89 Best Places to Shop in USA

Seattle's 6,000-square-foot flagship Filson store is a shrine to meticulously well-made outdoor wear for men and women. The hunting-lodge decor of the space, paired with interesting memorabilia and pricey, made-on-site clothing, makes the drive south of Pioneer Square worth it (we recommend catching a cab, not hoofing it). The attention to detail paid to the plaid vests, oil-treated rain slickers, and fishing outfits borders on the fetishistic.

The best-known brands in camp, beach, surf, and skate gear can be found at this flagship of Aloha Exchange, along with a good selection of locally designed graphic T-shirts and caps available exclusively here. Personalize your reusable water flask with a couple of their stickers as Island souvenirs. It's popular with locals, especially younger beachgoers.

Known for its wildly popular and often playfully colorful hiking sandals, boots, and water shoes, this spacious showroom occupies a splendidly restored 1907 steamship factory that also houses this eco-conscious company's headquarters. In addition to just about any kind of footwear you could need to tackle Pacific Northwest's great outdoors, you'll also find backpacks and messenger bags along with socks, pants, shirts, and other rugged outerwear.

Think of this store as a mini L.L.Bean, with a good selection of premier outdoor apparel and gear and knowledgeable staff to help with your selection. In addition, you can rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, bikes, camping gear, and winter sports equipment. Maine Sport also offers a roster of guided fresh- and saltwater canoe, kayak, SUP, and fishing trips and tours, plus biking and hiking tours.

There is also a shop on Main Street in Camden, plus a third location in Rockland.

Among Boulder's many outdoor equipment stores, Neptune is the longtime local favorite that has been outfitting Boulderites for rock climbing, skiing, camping, and mountaineering since 1973. It’s the real deal, and shopping here comes with a direct view of the Flatirons. The shop is home to one of the largest selections of climbing gear in the country, and it displays one of the largest collections of mountaineering artifacts in the world in its on-site museum. Bonus: Refuel on food, local beer, and coffee at the Neptune Café and Bar.

Although maybe not as popular as it was during its Nike Town days, this five-story store in the heart of Michigan Avenue is still a tourist attraction. Many visitors—including professional athletes—stop here to take in the sports memorabilia, road test a pair of sneakers, or watch the inspirational videos. 

Three floors stocked with brand-name exercise wear and all kinds of accessories, plus a super-knowledgeable staff working in the shoe department who give advice on what kind of footwear is right for you, make this a go-to for New Yorkers, whatever their sport. In-store offerings focus on the season, which means lots of swimwear in summer and ski goods in winter, but there's always plenty of running gear.

Denver's REI flagship store, one of four such shops in the country, is yet another testament to the city's adventurous spirit. The store's 94,000 square feet are packed with all stripes of outdoors gear and some special extras: a climbing wall, a mountain-bike track, a white-water chute, and a "cold room" for gauging the protection provided by coats and sleeping bags. There's also a Starbucks inside. Behind the store is the Platte River Greenway, a park path and water area that's accessible to dogs, kids, and kayakers.

It's impossible to miss the flagship and original Ron Jon: it takes up nearly two blocks along Route A1A and has a giant surfboard and an art deco facade painted orange, blue, yellow, and turquoise. What started in 1963 as a small T-shirt and bathing-suit shop has evolved into a 52,000-square-foot superstore that's open every day 'round the clock. The shop rents water-sports gear as well as chairs and umbrellas, and it sells every kind of beachwear, surf wax, plus the requisite T-shirts and flip-flops.

A unique shopping experience, The Hike House can not only outfit you from head to toe, they can also match you with a suitable and satisfying hiking itinerary through their interactive Trail Finder service. If you'd rather go on a guided hike, staff can arrange that as well. Grab some cookies, a smoothie, or some strong coffee at the coffee bar before hitting the trail.

This Alaskan-owned store is the go-to specialist for any gear having to do with, yep, mountaineering or hiking (plus packrafting, skiing, and more). Whether you're setting out on a series of day hikes or you're planning a serious climb, the knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right equipment for the task. Take the time to chat up the staff and you may hear some amazing Denali stories.

In a city that takes its yoga seriously, it only makes sense that this locally designed activewear brand would take its very first Los Angeles storefront to the next level. For Alo Yoga's flagship, that means an 8,000-square-foot space complete with an organic coffee bar and kombucha on tap. As for the clothing, the model-favorite line offers stylish leggings, sports bras, tanks, and more pieces that look as cool outside the fitness studio as they do during downward dog.

In business since 1983, Apocalypse makes its own specialized cold-weather clothing for dog mushers and other winter adventurers. Travelers from colder areas of the Lower 48 will appreciate the double-layer fleece mittens and the ultra-durable parkas, among other items.

The secluded liberal arts campus at Alaska Pacific University features a gear room offering low-cost equipment rentals to the public. Pick up items for overnight getaways or in-town adventures, including paddleboards, tents, kayaks, camp stoves, and avalanche gear. Items are limited, so call in advance, and keep in mind that it's open only on weekdays.

Just about all your sporting-goods needs can be met here.

One of the country's top outdoor-equipment retailers, Backcountry has a flagship store in West Valley City that comprises a small showroom and massive (200,000-square-foot) back room where you can shop or pick up products you've ordered online. Skiers, boarders, campers, and climbers all favor this place.

Find everything you need for outdoor recreation at The Base Camp, a longtime outfitter that rents camping gear, stand-up paddleboards, and cross-country ski equipment. They also offer clothing, books, maps, and are considered footwear specialists.

This two-level retail center sells upscale and everyday fishing equipment, resort clothing, sport-fishing art, and other gifts. It's worth a stop to climb aboard the Pilar, a replica of Hemingway's boat installed in the middle of the store. 

Stock up for all your adventures in the Interior at this store that sells the big names in backpacking, biking, paddling, and skiing gear.

Top-of-the-line ski and snowboard equipment and outerwear are sold at Big Sky Sports.

In downtown Great Falls, this outdoors specialty store carries everything from camping-stove fuel and freeze-dried food to ice-climbing equipment and kayaks. The store also rents canoes, kayaks, pack rafts, stand-up paddleboards, cross-country skis, skate skis, and snowshoes.

With everything from camouflage jackets and bathing suits to ice-hockey skates and fishing lures, the Blue Line Sport Shop can outfit you for most outdoor activities

This triathlon shop near the Bike Factory offers training gear and bike rentals, classes, and nutritional products. Inquire directly about the latest schedule of classes at the store, which is owned and operated by top athletes.

Hedges and trees shield British Sporting Arms, but it's worth seeking out for its country-squire inventory: hand-carved walking sticks, flasks, bird sculptures, and all manner of shooting-related items, including antique and modern long guns. Upstairs are leather outerwear and European tweed pieces, including one sweet favorite—a tweedy bonnet with a large, flat bow in back.

The folks who started this quintessential Vermont company also helped start snowboarding. The flagship store sells equipment and clothing.