Shopping in Laguna Beach: A guide to Main Beach, Forest Avenue, and beyond

Shopping in Laguna Beach is a curated experience where coastal elegance, local craftsmanship, and a relaxed rhythm come together beautifully.

People know Laguna Beach for its cinematic coastline and legacy as an artists’ haven. But beyond its galleries and tidepools lies a more tactile, personal pleasure: shopping that feels personal, curated, and unmistakably local.

In this article, we’ll guide you through Laguna Beach’s famous shopping districts to discover everything, from small-batch fragrances to artisan jewelry. We’ll begin downtown, tracing a walkable path from Main Beach to Forest Avenue and Ocean Avenue, before venturing south, north, and into the canyon’s creative enclaves. Some of the journey unfolds on foot, some by scenic drive, but all of it reflects the refined, effortless elegance that defines Laguna.

Main Beach: A coastal launch point

Main Beach is the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, where your shopping journey begins just steps from the sand.

Framed by its iconic lifeguard tower and gently curving shoreline, Main Beach is more than a postcard moment; it’s the beating heart of Laguna’s downtown. This stretch, where Broadway meets Ocean Avenue, serves as a natural gateway to the city’s walkable shopping district.

Cross the South Coast Highway, and the scene shifts from sand to street. Here, in just a few blocks, you’ll find a curated lineup of boutiques offering laid-back luxury, effortless fashion, and artisan goods, perfectly situated between beach strolls and gallery visits.

1. AMĒNAH (470 S Coast Hwy)Start at the south end of the block, across from Hotel Laguna. AMĒNAH is a woman-owned, size-inclusive boutique known for soft linen dresses, delicate jewelry, and earthy lifestyle goods. Their charm bar and locally made candles also make it a go-to for thoughtful gifting.
2. Simple Laguna (460 S Coast Hwy)Next door to AMĒNAH, Simple Laguna leans into sun-faded neutrals and timeless silhouettes. Look for soft knits, relaxed separates, and well-cut basics—many crafted in small batches either locally or imported from Europe.
3. The Fragrance Boutique (460 S Coast Hwy # 7)Just steps from the lane, this small shop specializes in rare, niche perfumes and essential oils. TFB’s bespoke scents are inspired by Laguna Beach’s charm, so feel free to take a moment to try something new or rediscover a forgotten favorite.
   

   Shop like a local: While you’re on this block, step into Pepper Tree Lane, a 1930s-era building wrapped around a live pepper tree. The paved walkways lead to charming storefronts and seasonal indulgences: Gelato Paradiso is a must for the summer (try the nocciola), while cooler days call for hot cocoa from La Rue De Chocolat.

4. Things & Carats (276 S Coast Hwy)Next door, this eclectic gift shop offers a mix of playful curios and unexpected finds. Think miniature replicas of iconic American cars and framed displays featuring legendary guitarists. With its central location and offbeat charm, Things & Carats is a must-visit for those seeking unique, conversation-starting souvenirs that go beyond the typical beach town fare.
5. Main Beach Outlet (335 S Coast Hwy)Across the highway, facing Main Beach, you’ll find this casual outlet stocked with sweatshirts, hats, and vacation-ready basics. It’s an easy stop for beachgoers who need an extra layer or forgot the essentials.

Once you’re beach-ready, take a moment to explore the neighborhood’s cultural touchpoints. The lifeguard tower is a quintessential photo stop, while Narrative Gallery and GGLB Gallery both offer an under-the-radar art and shopping experience.

Forest Avenue: Where boutique meets artistry

Leaving Main Beach, cross South Coast Highway and turn right onto Forest Avenue, where shaded sidewalks and more curated boutiques await. This is where the city’s creative spirit truly comes alive—and one of the best places to go shopping in Laguna Beach.

Take your time here. Browse soft knits and sculptural jewelry, or pause over an ocean-toned vase. Forest Avenue alone is home to over a dozen art galleries, and if you time your visit just right, you might get to experience First Thursdays Art Walk. Held the first Thursday evening of each month, it opens the doors to many of Laguna Beach’s most celebrated art spaces. It’s a community-wide affair complete with live music, wine, and art spilling into the streets.

