Unique Shops

Many of Santa Monica’s most unique shops can be found on Montana Avenue, Main Street and Wilshire Boulevard. All of these areas are lined with independent boutiques and shops ranging from eco-friendly apparel to home goods and curated gift items.

Montana Avenue Shops

On Montana Avenue there’s Moondance Jewelry Gallery, where an array of jewelry sparkles – from high end to more affordable. This neighborhood boutique garners rave reviews for its creations by local artists and for its own expertly curated line, Yasmeen. A great stop for handmade ceramic and wooden home goods is Goodies, a shop where each item is unique and nothing is over $25. Also on Montana Avenue is Field Guide, a home decor destination with offerings from plants and planters to Palo Santo bundles and incense. If you find yourself getting hungry, Andrew’s Cheese Shop is the perfect stop to pick up a gourmet sandwich or a picnic basket for your day (or night) at the beach. All baskets and to-go boxes include a baguette, a selection of cheeses, and plastic utensils. Andrew’s Cheese Shop also frequently has events, such as grilled cheese and beer nights, which you can find out more about on their website.

Main Street

One of the many local independent shops on Main Street is Blow Me, a candle shop with not only handmade, small-batch, sustainable vegan candles, but also accessories, enamel pins, stickers, apparel and more. Another of the unique shops on Main Street is Lost & Found, which actually has two stores on Main Street. One sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories from independent designers, while the other—Lost & Found Home—has a carefully curated selection of home goods from local and global artisans. Some of the items at the latter shop include pillows, rugs, glasses, baskets, books and candles. While you’re on Main Street, don’t miss out on browsing the vintage and collectible books at Angel City Books, which also offers vinyl record albums.

Main Street

Main Street Shops

Wilshire Boulevard

While Wilshire Boulevard is lined with numerous mainstream stores, it’s also home to independent shops such as The Acorn Store, just below Wilshire on 5th Street in Downtown Santa Monica, which is a specialty toy shop that sells only wooden toys, giving parents plenty of options when shopping for eco-friendly and non-toxic items for their children. The store offers plenty of small toys, too—especially good to know if you’re looking to pack some souvenirs for the trip home.

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard Shops

Santa Monica Farmers Markets

Lastly, there are a number of Santa Monica farmers markets beyond just the popular Downtown Santa Monica farmers market on Saturday mornings. What’s unique about these is that they feature foods and other products exclusively from local farmers and designers. Some of the other Santa Monica farmers markets include a Wednesday morning farmers market in downtown, as well as a Saturday morning market on Pico and Sunday morning market on Main Street. Local growers at these markets often sell more than just fruits and vegetables. Many artisans and local businesses also make themselves available at the markets to give shoppers a “one-stop” shopping experience, making it feel all the more local and unique. Additionally, the Main Street farmers market on Sundays features entertainment such as live music, arts and crafts.