9 Best Places to Shop in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Elaina Garcia is Catalina's celebrity mermaid. After rescuing a drowning diver near Catalina's coast, she soon appeared on Inside Edition, People Magazine and The Drew Barrymore Show. As a certified PADI diver, she took the next step to become a PADI-certified mermaid. Her store in Avalon has a photo studio for guests to don a colorful mermaid tail and shell bra for a keepsake photoshoot. Mermaids can also have photos taken at scenic rocky seascapes, or on a sandy beach. Elaina also offers professional mermaid instructor courses and professional mermaid swim classes for ages six and up. Her mission emphasizes water safety and drowning prevention. Her gift shop sells jewelry and other mermaid-related items.

Avalon's favorite candy store (since 1941) still has the iconic salt water taffy–pulling machine in the front window. Besides selling Lloyd's Famous Salt Water Taffy, they sell fresh bakery items, gourmet candy apples, fudge, coffee, frozen drinks, and ice cream.

The outdoor Fashion Island mall is designed with archways, courtyards, koi pond, fountains, and a mix of high-end shopping and chain stores. Multiple dining venues include Fleming's Steak House, True Food Kitchen, and Sushi Roku. Well-known department store anchors include Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's; smaller shops include See's Candies and boutiques like Brandy Melville. The newest addition is the four floor RH Newport Beach design gallery filled with sparkling chandeliers, indoor and outdoor furniture, heritage olive trees, and trickling fountains. At the rooftop is RH Ocean Grill offering sweeping views of the California coastline. Enjoy a glass of wine or Champagne from the wine bar while enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner.

The stretch of 2nd Street that runs through Long Beach's tony residential neighborhood of Belmont Shore is a paradise for lovers of unique boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries, and well-curated secondhand shops. When you're done hunting for that perfect souvenir, stop in at any of the strip's plethora of restaurants and bars, explore the neighboring streets of historic bungalows and mini mansions, or head a few blocks to the beach. Young families flock to Bayshore Beach at the east end of the strip for the protected, flat waters of the marina, while those seeking the classic ocean beach experience make their way south to Belmont Shore's eponymous strand of sand.

Get your sugar fix at the time-warped Candy Baron, filled with old-fashioned goodies like gumdrops, licorice, bull's-eyes, sugar-free candies, and more than 50 flavors of saltwater taffy.

This Mediterranean-inspired upscale strip mall offers a mix of well-known storefronts such as Banana Republic and Trader Joe's, plus unique boutiques, Blk Dot Coffee, and popular restaurants including Javier's, Mastro's Ocean Club, and Bear Flag Fish Co. 

The largest surf-gear source in town is Huntington Surf and Sport, right across from Huntington Pier. Surfboard rentals are $15 an hour or $50 a day for hard boards, while soft-top boards are $10 per hour or $30 a day.

Located in Crystal Cove's Historic District, The Park Store carries fine art works by local plein air artists, as well as sea glass and ocean-themed jewelry, children's toys, snacks, and beach toys and apparel.

This shopping center features surf shops, western wear, and clothing stores. Visit River Street Ranch petting farm at this new entertainment complex.