Capitola Seashells

Really liked this shop! From the eclectic blend of reasonably-priced merchandise to the friendly…read moreservice. I did read the reviews of the store in Carmel - wowzers. I did not experience the level of horrible customer service that Yelpers complained about at this location. I bought a fun scarf - kind of like a cheap knock off of the striped Missoni-style scarves. They were only $7.50! Acrylic of course. Great spot to buy a unique souvenir or a gift for someone. Highly recommend!

This is the capitola edition of the carmel bay company, located just a block off the beach…read more Parking is street only which sometimes (weekdays in the winter) possible at other times (weekends, the entire summer/tourist season) the rarest commodity on earth. There is a surface lot a block (off of Monterey) away that has all the same problems as the street parking. Generally speaking I like the odds that the lot behind the police station offers, but in peak tourist season you'd best plan ahead for parking. This is a medium ish sized store very typical in layout for the shops that line this block close to the beach. The entrance faces the street, and the stock is laid out through the store with the cashier at the back. It will seem narrow but isn't really. The stock falls into mid range giftables. It's not a super expensive spot where you can blow 500 dollars on a purse but is the kind of spot where you can pick up a decent clutch for 40 bucks or so. Most of the items fall into the home décor category with a mild beach theme. There are inspirational books, wine accessories, all sorts of beach gear, light clothing, candles, leather craft goods, cups, and yes magnets because of course there are. Overall it's a reliable source of better quality gifts then you'll find elsewhere on the esplanade, the kind of things that won't embarrass you when you get home.

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Book

Ethos

4.8(28 reviews)

I've been here twice and last time my daughter and I purchased the witch hazel. She liked it and…read morewe came back today to refill it. While they were out of the specific formula we purchased another and the lady working was very helpful and kind. Her name was Mafer and she made our experience special with her outstanding customer service! This store is truly unique and has many products at reasonable prices. I would return especially because of Mafer.

I came here for a specific sunscreen after a friend recommended. (If curious it's Avasol.) I wanted…read moresomething that had clean ingredients and easy to apply for the kids. There are a ton of clean options and bulk refills for your reusable bottles. I ended up grabbing a chapstick too. It's a great shop and a fun change of the typical shops in the village. The only downside is getting through the village. I would love if they opened earlier in the summer to grab some things before it gets busy.

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Craft Gallery

4.7(31 reviews)

Totally online/phone experience. I can't say enough good things about this place…read more I was looking for a specific bracelet. The online search terms bring up a lot of irrelevant info bc it's named after an insect. So I narrow my search and find what I'm looking for. I had to call to verify bc I had a bad experience with another online transaction with another company. I wish I could remember who I spoke with. She was so nice! She verified she had what I was looking for & I told her I would order online later in the day (my lunch hour was ending). She said she would set it aside (going the extra mile!). I ended up calling back bc it was getting late & I didn't want her to think I was blowing her off. She ended up taking my order over the phone and was able to locate some other pieces I was looking for. I said "no rush" on the shipping bc I didn't need it for Christmas. I actually received it on 12/24 with a "happy birthday" note on my receipt. Really great buying experience & I received my beautiful bracelet in time for my birthday. Thanks for a flawless experience!

This little shop is a true gem to find. Amazing wonderful Art and Jewelry. Nice friendly staff, my…read morefamily and I felt very Welcomed. Greatly appreciate their opinions and suggestions. It was truly hard to Not buy so many wonderful items. Excited to share this place with others.

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Firefly Dolce Vita bracelet

Lumen Gallery

4.4(20 reviews)

I've been buying client gifts, beloved art, candles, jewelry and textiles from Cierra for over a…read moredecade (since she opened her gallery in 2012). Even when I order holiday gifts for multiple clients, she always takes the time to wrap them beautifully and hand-write notes on my behalf. Please don't let a single negative review here put you off, you'll be in good hands with Cierra and Lumen Gallery.

We came in intending to stroll and buy a few art pieces but were rejected almost right away. The…read moreyoung woman at the front was very judgmental. I had my son in a stroller, and without hesitation her judgmental side came out. There was no "Hi, is there anything I can help you with?" it was essentially "leave, since you have a child in a stroller." Cool, whatever. I'll take my business elsewhere. The whole experience felt gross and weird. For a second I even wondered if the judgment was because I'm darker skinned with a light skinned child, who knows. Anyone with kids: I'd say stay away. This place is clearly not kid friendly.

One of our Faves!

Of course we are always full of Chilewich Shag mats!

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Our vast collection of Pendleton Towels.

Sea Level

4.3(8 reviews)

0.1 mi

Good selection of adult novelty souvenir tee shirts (work safe adult - not *that* kind of "adult")…read moreat acceptable tourist location prices ($26 OTD). They had a few other things such as kid's tees, baby onesies, postcards, etc. But predominantly t-shirts here. Service was helpful and she was far more polite to the non-mask wearing women who walked in after us than I would have been (FYI, I loathe the dumb mask but generally, rules are rules).

1. Don't shop here because the clothes are cheap material and over priced for what you get. Trust…read moreme you can get better quality down the way. Just keep walking! 2 ( and most importantly) The woman they have working AS THE CASHIER is rude AF. She should definitely be fired because her customer service is A-palling . If this is how she treats half of the customers that walked by there good luck getting any business. The woman is terrible. I am SHOCKED at the level of customer service of this place! My son, who was NOT in the establishment waved at a dog inside the store. She yells to him VERY RUDELY "watch out for your ice cream" and so I looked at her and said "he's not inside the store" Her response " I don't care , I don't want it there" EXCUSE ME? Don't talk to me like that or my son and secondly you don't own the sidewalk you idiot. Some people! Seriously, the owners need to reconsider hiring someone else if they want more business. And if she is the owner (which I doubt) good luck staying in business. You have a lot to learn about running one.

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Capitola Mercantile

3.0(7 reviews)

The rudest I've ever been treated. The owner of the new place treated me like an adversary, not a…read morecustomer. I look forward to their karma causing their failure.

Josh is the property manager here and extorted money tonight by having our car towed because it was…read moreslightly over the line because another car was parked incorrectly. Santa Cruz aptos auto towing was rude, used fowl language when we asked questions and the owner was slurring his words. Zelda Manager apologized that Josh would do this to 4 senior citizens. Beware of this set up in this parking lot. Police will do nothing because it's privately owned for public parking. A scam for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josh's number is 831-8189593

BFF Boutique: Vintage & Recycled Fashions

Om Rhythms love this store

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She Sells Seashells and More

Outside-In

3.2(58 reviews)

2.3 mi

•$$$

This was a lovely store that had so much to offer. This cute shop was packed full of clothing, home…read moredecor, and other wonderful items. After reading previous review reviews, I was a little apprehensive, walking in knowing what many others had experienced with their customer service. I will say when I walked in there was somebody who promptly greeted me and my husband, when we walked in and made some small talk. As we peruse the store, I did experience a little of what other people were saying as the employee seemed to keep popping up to chat with us as we per the store. I can understand why some customers may think that it may come off as the employees are watching you while you shop. I don't think that was what was happening at all. I think they were trying to definitely just be more friendly and welcoming, but I think they do need to tone down how many times they pop up while you are walking around the store. All of the items they have to offer are a fabulous quality and definitely a great spot to pick up gifts for others. When I'm in the area, I will definitely pop in and shop again.

This store has a ton of unique items that are PERFECT for gifting. I wish I found this shop before…read moreChristmas. The price point is expensive but expected at a small boutique store such as this. I could spent hours in here looking at all of the different items. My friend was coming in to exchange an item or swap it out for another item. After shopping around and finding another jacket that she liked we inspected the jacket because it was white and we wanted to make sure it was free of damage. We came across black marks on all of these white jackets and brought it up to an employee at the front. They attempted to clean it with a paper towel and maybe water? But unfortunately no luck. They mentioned that she could try to clear it with upholstery cleaner after she purchased it but at the price point of over $100 my friend decided to pass. She ended up returning her item and receiving store credit. The reason for my 3/5 rating is due to the expensive clothing being stained and the awkward exchange. Overall, I would come back and give this place a chance when in need of a unique gift.

