From Clothing Boutiques to Neighborhood Co-Ops, Here’s Where to Shop in One of Our Favorite Seaside Towns
If “browsing” was a career path, I’d hang up my editor hat and spend my days in boutiques. There’s something so satisfying about shopping small, and while I love a good trip to OC’s Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza (hello, designer labels!), I’m also a big believer in putting your money where your heart is.
Last year, I planted roots in the seaside town of Laguna Beach, and ever since, I’ve been cruisin’ and perusin’ the many small shops that dot this coastal enclave of Orange County. So, similar to a Laguna Beach bar crawl (sans cocktails), I’ve curated the perfect shopping guide to Laguna Beach. From stylish boutiques and vintage outposts to neighborhood co-ops and dreamy decor shops, consider this your local guide to exploring the hidden-gem retail scene of one of my favorite seaside towns.
Tuvalu
Situated on the corner of Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street in the heart of downtown, Tuvalu is where coastal dreams come true. This home decor shop in Laguna Beach is chock-full of driftwood furnishings, coffee table books, throw pillows, candles and more. Hues of blue, beige and white fill the store, bringing the beach lifestyle indoors. The entire store is staged like a coastal cottage, making it fun to browse and search for your next treasure. Founder Laurie Alter even offers complete, turnkey design and decorating services should you want an expert’s eye.
AMĒNAH
With one peek into AMĒNAH, it’s clear that founders Amelia Shales and Hannah Levy (whose names together spell Amēnah) know their fashion. Every item here is sourced with integrity, and the boutique is dedicated to celebrating the individuality of women of all shapes and sizes. With backgrounds in creative fields, the duo has built partnerships with a range of artisans, designers and makers, collaborating to craft exclusive items that are available only in their shop. Pop in and peruse everything from homewares and ceramics to candles, sustainably sourced furniture and locally made jewelry. And don’t leave without checking out the new charm bar, where you can customize your own charm necklace or bracelet!
The Salt Horse
Miss the Saturday morning farmer’s market? Don’t fret. The Salt Horse in Laguna Beach offers a swoon-worthy selection of seasonal goods and provisions. This specialty market takes pride in connecting the community to the land by providing produce from local farms—including Bluebird Canyon Farms—and small-batch goods made with love. Bring your tote bag and stop by to snag fresh fruit and veggies, a few pantry staples and charcuterie board essentials. They even have farm boxes available for purchase, so you can get the season’s best provisions delivered straight to your door.
The Garage Collective
As a whole, Laguna Beach is an ode to laid-back California living, and The Garage Collective perfectly captures that barefoot luxury lifestyle. Everything from knitted throws to ceramic kitchen essentials line the shelves of this shop, and if it were up to me, my whole house would be filled with goodies from The Garage Collective’s local makers. The shop has a permanent home at The Old Pottery Place on Pacific Coast Highway, but it all started when owner Kristin Miracle-Lewis and a few friends started hosting pop-ups out of their garages. Today, the brick-and-mortar store showcases a vibrant array of goods from artists, makers and creatives.
Soulshine
A treasure trove of retro apparel, furniture, art and more, Soulshine is a creative oasis, but if you weren’t looking hard enough, you could miss it. The shop sits behind Chakra Shack and Adolfo’s Mexican Food, and that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem. Venture in and browse the work of talented Southern California artists as you soak in the nostalgia of this Laguna Beach boutique. Be sure to also check their events page for upcoming happenings, which include vintage sidewalk sales and ceramics workshops!
Laguna Supply
Laguna Supply is a sun-drenched boutique where owners Laura Hart and Dana Marron use their fashion-savvy eyes to curate an inventory that speaks to the effortlessly chic style of the OC coastal girl. This carefully edited collection includes breezy Isabel Marant prints, elegant Ulla Johnson dresses and tailored Nili Lotan trousers. Accessories, such as Clare V. totes and made-in-LA Janessa Leoné hats, complement the racks of apparel, striking the perfect balance between beachy and sophisticated.
Willbo
Perched on the north end of Laguna lies Willbo’s flagship store. With a mission to “celebrate the magic and wonder of life in the West,” this small but mighty shop is a coastal dweller’s dream. The name Willbo is a fusion of the owners’ (and brothers!) names, combining “Will” with Robbie’s middle name, “Bowen.” It reflects the fond memories of their childhood and the playful nicknames we adopt throughout life. Pop in, and you’ll fall head over heels for the assortment of California-inspired apparel and accessories.
Local Insight: Willbo sustainably sources only the finest materials and upholds ethical manufacturing practices, making it an eco-conscious destination for all things California cool.
Bluebird Mercantile
Laguna Beach is known for its arts scene, and Bluebird Mercantile embraces creatives of all kinds. At this quaint co-op on Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll find a stunning assortment of goods, ranging from handmade ceramics to cheeky greeting cards and vintage apparel. Peruse the shelves of this shop and pick out a charm necklace from artist and designer Meredith Waterstraat, snag a vintage tee from LA-based brand Super Ready or take home a new set of mugs from Double M Pottery. This Laguna Beach shop has a little bit of everything, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts.
