Mammoth Lakes
Stock up on organic produce, free-range meats and healthy bulk foods at this large store and deli. Campers will appreciate the self-dispense herbs and…
Must-see shopping in Northern California
North Coast & Redwoods
A visit to three-block downtown Garberville should include browsing at Brown’s Sporting Goods. The Brown family has run the place for a couple generations…
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gift shop run by the Hume Lake Christian Camps selling various Sequoia and Kings Canyon–related items from metal mugs, flasks, survival books, travel…
Kings Canyon National Park
This small market is the hub of the Cedar Grove Village complex, selling packaged food and all the camping supplies you forgot to pack. There's also an…
Kings Canyon National Park
This small grocery store has firewood, camping supplies, sweet treats and packaged food, with a small selection of fruit and veggies, as well as…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Pick up bait, good fishing advice and bags of live river crawdads to cook at home. Blues available all year round, the smaller reds from August to October…
The Peninsula
Owned by Jeff Clark, who is credited with pioneering the nearby Marvericks surf break, this is a spiffy little surf shop with plenty of cool branded hats,…
Sonoma Valley
There's great antiques shopping up and down Kentucky St and Petaluma Blvd in downtown Petaluma. This three-story, 5000ft monster located in an old bank is…
Sequoia National Park
A small market selling groceries, wine and beer and limited camping supplies. The gas station opposite has free wi-fi at the pumps (10 minutes max for non…
Santa Cruz
The Willy Wonka of Santa Cruz makes stratospherically priced chocolates on par with the big city. Try the cardamom or chipotle truffles. Pricey, but worth…
Mono Lake Region
The place to stock up on groceries, camping and fishing supplies. Also sells liquor, books and souvenirs, plus has a deli serving sandwiches ($9 each) in…
Healdsburg
A friendly place to spend an afternoon with books, this little retailer has a good selection of fiction along with a co-op gallery. They have some music…
San Joaquin Valley
First, pose next to the giant Sun Maid statue next to the parking lot. Then wander in for free samples and a selection of snacks, cookbooks and touristy…
San Joaquin Valley
Ask Cindy the cheesemonger for thoughtful pairings with Lodi wines. If you want to make a weekend out of Lodi’s wine region, try one of the cooking…
San Luis Obispo
Brightly lit downtown shop sells vibrant contemporary pieces by California artisans, including jewelry, fiber arts, sculptures, ceramics and blown glass.
San Luis Obispo
Seriously stylish secondhand women’s fashions that match SLO’s breezy, laid-back coastal lifestyle, plus hand-picked handbags, coats and jewelry.
Central Coast
Step right up to the tasting bar to sample local growers' olive oils and fruit-infused balsamic vinegars. Also in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Napa
Finally, cutesy Wine Country souvenirs reasonably priced. The on-site wine bar is convenient for nonshopping companions.
Russian River Area
Ecofriendly bath products made with all-natural ingredients. Also offers facials ($79) and massages ($80) at its small on-site spa.
Monterey
Inside a historic 1920s cannery building, two floors are stacked high with beguiling flotsam and jetsam from decades past.
Central Coast
Sells bottled water, snacks and sundries and also contains the NPS visitor center.
San Luis Obispo
At this local outdoor outfitter, pick up anything from campstove fuel and tents to brand-name clothing and hiking boots.
Berkeley
Part of a San Francisco chain of music stores, this large space is full of new and used CDs, vinyl and DVD movies.
Sequoia National Park
Stock up on camping, fishing and outdoor-sports equipment at this chain store, less than a mile south of Hwy 198.
Russian River Area
Different kinds of tea and teapots, plus quality kitchen gadgets and well-priced tableware.
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Good place to stock up on a whole range of groceries, plus beer and wine and camp supplies.
Lone Pine
Rents bear canisters and crampons, and sells hiking, backpacking and climbing gear.
Russian River Area
In a former post-office building, this place sells cool art and antiques.
Lone Pine
Sells camping gear, clothing, fishing licenses (cash only) and maps.
Mono Lake Region
For camping and fishing supplies, groceries, liquor and gifts.
