European-style boutiques are filled with hand-selected items from well-known and up-and-coming designers as well as small, family-owned producers.
Best understood as singular experiences under one rooftop, each of the shops here offers a distinct take on what’s best in southern California.
Must-Visit Shopping Boutiques in Laguna Beach
Anyone can shop at a Laguna Beach mall and come out with something amazing. That’s just what happens here. But for those looking for the truly unique, it’s time to dive into this town’s dizzying network of independent boutiques.
The best shops in Laguna Beach are often hidden in plain sight, and some are very easy to pass by, especially in the trove of riches Laguna Beach offers. That’s just part of the charm of shopping, the joy of discovering independent stores and boutiques that may not resonate with others but have items that are just perfect for you.
That being said, there are some places we can recommend. Consider this your cheat sheet for some of the best shops in Laguna Beach.
ARIS
Famous for its relaxed modern vibe, ARIS is simple but stylish. This boutique makes keeping up with women’s fashion trends easy with its careful curation of contemporary clothing and accessories. You’re sure to find something that speaks to your personal style here, as long as you’re open to trying something new or asking for help from their knowledgeable staff.
If some of the staff of ARIS look like fashion school students, that’s because they likely are. But don’t let their youth (or cutting-edge fashion) fool you, they’re not going to judge you for not knowing what’s in style. Instead, they make a point to offer personalized assistance that’s sure to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Helpful and non-judgemental, ARIS does a great job of making fashion fun for everyone.
Tuvalu
Next up is Tuvalu, the creation of Laurie Alter, a native of Laguna Beach who not only started the company but also serves as its lead designer and visionary.
This store is a true reflection of Laurie’s love for her family and the coastal town where she grew up. When you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a world of relaxed luxury that captures the simple chic of California.
Laurie has a knack for selecting pieces that go perfectly together. From furniture to accessories to artwork, each item has been chosen with care. Whether you’re aiming to bring a bit of the beach into your home or you simply want to add some coastal sophistication, Tuvalu delivers every time.
Gem Mountain Studios
If you’re looking to take home something more precious and longer-lasting than most souvenirs, visit Gem Mountain Studios. Located on the South Coast Highway, this boutique has been open since 1989, and in that time has been selling unique and ornate pieces of jewelry.
What’s so appealing about this particular shop, is that it has incredibly beautiful pieces at very reasonable prices. You won’t have to seriously dent your bank account to walk away with a piece that you’ll treasure.
The staff are very friendly and provide great advice, and you’ll never feel pressured into buying a piece.
Thalia Surf
Most coastal towns in California will have a shop inspired and catering for those who love the surf. Thalia Surf has everything that a surfer would need to catch some waves. Collaborating with top local surfers, they showcase incredible graphic design and art talents, blending classic and contemporary elements to provide unique and highly distinctive items. In their store, you can find a variety of high-quality surfboards, wetsuits, and beachwear suitable for everyone – from beginners to seasoned pros.
However, Thalia is much more than an outfit shop. There are art pieces, vinyl records, books, and movies. If you are visiting from a place where surfing is not feasible you can return home with more than just a beautiful beach shirt. Take home a piece of art to hang in your home to remind you of the magical experience you had on Laguna Beach.
Hobie’s Surf Shop
A cornerstone of Dana Point, Hobie’s Surf Shop was established in 1954 by the surfing icon Hobie Alter. This wasn’t just the first surf shop in Southern California – it was the start of a culture.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes in, visiting from out of town, or a seasoned wave rider, the people at Hobie’s are eager to share their passion for surfing and beach life. There’s a welcoming vibe here that’s hard to find, born from countless shared moments of crashing and coasting on the waves. To join in on the fun, walk through the doors and be greeted by that warm Californian welcome.
Discover More about Living in Laguna Beach
If you’re thinking of buying a Laguna Beach home, call Shauna and Leita Covington, a mother-daughter Realtor team who can make your path to the perfect Southern California home smooth and successful.
Ranked among the top half of the top 1% of Realtors nationally, Shauna and Leita Covington blend local expertise with personalized service to ensure that nothing stands between you and your dream home.
Start your home-buying journey off on the right foot by calling them at 949.412.088 or 949.395.3037, or by emailing them here.
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