In Long Beach, you're never far from a little retail therapy. This busy beachfront city is home to several large outdoor shopping areas and diverse neighbourhoods that are home to equally diverse retailers ranging from funky local spots to modern, big-name retailers. Whether you're in the market for the latest beach fashions or retro-cool vintage clothing, you'll find it in Long Beach.

The first stop for most visitors will be the Shoreline Village just off the soft sands of Cherry Beach, but don’t discount searching further afield for more niche retail options. Check out our guide to the best places to go shopping in Long Beach.

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    Shoreline Village

    Family fun along the boardwalk

    Shoreline Village
    • Shoppers

    Shoreline Village is a shopping and dining hub along the waterfront promenade in Long Beach. This is a focal point for visitors, with a classic beach vibe. Retail outlets include women’s fashion at Saga, homeware and crafts at Istanbul Home and funky souvenirs at The Beach House.

    Along with fantastic shopping options, you’ll find a host of fun attractions at Shoreline Village. Kids will love playing in the arcades, while the more adventurous can take to the sky on a 15-minute parasailing trip. You can rent bicycles here and cycle along the boardwalk, enjoying views of the ocean and the majestic Queen Mary across the bay.   

    Location: 429 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 562-435-2668

    Map
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    The Pike outlet stores

    Designer gear at discount prices

    The Pike outlet stores
    • Shoppers

    The Pike is the premier discount fashion destination in Long Beach, with Nike and Converse sporting goods stores, along with several fashion brands, including Forever 21, GAP, Levi’s and H&M. Other shops at The Pike sell sunglasses, beachwear, and souvenirs. Discounts of up to 50% are common, though the items are often from previous seasons.

    Along with several hours’ worth of shopping, you can dine at popular franchise restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Outback Steakhouse and Cold Stone Creamery. Another highlight at The Pike is a waterfront Ferris wheel that offers great views over the bay.

    Location: 95 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, California 90802, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 562-432-8325

    Map

    photo by Kimberly Diaz (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

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    4th Street Retro Row

    The centre of counter-culture in Long Beach

    4th Street Retro Row
    • Shoppers

    Searching for vintage clothing, furniture, or accessories? You'll find them along 4th Street, locally known as Retro Row. This is Long Beach's funky, artistic centre, and it's the perfect place to visit if you're looking for unusual shops and one-of-a-kind finds.

    You can browse the selection of mid-century modern furniture at Deja Vu, then head over to Meow to peruse fashion from the 1940s to 1980s. This is a place for the adventurous who are looking for unique shopping options that you just can’t find in most malls.

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    2nd Street in Belmont Shore

    Fun shopping just steps from the beach

    2nd Street in Belmont Shore
    • Shoppers

    In the beachfront community of Belmont Shore, most shops are clustered on or around 2nd Street. Along with a host of beachwear, you'll find national retailers like Banana Republic and White House Black Market, as well as the Long Beach branch of Buffalo Exchange, a consignment shop.

    Aside from clothing stores, the area is also home to speciality shops like Apostrophe Books and Luna, a funky shop selling creative gifts.

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    Bixby Knolls

    Suburban shopping for unique items

    Bixby Knolls
    • Shoppers

    Bixby Knolls is a mostly residential area that borders North Long Beach, California Heights, and the Interstate 405 highway. The neighbourhood is full of homes from the 1920s to 1940s, but hidden among them – primarily on Atlantic Avenue – you'll find dozens of independently owned boutique shops.

    Browse the fashion and jewellery at Clover Boutique or let the kids pick out a souvenir at Pixie Toys. First Fridays are a special treat, with local art and live, family-friendly entertainment most weeks. This is a great place to shop in Long Beach if you’re looking for great value.

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Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller