Captain's Helm is my absolute favorite new find in Oceanside. It's similar to Buffalo Exchange, but with better-quality items and a cleaner layout. Don't go in expecting thrift-store prices though...you aren't going to find anything under $6. You can buy, sell, and trade clothing there (for clothing you bring in, they appraise it and give you 30% cash or 50% store credit on the spot) but I've only bought clothing so far. The selection is classic California-vintage, very hipster and trendy. The racks are laid out and organized exceptionally well, with women's selections on one side of the store and men's on the other. Around the perimeter of the store are surfboards, sunglasses, and vintage records from the likes of Queen and The Pretenders. I was here today and bought a vintage Christian Dior angora sweater for $14, patent leather Steve Madden platform pumps for $16, and three rings, one of which had a large turquoise stone in the center, for between $6 and $12 each. Everything was in perfect condition. You have to be careful on what you get there though....they had a pair of Charlotte Russe nude pumps (albeit very new-looking) for $24, which isn't far off from what you'd pay if you just went to a Charlotte Russe store and bought them there. Also, although there are Joe's Jeans, Sevens, and True Religions in the jeans area (all for between $30-50), there were also some Mudd and several Forever 21 items, which are clearly of a lesser quality. The staff was extremely nice and definitely chill.....once you checked out. If you want someone constantly assisting you while you shop, don't expect that here. I, however, personally don't prefer much attention from staff when I'm shopping, and they're very cool about letting you try things on and mosey around inspecting everything, so I was actually glad they just let me do my thing and didn't try to ask me questions. Overall, I am definitely coming back here from time to time to see what's new and to hopefully score more finds. I highly recommend Captain's Helm. read more

I am at "A-ok" because I'm in between... Upon entering I was underwhelmed by the amount of racks (One thing I've learned by my multitude of vintage shopping= fewer racks, items will cost more $ .) I was right. I paid what I'd normally pay at any store for a skirt (I'm a thrifty shopper normally) ... 13$ - That cost at most stores is about right, at a vintage place that's spendy. At most vintage stores I would generally pay ... 4-5$ for a skirt much less any other item. The items were far spaced, but the upside is you could tell they were picked through and chosen wisely. That in itself made me want to look through the items even more so. They have everything - surf boards, skirts tops, pins, bracelets, shoes, purses... The purses are lacking, but interesting nonetheless. I found a skirt on one of the mannequins and the sales person helped me with getting it off so I could purchase it. This store DOES have gems. I'll have to update upon a second visit. =) **Items are a little pricey for a thrift store, and there is mainly STREET parking. (harf) read more

Loooove this thrift store! Everything is so clean, organized, and cute that you'd think they were selling new items. I have had some incredible finds as far as women's dresses, and I know my boyfriend has found great men's jeans and shirts. Their prices are a liiiittle higher than some other thrift stores in Oceanside, but the quality of their items is also higher, in my opinion. And $10-$15 for a dress and $25 for a pair of jeans isn't even that bad, anyway... Side note, they have the coolest dressing rooms ever!! read more

My wife and I totally dig this store. It's got a very cool hipster meets coastal vibe. New & Used clothing, shoes, accessories, hats, etc. They also sell surf gear. The employees have always been super helpful and friendly. The quality of the merch is great and the prices are pretty good. It's our first stop whenever we decide to do a little clothes shopping now. I kinda don't want anybody else to know about it because I want the cool finds...but I totally want people to know about this awesome store so they'll do great and stay in business. It's cool to have a little coffee stand out front too. read more

Various complaints about this place. Clothes are extremely overpriced. Wasn't greeted as I walked in. I brought in over 50 items to sell and not one was accepted; however, the lady who had looked through them did a quick rummage and didn't look through the entire lot and said it was because they were looking for winter clothes (I brought in several sweaters and thick sweatshirts, along with other various articles compatible with the rest of the seasons and shoes, too). Guess they weren't dingy enough or didn't have enough armpit stains. It is worth mentioning, though, that I called over the phone to ask for details about trading/selling and was told to bring in light sweaters, which I had 5-6 of. Also worth mentioning, I was waiting for a good 30 minutes to be helped. Store wasn't busy, maybe 4 other guests who were looking through the racks. Employees chatted while I waited. Moral of the story, make sure your clothes are filthy with armpit stains and foundation stains around the neckline if you're looking to sell. If you're buying, be prepared to pay prices similar to those of Tilly's and Macy's, if not more. Parking is a nightmare. 4 spots next to the BUSY strip that aren't reserved. You'll probably have to park across the street near the laundromat. read more