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Super cute candle's

Zen Island

3.8(93 reviews)

1.0 mi

Cutest store. Found a couple really unique pieces that will last a long time. Highly recommend…read morestopping here!

Always alway have the cutest, stylish items. One can get lost in there for sure with the variety…read moreof items to look at. Great place for birthday gifts especially knowing you can spoil yourself. A must see store for locals and tourists.

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Cowbelles For Heart & Home

5.0(1 review)

1.1 mi

Two weeks ago my husband and I were antiquing and came upon this great store at the end of our day…read more Two weeks later we went back to pick up a new headboard, dresser and night table, all of which we are very happy with. The quality of the furniture, the range of choices, the flexibility with colors , hardware choices, and the talented store owner, Anita, made this a very enjoyable purchase. I'd been looking for well over a year for items I found in these two rooms filled with lovely things. And all of them were beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Cowbelles to anyone looking for a pleasant shopping experience seeking antique furniture, thoughtful gifts, great accessories and unique jewelry. We live near San Francisco and it was worth sitting in summer travel over the hill to visit. I believe we would have been hard pressed to find the quality of merchandise, the value of the items we purchased and the genuine helpfulness of the store owner anywhere else. Make sure to add it to your list,you will enjoy it! We plan to go back soon.

From the owner: Eclectic furnishing, accessories and gifts. Decor accents of unusual finds with a timeless and…read morechic sensibility.

Always new finds added weekly.

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Quality statement pieces

Made In Santa Cruz

4.0(49 reviews)

3.8 mi

This is a great long standing store front! The new owner (daughter of original owner) is doing a…read moregreat job! Prices are typical and set (for Santa Cruz skateboard gear) but she did have some great sales. DEFINITELY the place for any type of sticker you'd like for your car, skateboard, computer etc. Show some Santa Cruz love and shop here first!

Do not miss this store on the wharf. Best prices on Santa Cruz "red dot" apparel. Best SC…read moresouvenirs. Good selection of local art (prints, postcards, stickers, jewelry, decor). Some local personal care including te RECOVERY PILLOW with proceeds supporting our veterans. Keep this local busin as here by shopping this store on the SC Municipal Wharf.

Owner Dohna Dunderdale with local artist celebrity Jim Phillips.

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Iris C.

26

10

0

2 years ago

Wonderful shop for unique and thoughtful gifts, wonderful selection of jewelry, shells, and knickknacks. The store is organized in such a way that it is always beautifully displayed. Staff well-trained, very friendly and knowledgeable, excellent customer service. They will also be happy to provide gift-wrapping services for your purchase, and the parking on this end of town is pretty easy. Overall, Capitola Seashells is one of my top choices for gift shopping. read more

Capitola Seashells - giftshops - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Capitola Seashells also viewed

Made In Santa Cruz

4.0

(49 reviews)

This is a great long standing store front! The new owner (daughter of original owner) is doing a…read moregreat job! Prices are typical and set (for Santa Cruz skateboard gear) but she did have some great sales. DEFINITELY the place for any type of sticker you'd like for your car, skateboard, computer etc. Show some Santa Cruz love and shop here first!

Do not miss this store on the wharf. Best prices on Santa Cruz "red dot" apparel. Best SC…read moresouvenirs. Good selection of local art (prints, postcards, stickers, jewelry, decor). Some local personal care including te RECOVERY PILLOW with proceeds supporting our veterans. Keep this local busin as here by shopping this store on the SC Municipal Wharf.

