A Highlight of LA Tourism! Enjoy Souvenir Shopping in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, a quintessential beach city in Los Angeles, is a must-visit for any LA trip. With its blue ocean, palm trees, and bustling Third Street Promenade, every corner of this California-style town is picturesque.
One of the joys of visiting Santa Monica is ‘souvenir shopping.’ However, with high prices and the impact of the depreciating yen, many travelers might wonder, ‘Where should I buy things?’ or ‘I don’t want to spend too much on small gifts!’
That’s why we’ve carefully selected spots where you can efficiently find items that are sure to delight, even with limited time. From classic Route 66 merchandise to trending sports souvenirs and local supermarkets that offer a taste of everyday life, we’ll provide an in-depth guide with real reviews and the latest information!
Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle (Route 66 Gift Shop)
📍 Address: 404 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States
Located at the westernmost end of the iconic ‘Santa Monica Pier,’ this is a hidden gem known to those in the know. As its name suggests, it was originally a fishing tackle shop, and it still offers fishing rod rentals (from $4/hour) and bait for sale. But, in fact, the store is packed with souvenirs!
As it’s located at the ‘End of the Trail’ for the legendary Route 66, you’ll find a wide variety of commemorative goods such as magnets, keychains, and T-shirts featuring the iconic Route 66 sign. Despite being right in the heart of a tourist area, the prices are incredibly reasonable compared to other shops around the pier, with caps around $10 and magnets at two for $5, which is a huge hit with travelers.
True to the many reviews stating ‘It’s cheap here!’, this is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for bulk purchases or small gifts. Enjoy a chat with the friendly, local-feeling staff and take in the breeze on the 100-year-old pier.
Sand ‘n Surf
📍 Address: 131 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States
Just a short walk from the pier, on Broadway near the Third Street Promenade, ‘Sand ‘n Surf’ is a gift shop where you can experience authentic Southern California surf and skate culture.
The store is packed with West Coast-themed goods, from men’s and women’s apparel, hoodies, and caps, to keychains and mugs. Particularly popular are the numerous ‘California souvenirs.’ Besides classic items, you’ll find California-made grass sandals, OluKai shoes, and even small chocolate treats, making it a one-stop shop for gifts for the whole family.
Its charm lies in the warm, family-run service and a wide selection ranging from street brands to souvenir general merchandise. Many visitors have shared experiences like ‘I peeked into the storefront and hit the jackpot,’ making it highly recommended for those looking for sophisticated, Santa Monica-esque designs.
Dodgers Clubhouse
📍 Address: 1343 3rd Street Promenade SP1D, Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States
Highly popular among baseball fans and those seeking trendy souvenirs is the ‘Dodgers Clubhouse,’ located within the Third Street Promenade. As an official Dodgers shop, it boasts an overwhelming selection of merchandise, from jerseys and caps to tumblers and accessories.
The biggest highlight of this store is undoubtedly the ‘cap embroidery customization service’! This service, not available at stadium shops, allows you to order original embroidery of Shohei Ohtani’s jersey number or his beloved dog, ‘Dekopin,’ on the spot (completed in a few tens of minutes for an additional fee). Multiple versions of Ohtani’s embroidery are available, and by combining them with hat color variations not found in Japan, you can create a super rare, one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Don’t miss the commemorative caps featuring the championship logo or limited-edition collaboration T-shirts. You can avoid stadium crowds and take your time choosing sizes, plus prices are often slightly better than inside the stadium, so be sure to stop by while strolling through the city.
Trader Joe’s
📍 Address: 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States
A quintessential American souvenir spot is the organic supermarket ‘Trader Joe’s’ (commonly known as ‘TJ’s’). While Santa Monica has several locations, this Broadway store is the most easily accessible for tourists.
Located in the basement of the building, this compact store is packed with items perfect for small, take-home gifts. Especially popular among Japanese travelers are the original design eco-bags and canvas tote bags. They don’t take up much space in a suitcase and are stylish, making them an unbeatable item that will be appreciated no matter how many you buy.
Of course, don’t overlook the food items. Individually packaged flavored nuts, dried oranges, and attractively packaged chocolates and cookies are relatively affordable even with the weak yen. Enjoy a unique American supermarket experience while checking out daily essentials and seasonings loved by locals.
Essential Tips for Travelers! Santa Monica Souvenir Shopping
1. Choose Areas Based on Your Shopping Goals
To shop efficiently for souvenirs in Santa Monica, it’s best to divide your search into three main areas.
For ‘classic tourist souvenirs (magnets and T-shirts),’ head to the Santa Monica Pier area. For ‘fashion and sports goods,’ the Third Street Promenade vicinity is ideal. And for ‘small food and miscellaneous gifts,’ utilize supermarkets along Broadway or Wilshire (like Trader Joe’s) to enjoy shopping without wasting time.
2. Restrooms and Rest Stops
While the area around the Third Street Promenade is enjoyable with many benches and street performers, a drawback is the scarcity of easily accessible public restrooms in individual stores. If you need to use the restroom while shopping, ‘Santa Monica Place’ shopping mall is a reliable and safe option.
3. Smart Souvenir Choices in the Era of the Weak Yen
Currently, due to high prices in the U.S. and the depreciating yen, souvenirs at tourist spots might feel more expensive than expected. In such times, supermarkets become invaluable. Trader Joe’s paper eco-bags and dried fruits, for instance, are sure to be excellent, high-quality souvenirs on a budget!
