Shopping Santa Monica’s Neighborhoods

Cool Stores in Santa Monica

Santa Monica shopping covers the spectrum of options with celebrated destinations, from downtown’s Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place to upscale shops along Montana Avenue and the eclectic retail mix on Main Street. Each of the city’s eight neighborhoods offers a distinct character all its own.

Santa Monica Boutique Shopping

Santa Monica is known for its boutique shopping scene, which offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for visitors and locals alike. From trendy fashion to unique gift shops and artisanal food stores, Santa Monica’s shopping options are endless.

The city’s walkable streets and pedestrian-friendly promenade make it easy to explore the many shops, while also enjoying the beautiful coastal views. Whether you’re in search of high-end designer fashion or artisanal goods, Santa Monica boutique shopping scene has something for everyone.

Downtown Santa Monica

The world-famous al fresco Third Street Promenade shopping experience includes national stores, name brand clothing and boutiques in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. Soak up a colorful, upbeat scene filled with musicians and entertainers while basking in breezes from the nearby ocean.

Downtown / Third Street Promenade

The open-air Santa Monica Place offers dozens of specialty stores and a rooftop dining deck with ocean views and a variety of both casual and fine dining restaurants.

Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica Place

Main Street

Just two blocks from the beach, Main Street offers chic clothing and design stores, art galleries and a weekly farmers market just two blocks from the ocean, as well as the Santa Monica Walk-In Visitor Information Center. Here, many locals can be spotted walking their dogs, sipping coffee or gearing up for a surf session.

Main Street is also known for its thrift store scene. The street is lined with countless shops, each offering a diverse selection of second-hand treasures such as clothes, accessories, furniture, and home goods. Some of these stores support local charities, and the best part is the affordable prices for these one-of-a-kind finds.

person experiencing santa monica boutique shopping

Main Street

Mid-City

Mid-City is a growing arts district, with the 18th Street Arts Complex and Bergamot Station, which offers a haven for resale and consignment stores, many featuring top designers.

Mid-City

Bergamot Station

Montana Avenue

On the north end of town, Montana Avenue is a tree-lined European style boulevard – a luxurious shopping destination known for its exclusive stores as well as its popular bistros, cafes, bakeries and celebrity clientele.

Ocean Park Boulevard And Santa Monica Airport Area

Ocean Park is a friendly, artsy neighborhood with a wide variety of stores, galleries, coffee shops and a selection of unique restaurants. Interested in learning about aviation history? Head over to the Museum of Flying for the exhibits on the Douglas Aircraft and Santa Monica’s rich aviation past. For the collectors, the Santa Monica Airport Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market happens the 1st and 4th Sunday of each month.

Santa Monica Antique Market

Ocean Park Boulevard

Pico Boulevard

On the southern end of Santa Monica, Pico Boulevard features attractions like Santa Monica College’s performing arts venues and planetarium, as well as award-winning restaurants and a huge Saturday farmers market. The neighborhood offers a variety of under-the-radar shopping finds and unique art galleries.

Farmers Market

Lunetta

Santa Monica Pier Area And Ocean Avenue

On Ocean Avenue and the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll find shops and restaurants all set against the ocean. While on the Pier and Ocean Front Walk, you’ll find go-to spots for souvenirs and beach essentials.

What Shops Are on Santa Monica Pier?

Several shops can be found on Santa Monica Pier, including the Pier Shop, Marlene’s Beachcomber, Oatman Rock Shop and many more. These stores offer a variety of Santa Monica souvenirs and beachside essentials. Visitors can browse through the shops and find unique items to bring home as a memento of their trip to Santa Monica Pier.

santa monica pier shop and visitor center

Santa Monica Pier Shop & Visitor Center

Wilshire Boulevard

Spanning 15.8 miles from Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue to Grand Avenue in Downtown LA, Wilshire Boulevard offers a unique mix of boutiques and consignment stores along with many renowned restaurants. After a full day of shopping on Wilshire, make sure to reserve a spot at two-Michelin star restaurant, Mélisse, for a multi course culinary adventure.