Botanic and Luxe

4.8

(58 reviews)

Botanic and Luxe combines all my favorite shoppable things into one place: gorgeous healthy…read moreplants, local delicate jewelry, pillows, baskets, handcrafted goodies, candles and other scented gifts, wall art, travel and cook books, fine kitchenware. I mean seriously, did someone read my journal of Favorite Things and create this store just for me?!! L-O-V-E! There is no walking around downtown Santa Cruz without stopping by Botanic and Luxe. I have purchased gifts here as well as framed art (with a locally-made wooden frame) that hangs in my home, and recently attended their anniversary event where they had local vendors serve matcha and desserts, and they provided 20% off the entire store, so naturally I went home with another plant baby. Even though the store was PACKED with customers, they asked me if I needed help twice and also spent time giving me plant care instructions! Botanic is a higher-end plant shop, so expect to see some matching "luxury" prices as well. But people don't usually come here to get the best deal; they come to feel a certain way while they peruse a beautiful shop that sources many items locally, to get a certain level of service, and to be ensured a certain quality of product.

I absolutely love this cute little spot in Santa Cruz. I have a little tradition that every time I…read morecome here I buy a new plant. The day I bought the cutest little mini monstera. They also have a wonderful variety of different artisan crafts and very delightful scented oils. If you want to uplift your mood, come into botanic and lux. In a good mood immediately with all their soothing music and they're gorgeous atmosphere. The service is always very friendly and I plan to patron this place very often.

Another Banger

5.0

(4 reviews)

I truly cannot believe my luck that we have a store like this in Aptos. It is the perfect place to…read moreshop for a special gift for someone that will land on them as thoughtful and custom. I haven't seen brands they carry anywhere else. Highly recommend stopping in for a quick pick me up (some fun cooking items I may need to go back and bring to my own kitchen) or gift for a friend family member teacher, etc. There is something for everyone and owner is a complete gem and was so sweet and helpful. Excited to go back soon!

Another Banger is the cutest little specialty shop in Aptos Village. It's one of the latest…read moreeditions to the new crop of fine dining/boutiques in the area, and I am here for it! This shop had so many fun gift items that my eyes were salivating, if that is even possible - haha. I loved the ceramic dishware, tile coasters, and flavored gourmet tea drop-ins. I will be returning to get my housewarming and thank you gifts here. I did have some confusion in the early months of what this store was. Based on the name, I genuinely thought it was a burger place at first (I probably just read too fast), so I hope it is obvious to others so that Another Banger gets the foot traffic it deserves because it is an adorable local store!

Paper Vision

4.5

(91 reviews)

Such a fun little paper + gift shop in Santa Cruz. This place is packed with the coolest cards,…read moregame boards, quirky toys, and playful finds you didn't know you needed. Everything is well-organized, so it's easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Located on a lively, busy street that's great to walk around, with street meter parking nearby. Perfect spot to pop into while exploring the area and looking for a unique card or gift.

On 06/19/21, The dude calls Station businesses "Princess Places" as I have an obsession with…read morestationary - it's my hobby (that's what I tell myself to feel better a out it xD). I love everything about it. I was hesitant on coming in as I had my mind set on getting cookies a block away and he convinced me to stop in so we can look for Princess things for me and my bestie!! I was ALL in at that point. Upon entering in, I knew I didn't want to go. They had cute cards you can mail out which I'm so old school I love it. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to find the perfect Santa Cruz card!! I grabbed so many and started narrowing it down and down. I ended up not picking any of them and found a really small unique card I fell in love with which was perfect for the theme I was going for!! This place has so many hidden TREASURES. I was rummaging through everything from vintage games, books, puzzles, trinkets, unique items and the dude found a mermaid shell the actually hatches a mermaid. I knew that was the perfect item to pair with my cute card!! A unique find in Santa Cruz which was awesome. While I was in awe of the store the dude found a Coney cup *insert love emoji eyes* I literally squealed my princess skirt off!! There was no way I was walking out the store without it. I think the dude and I spent about an hour in the store until I realized we had to go pick up my hat that was being done. The line wasn't too long for check out and the owners informed us that they barely put the Coney Line Friends cup out two or three days ago!! Just my luck. I let them know they need BROWN BEAR - CONEY'S true love! So they were pleased that someone bought it. The owners were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Their store made me fall in love with Santa Cruz and make the trip very special! It was clean organized and such unique items you won't find! I highly recommend you come and check it out. Something for everyone!

