Santa Cruz Shopping
When visiting or moving to a new place, it’s no secret that the locals know the best places to shop. No, we’re not talking about big box retail stores or malls. This page is about the real deal- those locally owned businesses you just have to visit. Here you’ll find the best of Santa Cruz shopping in antiques, gifts, fashion, and sporting goods (including surf shops).
Gifts & Antiques
1. Chaikhana Tea Culture
317A Cedar St (831) 423-4200 http://www.chaikhana-teaculture.com/
Are you looking to find loved teas and discover new ones? While specializing in Pu-ehr, Chaikhana carries a delightful collection of green, white, oolong, black, and red teas, mostly from China but also from Japan. Some certified organic tea available.
2. Saffron and Genevieve
910 Soquel Ave (831) 462-4506 http://saffronandgenevieve.com/
A feast for the eyes where you can shop for jewelry, birthday gifts, stationery, and furniture. You’ll always leave with something you love.
3. Mr Goodie’s Antiques & Collectibles
1541 Pacific Ave Suite A, (831) 427-9997
Winner of the Best Antique Store Award year after year from both Good Times and the Santa Cruz Weekly. Its diverse collection has a bit everything, so plan to stop by the friendly (pet-friendly too!) storefront and see for yourself.
4. Judi Wyant Antiques
1532 Pacific Ave, (831) 426-3215
A jewelry shop that specializes in estate and vintage jewelry.
5. Miss Jessie May’s Antiques & Collectibles
1533 Pacific Ave, (831) 458-9131
Great place to find gifts for friends and yourself! They host an eclectic selection of paintings, prints, books, and unique collectibles from various eras. Also, fine and costume jewelry.
6. Shen’s Gallery & Imports
2404 Mission St, (831) 457-4422 http://www.shensgallery.com/
Shen’s Gallery specializes in the finest Chinese furniture and decorative art, rare architectural relics, fine collectibles, and other Chinese art objects of investment quality, ranging from the 16th to the 20th century.
7. True Love Antiques & Vintage
805 Pacific Ave, (714) 847-3961
True Love is a quaint little shop sprinkled with authentic antique items and vintage decor. If nostalgia can be bought and sold, True Love is the place to find it.
8. Attilia’s Antiques
2630 Soquel Dr, (831) 475-6920
A great way to start your day of antiquing in Soquel! From knick-knacks to old signs and sentimental memorabilia, the shop stocks an ever-changing inventory of second-hand items; negotiations welcome.
9. Childish Santa Cruz
1718 Brommer St, (831) 454-8208 http://childishsantacruz.com/
Specializing in organic hemp and all- natural clothing as well as recycled items. They also have many vintage games, toys and misc. items.
10. Cherish the Thoughts
2131 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, (831) 465-0630
From a recent review: “This wonderful antique shop is unobtrusive, quaint, friendly, stylish, chic, organized, beautifully displayed, and ‘so beachy’.” Many reviews tout their great customer service.
11. Clearwater Bazaar
2131 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 465-0630
Your local, go-to spot for fun things that are funky-fresh. Search their household decorations and furniture, from grandfather clocks to disco balls. If you’re seeking something “out of the ordinary,” you’ll find it here.
12. Santa Cruz Picture Framing & Gallery
1430 Soquel Avenue, (831) 423-8029 http://santacruzpictureframing.com/
Owned by a noted Plein Aire painter in the Monterey Bay area, this shop offers framing, antiques, art exhibitions, and a beautiful gallery.
13. Rivendell
Squid Row Alley, Santa Cruz, CA, (831) 425-8522
Rivendell features ethnic textiles and carpets, interesting small furniture, jewelry, lamps, kimonos, natural-fiber clothing, teas, and one-of-a-kind items. High quality at outrageously affordable prices.
14. A & A Auction Galleries
115 B Harvey W Blvd, Santa Cruz (831) 476-1713 http://www.aaauctions.com/
A and A accepts consignments from private individuals, local attorneys, moving companies, storage units, and many local Furniture and Antique dealers in the area. Sales are 2 and 3 times each month, on Thursday Nights at 6:00.
15. Crawford Antiques
4401 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA (831) 462-1528
Crawford specializes in rustic country furniture and older antique pieces that the owners find from their shopping trips to Pennsylvania. Mostly larger pieces; call ahead because hours vary.
16. Edward & Sons Antiques
5025 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA (831) 479-7122 http://edwardandsonsantiques.com/
Owner Edward Hoffman offers the finest quality, hand crafted antiques and fine art from China, Japan, Europe, America and other parts of the world in his charming Soquel village shop.
17. Wisteria Antiques & Design
5870 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA (831) 462-2900 http://www.wisteriaantiques.net
Wisteria offers French country antiques, decorative accessories, paintings, artworks, tables, chairs, buffets, sofas, armoires, beds, chandeliers, mirrors, tabletop, pillows, quilts, plants, garden decor, topiaries, benches, fountains, arbors, decorative pots, and much more!