1. 1. Mare Blu (210 Forest Ave)Perfect for after a beach stroll, Mare Blu carries elegant swim cover-ups, refined beach accessories, and layered pieces that blend resort ease with elevated style. Many of their pieces are designed to go from beachside to boutique dinner effortlessly.
   2. Hobie Surf (294 Forest Ave)For those looking to catch a wave, Hobie is a true California classic. Established in the 1950s, it was one of the first surf shops in the state and helped shape the surf culture that thrives today. The brand is a trusted name among surfers for its handcrafted boards, built with care, precision, and quality craftsmanship.
   3. Tuvalu Home (295 Forest Ave)If you’ve recently landed a slice of Laguna Beach real estate—or dreaming of it— Tuvalu is a must-visit. Its aesthetic blends coastal serenity with organic textures: weathered wood, sculptural glass, and sun-washed linens evoke interiors that feel both refined and rooted in place.

1. 2Bella Boutique (260 Forest Ave)A few doors up, this boutique presents curated ready-to-wear in soft palettes and fluid lines—ideal staples for a coastal wardrobe with a polished update.
2. Duet Laguna (264 Forest Ave)Next door is this destination for relaxed-chic layers and artisan accessories, where subtle pattern, texture, and shape feel quietly luxurious.
3. Laguna Lumberyard Mall (384 Forest Ave)At the northern edge of Forest Avenue, the Lumberyard Mall offers a blend of practicality and boutique charm. From wellness services and specialty shops to casual bites and coastal essentials, it’s a convenient pause if you’re looping between galleries or rounding out your retail stroll.

Whether you’re after a statement piece or simply soaking in the ambiance, Forest Avenue delivers a shopping experience as textured and inspired as the town itself.

Ocean Avenue: Effortless finds on a slower street

Downtown Laguna’s Forest and Ocean Avenues offer a walkable blend of refined shopping, local art, and coastal charm all within a few breezy blocks.

Branching off from Main Beach and running parallel to Forest Avenue, Ocean Avenue is quieter, more relaxed, and just a touch more eclectic. This corridor captures Laguna’s creative ease—less polished than Forest, more personal than downtown—and perfect for discovering thoughtful lifestyle goods, handmade accessories, and a few beach-ready essentials.

The street curves gently downhill toward South Coast Highway, where the storefronts begin to open up to the sea breeze and settle into a slower pace.

1. 1. Good Together House (311 Ocean Ave)Right by the corner of Beach Street and Ocean Avenue stands Good Together House, a beautifully layered boutique blending ethical home décor, soft-toned apparel, sustainable gifts, and wellness goods. Every item here seems to ask to be touched, and the shop’s editorial eye makes browsing feel immersive and elevated.
   2. Picnic (254 Beach St, around the corner from Ocean Ave)A short detour onto Beach Street brings you to Picnic, a whimsical stationery and lifestyle shop filled with letterpress cards, desk treasures, and curated journals. It’s a haven for paper lovers and the perfect stop for meaningful, tactile gifts.

1. The Chakra Shack (207 Ocean Ave)At the southern end of Forest Avenue, near Main Beach, The Chakra Shack offers a calming selection of crystals, incense, and metaphysical tools. If you’re in the mood to reset, book a mini tarot reading or browse the hand-crafted jewelry infused with intention.
2. Sunglass Gallery (205 Ocean Ave, facing S Coast Hwy)As Ocean Avenue curves toward the coast, Sunglass Gallery offers a sleek array of designer frames—from classic aviators to sculptural styles. It’s bright, modern, and makes a quick but luxe stop on your way down the block.
3. Laguna Art Supply (376 Ocean Ave)Art professionals and hobbyists alike turn to Laguna Art Supply, a cornerstone of the local creative scene for nearly 40 years. The shop is stocked with premium paints, archival papers, sketchbooks, and hard-to-find tools, making it a trusted resource for working artists and an inspiring stop for anyone drawn to Laguna’s artistic legacy.

This entire loop, from Main Beach through Forest Avenue and back down Ocean, can be walked in 20 minutes. But with galleries to explore, cafés to linger in, and shops that invite discovery, shopping in Laguna Beach often stretches into an afternoon.

Beyond Downtown: Boutique pockets worth the drive

Beyond downtown, Laguna Beach invites you into its most elegant corners, from the charm of the HIP District to North Laguna’s oceanview calm.

Past downtown, Laguna Beach reveals its quieter treasures: pockets of curated retail and creative spirit tucked into hillsides, canyons, and cliffside streets. These are the places locals cherish: where gallery visits turn into conversations, and boutiques feel more like design studios.

South Laguna and the HIP District

In South Laguna, the coastline opens wide and the tempo softens. Ocean-view homes, secret coves, and refined yet unpretentious storefronts create a landscape that invites slower exploration. It’s less about labels, more about discovery. Parking is easier, too, with open spots along Glenneyre, Wesley Drive, and nearby residential streets.

Shopping in Laguna Beach wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the HIP District (short for Historic and Interesting Places), which stretches along South Coast Highway between Thalia and Diamond Streets. With early 20th-century cottages now home to boutiques, cafés, and galleries, this walkable pocket invites exploration across ten quiet blocks. It’s a stylish, low-key start to a retail loop that unfolds with ease.

• The Old Pottery Place – Once home to The Pottery Shack for 66 years, this Spanish-style courtyard has been reborn as a hub of elevated retail and dining. Brick paths meander through lush gardens and curated boutiques featuring artisan jewelry, gourmet confections, and home décor. It’s a stylish interlude in your HIP District loop.
• Village Faire Shoppes – A casual, open-air plaza that brings together rotating boutiques, beachwear, gifts, and quirky finds. Though modest in scale, its community feel and ever-evolving storefronts make it a delightful detour.
• Thalia Surf Shop – A Laguna original turned style hub for the creative coastal crowd that’s been around since 2001. Expect curated streetwear, graphic prints, and functional surf gear, all with a laid-back design edge.
• The Shop – It’s summer all year round at The Shop, where handmade ceramics, clean coastal textiles, and earthy home goods meet wardrobe staples in soft, lived-in fabrics. The edit here is minimal but meaningful, perfect for shoppers drawn to natural textures and a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

North Laguna

North Laguna feels timeless with its historic coastal homes, artful landscaping, and sweeping ocean vistas. There’s no rush here, just the soft rhythm of surf and shaded streets lined with mature trees and curated storefronts.

Park near Cliff Drive or along residential lanes like Jasmine and Myrtle to access boutiques, galleries, and trails with ease. Heisler Park runs the bluff here, inviting reflection with its sculpture garden and picnic spots. Nearby, the Laguna Art Museum anchors the district’s creative spirit with California-centric exhibitions and seasonal events that often spill into the community.

• Rana Nader Yoga Boutique and Sound Temple – Located just past Broadway, this boutique showcases Rana Nader’s jewelry pieces and offers a space for yogis to have custom pieces made. They’re also the exclusive distributor of Crystal Tones Alchemy singing bowls.
• Boat Canyon Shopping Center – This convenient plaza blends daily essentials with boutique finds. Stop here for errands at Pavilions, or browse the smaller storefronts for wellness goods and casual fashion staples.
• KRISTALLE – A gallery-like gem shop established in 1971 specializing in rare minerals, fine crystals, and museum-quality specimens. It’s an unexpectedly dazzling stop for collectors or anyone looking to add something extraordinary to their space.
• ARIS – A carefully edited boutique that favors quality over quantity, ARIS blends minimalist fashion with elevated essentials. Expect beautifully made apparel, jewelry, fragrance, and giftable pieces that feel both timeless and intentional.
• Electric Cyclery – The oldest e-bike shop in the country, Electric Cyclery offers high-end rentals and sustainable gear for stylish, scenic cruising. It’s a favorite among locals and a smart way to explore North Laguna’s winding trails, oceanfront parks, and boutique-lined streets without breaking a sweat.
• Laguna Coast Pottery – This artisan studio offers handcrafted ceramics that blend rustic charm with coastal elegance. From sculptural planters to earthy tableware, it’s a favorite for those furnishing a Laguna home or adding a locally made accent.
• The Ritual Refill – A modern refill apothecary focused on sustainable living. Stock up on bulk household essentials, natural body care, and zero-waste swaps—all in a serene, thoughtfully designed space.

Experience the art of shopping, Laguna-style

In Laguna Beach, shopping is less about transactions and more about discovery. Fashion, art, and coastal living converge, and shopkeepers offer not only goods but stories. Each item’s a reflection of local pride and creative heritage.

If you’ve fallen in love with the rhythm of this place, why not take the next step? Whether you’re exploring homes for sale in Laguna Beach or simply curious about what it’s like to live here, Shauna and Leita Covington offer the insight and discretion of true insiders. Call 949.395.3037 or send them an email to schedule a private tour or consultation.