Go Ask Alice

4.2

(60 reviews)

One of my favorite shops to stop in while I am downtown in Santa Cruz! A fabulous selection of…read moreherbs and tinctures - not to mention interesting little gifts I found for family and friends! I always find herbs for soothing teas to relax with or when I have a cold.

Adorable space, very cool staff and great shopping with lots of variety. I am so glad I got to…read morecheck it out!

Sweet Asylum

4.1

(19 reviews)

Most of us do not associate the word asylum with anything particularly positive. But this asylum is…read moreindeed sweet and lovely. You will find items here for gifts or for home decor and use. The store is elegantly appointed and well-organized. Parking is on the street or in a near-by lot.

I absolutely love this store! I'm a local and whenever I visit I always find something I love…read more We've been shopping there since my daughter was in a stroller and now she's 15. She's always called it the mermaid store. The store has an amazing vibe. The owner is always warm and welcoming. Everything is made very well and good quality. The price point is normal, like what you would find at Nordstroms. And she has great things for gifts. I highly recommend stopping in and feeling the good vibes and look at beautiful things!

Zinnia's Gift Boutique

4.0

(72 reviews)

Good service. Great selection. Quality products. I found the perfect gift for my friend. They…read morewrapped it nicely.

I do love going in here. I love their selection and the way they organize things. It's so great and…read morecute and it's very friendly going near. The staff is always very great. The only thing I say is of course the prices they're very high and in economy we need to regulate and make sure we're putting braces that people where people can afford. There was one thing, my friend that I was liked a lot and she found it on Amazon much cheaper.

Santa Cruz Bay Company

3.8

(11 reviews)

Customer service is 5-star! Wide selection of Santa Cruz souvenirs. Everything elegantly organized…read moreand displayed. A visit to Santa Cruz Bay Company is one of my mandatory stops when I am visiting the Santa Cruz Wharf. It is one of the first shops you encounter on the pier. In my opinion, it feels more upscale than your typical "souvenir" store. I would say the inventory is high quality. Jewelry, clothes, prints, hats, and all the SC beach merchandise you might want but not need:). The young woman working one day even helped me select a ball cap which she said the cap color went best with my eyes. I was impressed. Yes, I bought it:)! Honestly... prices are reasonable for the area. A leisurely walk on the SC wharf should include a stop at the Santa Cruz Bay Company. It is a stunner.

Santa Cruz Bay Company is a souvenir shop in Santa Cruz located right on the pier. There are many…read moreshops around but this was the only shop that had reasonable prices. Well, I can't exactly say that because the prices are crazy high but they did have a nice beach sweater on sale so I bought 2. The customer service was nice, the young lady was nice to give us more info of things to do. If you've never been walk further down the pier and watch the SEALS!!

Cameron Marks Boutique

4.1

(58 reviews)

•$$$

I went on a treasure hunt during the beginning of Shelter in Place for two articles of clothing…read morefrom a hard to find Scandinavian brand called Just Female, as couch shopping and traveling were all that one could do for awhile. I was pleased to find one half of the outfit online at Cameron Marks Boutique. I giddily added to my cart and it was at my door before I knew it, and carefully packaged and shipped. Love supporting small, curated boutiques who source interesting things, and Cameron Marks seems to fit that bill. The other half of my outfit came from a shop in Toronto, Canada, so I definitely think I'll be visiting Cameron Marks first as I live in the Bay Area. Thank you for getting me out of my yoga pants and into something a bit more fashionable.

Definitely a cool shop at the Swift Street Courtyard. I love small boutique stores like this…read more Beautifully and carefully curated collection of goods ranging from office to kitchen to skin care to outdoors. Pricey but fun! Malin & Goetz, Aarke, Baggu, hand crafted pottery / ceramics & jewelry, candles, Aesop... the list goes on. I love their greeting card selection - creative & witty & one of a kind. A little on the upper scale for home goods but very unique finds. Fun place to browse and kill time because you'll find very interesting items. You bet we didn't leave empty handed. Putting this under the "there is something for everyone" store category.

Art of Santa Cruz

4.9

(13 reviews)