18. Soquel Village Antiques
4700 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA (831) 476-4747 http://www.soquelvillageantiques.com/
Offering 6,000 square feet and more than 30 dealers of antiques, furniture, lighting, art, glassware and more.
19. Betsy’s Summerhouse Antiques
409 Capitola Avenue, Capitola (831) 477-2109
Owner Betsy offers an eclectic diversity of antique and vintage pictures, art, decor, collectibles and more; many items fit the beach theme suggested by outdoor signage.
20. Slawinski Auction Company
251 Kings Village Road, (831) 335-9000 http://www.slawinski.com/
Slawinski auction house offers many high end items with an auctioneer who is fast and efficient. Regular auctions include antiques, real estate, on-site business liquidations, as well as fundraising for needy causes in the community.
21. Santa Cruz Echo
2544 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 247-4419 http://www.echoantiques.com/
Offering a collection that’s an artful mix of the romantic, the unruly, the timeless… the lost and found. Antique, Vintage, Mid Century, Retro, and Contemporary items.
22. Bluebird Lane
5011 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA (831) 464-3212 http://bluebird-lane.com/
Bluebird Lane offers gifts for the young & old including craft supplies, antique Czech glass jewelry, Schylling reproduction toys, as well as many handmade & upcycled treasures. They are the only authorized Sanrio Hello Kitty dealer in the Santa Cruz area.
Santa Cruz Fashion & Clothes Stores
1. Stripe Design Group
107 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 421-9252 http://www.stripedesigngroup.com/
Stripe is part interior design firm and part boutique selling a mix of vintage and new or re purposed home accessories, designer furniture, affordable clothing, gifts, and random household goods that are aesthetically pleasing and well designed.
2. Freeline Design Surf Shop
821 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-2950 http://freelinesurf.com/
This locally owned surf shop offers a wide selection of short boards, long boards, wetsuits, booties, surf leashes, ding repair supplies, and apparel for the surf and beach year-round. Their products include a full line of organic and sustainable surf wear.
3. Idle Hands
803 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 466-9305 http://www.idlehandsdrygoods.com
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, this store will deliver. Offering women’s and men’s fashions from local designers. Their mix of vintage and new pieces are reasonably priced, and many of their wares have a retro/hippie/70s vibe.
4. Cameron Marks Boutique
402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-3080 http://www.cameronmarks.com/
This small boutique offers high end women’s clothing with a European/New York feel. Come browse their carefully chosen selection of jewelry, clothes, bags, toys, and accessories; their products often feature local and emerging artists.
5. The Krate
1101 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 466-3865 http://thekrate.com/
Do you have a love of music and art? You’re sure to love this street-wear boutique! Their contemporary street fashion for both men and women includes labels such as Rebel 8, Upper Playground, and Stussy.
6. Bunny’s Shoes
1350 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-3824
Bunny’s Shoes is an upscale women’s footwear shop offering shoes of every style imaginable.
7. Bubble Lounge
110 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-3600 http://www.bubbleloungesc.com/
Located in the heart of downtown, the Bubble Lounge offers perfume, clothing, lingerie, purses, and accessories. Services include makeup, waxing, microdermabrasions, and electrolysis.
8. Skateworks
1125 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-4292 http://www.skateworks.com/
An industry recognized skate shop featuring skateboards, longboards, roller skates, roller derby skates and accessories, shoes, shirts, sweaters, hats, stickers, and wheels. Notable brands include Sector 9, Independent, Nike, Creature, Emerica, DVS, Fallen, Vans, Riedell, Anti Hero, and Santa Cruz.
9. Jade
1128 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-2244
Jade specializes in hard-to-find clothing items and takes pride in their selection of Australian and Canadian clothing designs. Merchandise includes jewelry, shoes, perfumes, dresses, handbags, wallets, shirts and jeans.
10. Camouflage
1329 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, (831) 423-7613 http://www.shopcamouflage.com
Camouflage offers a variety of fine lingerie, sexy clothing, and adult products.
11. Shoe Fetish
1360 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 454-0287
If you seek stylish, durable, and comfortable shoes, Shoe Fetish is the place. Brands sold include Donald Pliner, Cole Haaan, Gentle Souls, Franco Sarto, and DKNY.
12. Jedzebel
703 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-8004 http://www.jedzebel.com/
This locally owned shop carries their own store-brand clothes radiating a fun and funky feel. Check out their imported gifts and candle selection.
13. Cognito Clothing
821 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5414 http://cognitoclothing.com/
Menswear includes formal wear sales and rentals, gothic, renaissance, retro 1940’s-1980’s, rock-n-roll, rockabilly, & Hawaiian. Women can find the same as well as vintage originals and reproductions from all eras, wigs in many styles & colors, rhinestone jewelry & tiaras, and so much more.
14. Jewels On Pacific Avenue
1535 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 420-1441
Girly girl heaven! This fun and low-key boutique specializes in bridal-wear, but also features an elegant display of jewelry, apparel, and dresses.
15. Sway
110 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-9817
A must for the everyday fashionista! Sway offers an affordable variety of adorable threads, including sweaters, jumpers, short skirts, maxi dresses, shoes, and jewelry.
