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Retail Playground

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FROM GENUINE CALIFORNIA SURF SHOPS AND CHARMING NEIGHBORHOOD BOUTIQUES TO MAJOR OUTDOOR SHOPPING CENTERS, YOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF FASHION STATEMENTS, VINTAGE FINDS, AND UNIQUE SOUVENIRS IN HUNTINGTON BEACH TO TAKE HOME

5 Points Plaza

A favorite since 1961, the vibe here is old school HB—a classic mix of retail and dining, 40 establishments in all. Shop at this insider’s locale, featuring both independently owned stores along with big-name shops and restaurants. Generations of families have been coming to the oldest and most trusted shopping center for decades, and it’s a great way to experience local flavor too. 18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 858-255-4914, 5pointsplaza.com

Bella Terra

A major outdoor retail and entertainment center with a coastal-casual style, Bella Terra features more than 75 retail stores and restaurants, plus a state-of-the-art, stadium-style movie theater. A staple in Huntington Beach for many years, Bella Terra only recently evolved into the beautiful complex that it is today. Whether you are looking for unique gift shops, surf and sports apparel, or something for the great outdoors, you’ll find it here. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-897-2534, bellaterra-hb.com

Main Street In Downtown Hb

Since the city was officially incorporated way back in 1909, Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway has been the historic heart of Huntington Beach and a go-to place for local shopping. Over the years, it has evolved from functional outlets like hardware stores and radio repair shops to now must-see surf shops, local boutiques, and cutting-edge modern surf wear. Main Street has always been the place to be, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon. 714-536-8300, hbdowntown.com

Pacific City

Just wait until you see the views while you shop and eat at this modern gem of a place. Pacific City is a relatively new addition to Surf City USA®, offering a mix of local retail and entertainment centers. Bursting with cutting-edge stores and fine dining overlooking the ocean, you can easily spend an entire day here and shop to your heart’s delight. There are also a variety of health and beauty spots to help you look and feel your best. A callback to Huntington Beach’s original name prior to 1909, Pacific City represents a beautiful and bustling coastal experience that attracts visitors from Orange County and beyond. 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-930-2345, gopacificcity.com

The Strand

Just steps away from the Pier, The Strand in Huntington Beach is at the center of all the action. Formerly called 5th & PCH, the reimagined destination features an eclectic mix of shops and eateries that embody the authentic surfing lifestyle and culture. Look for swimwear at Merilee’s or Rip Curl, and spoil your pup at the upscale doggie boutique Top Dog Barkery. Grab a casual bite at Chicken in a Barrel or Grater Grilled Cheese, and enjoy the oceanfront nightlife at Brightwaters Wine Bar or HQ Gastropub. 120-180 5th St., Huntington Beach, 949-698-1542, boardwalkinvest.com/the-strand

Shops With A View

Huntington Beach has numerous oceanfront shopping experiences such as the posh mall Pacific City, where visitors will find high-end boutiques, weekly live entertainment, and children’s events.

ECO-FRIENDLY & SPLURGE-WORTHY

Where beauty and protecting the environment are business as usual

The Bella Moon

Formerly Meleesa the Salon, this reborn space, now run by Melissa Atchison as The Bella Moon, continues its mission to create beauty without waste.

Some of the salon’s green practices include donating hair clippings for oil spill cleanups, recycling/ repurposing hair foils and plastics, and diverting unused dyes away from its waterways.

21501 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach, 714-969-7199, thebellamoon salon.com

Inis Energy By The Sea

Named after the Irish word for island, Inis’s flagship store in downtown Huntington Beach offers shoppers premium fragrances, body moisturizers, gifts, and travel size items. Featuring products with ingredients harvested from the cold, pristine waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, the company is most notably dedicated to ocean conservation and protecting the world’s dolphins and whales. 300 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-969-0090, inis.com

Primal Elements

Based in Huntington Beach, Primal Elements has evolved from one kitchen into a 25,000-square-foot facility that produces handmade glycerin soaps, candles, and personal care items. Founded in 1993 by Faith and Scott Freeman, the international brand is committed to creating eco-friendly products that use renewable resources, are not tested on animals, and contain no animal ingredients.

18062 Redondo Circle, Huntington Beach, 800-434-8277, primalelements.com

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is still one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California. It’s officially part of Huntington Beach now, and it’s a wonderful place to wander and soak up some vintage beach vibes. Positioned along Pacific Coast Highway south of Seal Beach, you’ll find antique stores with nautical themes, great local establishments that have been popular for decades, and interesting shops that reflect the neighborhood’s folksy, small-town personality. Make some time, at least half a day, to explore this wonderful little stretch of classic California.

Nearby Luxury

Venture down Pacific Coast Highway, about 10 miles south from Huntington Beach, to Fashion Island (fashionisland.com), one of the largest open-air centers in the U.S. Boasting nearly 200 exquisite stores and restaurants and perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, the views are as amazing as the shopping.

Head inland, about 10 miles east, to South Coast Plaza (southcoastplaza.com), and you’ll hit the largest shopping center on the West Coast. Most of its 275 retailers, from charming boutiques to major department stores, specialize in luxury offers such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Buccellati, and Audemars Piguet. (And you never know what celebrity you might see here!)

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