San Diego
Friendly surfer dudes staff the counter at this beach-apparel and surf-gear shop that carries a good selection of Quiksilver, Hurley, Billabong and O…
Must-see shopping in California
San Diego
Big-name retailers such as Calvin Klein and Coach, and purveyors of everything from cookware to jeans, have off-price boutiques among the 50 shops here…
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…
West Hollywood & Mid-City
A bright and funky boutique selling sportswear – blinged-up and fashion-forward: tiger prints, punked-out angels and teddy bears and yellow rose motifs,…
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…
Coastal Orange County
Teenie Wahine, Roxy and Billabong jostle for attention at this bustling store for girly tweens to college-age beach babes. It’s packed to the rafters with…
Greater Palm Springs
Now owned by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, this outfit has sold dried fruit, nuts, dates and related products since 1931 and also helped popularize…
San Diego
Temecula Olive Oil Company offers free samples of its herb- and citrus-infused oils, some pressed from the same types of olives that Spanish priests…
Joshua Tree National Park
From Joshua Tree shirts to locally made jewelry, and books to cactus candy, this cute shop covers all your souvenir cravings. Sweaty hikers can clean up…
Santa Barbara
This busy open-air mall is anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom department stores and offers all the usual clothing, accessories and beauty chains you could…
South Bay Beaches
A cute beachy boutique selling Toms shoes, organic beauty products, colorful beach bags, flip-flops, terry-cloth boy shorts, cut offs, blousey throws,…
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…
Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley
In the thick of the Old Town Pasadena shopping district is this smart sneaker depot sporting rare, imported and generally colorful and stylish high tops,…
Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
An affordable and worthy boutique with sporty denim and skirts, jewelry and droopy hats, baby-doll dresses, scarves, sequined boots and purses, and some…
Greater Palm Springs
Though smaller than the adjacent Desert Hills Premium Outlets, this mall still flaunts covetable brands such as Adidas, Columbia and Guess.
Santa Ynez Valley
Wranglers and prairie babes should mosey over to Jedlicka’s for name-brand boots – Lucchese, Justin and Tony Lama – as well as genuine cowboy hats, jeans…
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…
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
One of the many creative and casual designer boutiques in the Malibu Country Mart. We particularly like the footwear: shoes, sneakers and rhinestone…
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…
Santa Ynez Valley
For truly fine furnishings, antique clocks and music boxes, decorative art and jewelry from around Europe and America, step inside this museum-like…
San Diego
An upscale showroom filled with the collections of eight creatives, find books on design, unusual lamps, clocks, wall hangings, rugs, furniture and more.
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.
San Diego
If you need something to wear to dinner, this store carries a good selection of contemporary and vintage fashions, including designer labels.
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.
San Diego
Premier shops here include Apple, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Zara, H&M and Nike, plus department stores Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Napa
Finally, cutesy Wine Country souvenirs reasonably priced. The on-site wine bar is convenient for nonshopping companions.
Santa Monica
Purveyor of the beachy, bohemian look for ladies, in swimwear, sweaters, dresses, activewear and more. It's based here in Santa Monica.
San Diego
The smallest of the three Mission Valley malls, with Barnes & Noble, Joe’s Crab Shack, Starbucks and Yogurtland among others.
Russian River Area
Ecofriendly bath products made with all-natural ingredients. Also offers facials ($79) and massages ($80) at its small on-site spa.
West Hollywood & Mid-City
The Mid-City branch of LA’s top limited-edition and imported sneaker store offers the smoothest kicks this side of Tokyo.
San Diego
The UN Gift Shop sells globally minded crafts, jewelry and souvenirs, donating profits to worldwide children’s charities.