16. Sockshop & Shoe Company
1515 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-6101 http://www.sockshopandshoeco.com/
This unique independent shoe store features an extensive selection of comfort shoes, and houses the widest variety of socks and tights you’ve ever seen.
17. Hat Company of Santa Cruz
1346 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9585
Something for everyone, from the little old lady in the “Red Hat Society” to the modern “it” girl’s choice of style.
18. Eco Goods
1130 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-5758 http://www.ecogoods.com/
An environmental general store offering entirely “eco” products ranging from clothes to house wares, all selected based on their earth friendly merits.
19. Wallflower Boutique
103 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-3526 http://www.shopthewallflower.com/
This boutique offers an eclectic twist on young contemporary and urban boho-chic; featuring a combination of hand-selected current trend apparel, accessories, and jewelry along with handmade goods by small independent artisans.
20. Leatherwise
303 Potrero St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-3560 http://www.leatherwise.com/
Leatherwise is a combination retail and service shop providing tools and supplies for leather workers while also selling leather goods they make (check out the children’s moccasins!)
Sporting goods
1. Running Revolution
1664B Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 462-8228 http://www.runrevcruz.com/
Before each sale is made, specialists at Running Revolution interview customers to determine their goals and health history. They analyze your arch, and film your walk on the treadmill to analyze body movements. This in-depth process sets Running Revolution apart and guarantees you get the perfect shoe.
2. Another Bike Shop
2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-2232 http://anotherbikeshop.com/
Another Bike Shop carries bikes for all ages and needs, featuring mountain bikes, kids bikes, push bikes, commuter bikes, cruisers, Tag-a-longs, and child seats. Their well-equipped service department offers a wide range of mechanic service.
3. The Bike Church
703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-2453 http://bikechurch.santacruzhub.org/
The Bike Church is a community- supported organization that makes it easy and affordable to get your bicycle back on the road. Customers are encouraged to learn and do the mechanical work themselves with the help of friendly staff.
4. Electric Sierra Cycles
302 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-1593 http://www.electricrecbikes.com/
Electric Sierra Cycles sells electric bikes, scooters, trikes, recumbents, and more. Whether you seek whole bikes, or parts and accessories, they can handle all of your bicycle needs.
5. Sprockets
1420 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7623 http://www.sprocketsbikes.com/
Sprockets offers a full selection of road, mountain, and family bicycles, riding clothes, safety gear, parts and accessories. Their on-site mechanic can keep your bike running smoothly.
6. Down Works
222 River St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-9078 http://www.downworks.com
Downworks has been the go-to store for camping enthusiasts since 1974. Not only do they make their own line of sleeping bags, quilts and clothing, but they also feature major brands such as Osprey packs, North Face, Sierra Design, and Montbell.
7. Covewater Stand Up Paddle
726 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 600-7230 http://covewatersup.com/
Covewater SUP provides stand up paddleboarding equipment, accessories, classes and rentals.
8. Arrow Surf Shop
2324 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8286 http://www.arrowsurfshop.com/
A surf shop that actually sells surfboards! Genius. Not only will you find rad surfboards, but they also carry skate decks and tons of clothing.
9. Family Cycling Center
914 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-3883 http://www.familycycling.com/
A bicycle shop for everyone from beginners to professional level; their 8,000 square foot showroom features brands such as IBIS, Electra, Schwinn, and more.
10. Bill’s Bike Repair
2630 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 477-0511 http://billsbikerepair.com/
Offering repairs and tune- ups for most bikes at reasonable prices.
11. Rip Curl Surf Shop
1604 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 454-0360 http://www.ripcurl.com/
Looking for a great shop that’s close to the beach but not swarmed with tourists? This great store sells its own brand of wetsuits, surf wear, snowboard, mountain wear, board bags, board covers, backpacks, and wallets. Excellent stock of ladies’ clothing.
12. Spokesman Bicycles
231 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-6062 http://www.spokesmanbicycles.com/
This bike shop is known for working with you to find the right product for your needs. Voted Best Bicycle Shop by readers of The Good Times, Spokesman also sells clothing, accessories and second-hand bikes.
13. Santa Cruz Skate & Surf Shop
912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 462-3120
Serving surfing and skating enthusiasts since 1969, this award-winning surf and skate shop features a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and equipment from leading surfing and skating brands.
14. Dave’s Custom Bikes
910 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8923 http://santacruzcustombikes.com/
Dave’s loyal following is due to their knowledgeable and friendly service creating purpose-built bikes specificially to the needs of the rider. Expert and affordable bike repair service also available.
15. Santa Cruz Boardroom
825 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 464-2500 http://www.santacruzboardroom.com/
In addition to their supply of hard-to-find boards and gear, the Boardroom also stocks clothing, shoes, socks, hats and more.
16. Pacific Ave Cycles
318 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 471-2453
This hybrid bike repair/retail shop offers new, used and consignment models from brands such as BMX, Dirt Jumper, Fit Bike Co., S & M, United, Black Market and Haro.