Love this place! Why? The clothing AND the pricing kick butt. Each time I've gone here, I've found something great (my finds in women's dresses and t-shirts have been especially great). There are TONS of cool vintage t's here, both for men and women, that are in impeccable condition, too. I really wish that more of Oceanside's thrift stores- Vintage Sanctuary, DAV, etc- had stuff like Captain's Helm. read more

Cool gear right by the beach, good vibes, and great location. The spot itself is right next to a great coffee shop, and right next to the beach so definitely has it's setting right. The interior of the store is not what one might expect standing from the outside, though that's not a bad thing. Now, the only thing making this fall of 5 stars for me is the price range of the clothes. They are brand name, and good quality, but I don't expect to pay so much for this type of goods by the beach. At a main retailer or resaler in a shopping plaza, this is expected. On the other hand, the prices are fair compared to the going price or such things, so I don't consider that a major ding to the Captains Helm. I will be visiting this shop soon again, and if my experiences are different I will update accordingly. read more

Adorable vintage shop with a robust and well curated selection of denim, T-shirt's, bags, boots and accessories. Men's and women's. I think they buy too. Coffee shop on site and it's in a little strip of other cute local spots if you're looking for a few walkable options after you park. read more

As a seller, they made the process so difficult! I ended up waiting for 2 hours for them to go through my three medium size bags of clothing. The worker was chatting the whole time and did not seem to care about me at all. They only accepted 4 items. I will never sell to them or purchase from them again. The are rude and do not deserve my business. Very disappointed! read more

I love dropping in here for some much needed retail therapy. I usually can find at least one item to take home with me. Always unique in fashion. Great prices for bottoms and tops. I've purchased a few thrifted belts, tops and a pair of sandals I just can't live without. The selection is not as large as I would like to spend more time here but on the other hand, I love that I don't have to search forever to find a gem. Great selection! The outside of the building is what first attracted me to this spot of amazingness. Black and white stripes and a tiny coffee stand out front! I love how organized and clean the inside is. Women's on the right and men's on the left. Great selection of NEW brand as well including Cycle Zombies, Raen, Nixon etc. I'll continue to drop in when passing through town being that it's not far off the freeway and definitely worth the walk around. read more

My first day coming to this spot and I absolutely love it! I recently discovered resale stores and I'm obsessed! It's good for the environment and you get some cash for your clothes, or you can trade them in. The store was hipster and cute! Love the coffee bar - genius! I ended up getting two super cute T-shirts! Will definitely come back. They didn't take any of my stuff but it's ok, maybe next time. read more

Loved this place! I will def return on a regular basis. The atmosphere is very trendy and inviting. The clothing is similar to a Buffalo Exchange but more trendy. The mens section is better than the womens, I thought, and they have some surf gear as well. Very cool! read more

Captain's Helm - Small on the outside, easy to miss, but you'll be sorry if you missed it! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Oceanside, California

This is definitely one of my favorite vintage stores of all time, all the employees were so friendly and the little café that's connected is so good they have this banana chai latte and it's addicting read more

So yes i gave it an A-OK..wanted to give more! The layout is super easy to shop thru and the selection is pretty good. Yes you pay a little more than the average thrift store..but the quality is top notch! They have a great wall of shoes that I'd love to have each one in my size :) Another bonus for me is it is only blocks from my apartment..yay savings in gas means more fun clothes! So now the reason for only A-OK..the staff :( sorry but I've been in a couple of times and not once greeted, no hello or goodbye..bummer I did retail mgmt for several years and that's huge, not just for someone like me who's expecting it but for anyone! It keeps people coming back! I mean don't they want locals? Simple greeting would keep me in MY town instead of trucking to Encinitas..where by the way I am greeted read more

Full disclosure: I cannot vouch for the women's clothing because I only shop for men's clothing, but the selection here is not great as of the last 4 years or so. I used to find some gems here in their used clothing but lately (as in the last 4 years) I haven't seen any. They also sell new clothing which is "Urban Outtfitters" expensive for lack of a better term. My main criticism is the low ball prices they will offer for your used clothing. I offered them a very nice vintage jacket that I bought online (only paid $10 for it) and it's easily worth $40 minimum. I've run a few businesses and have worked in thrift stores, I'm not expecting this place to give me the full price obviously but I think $20 or so would be fair, they would be making at least $20 (50%) in revenue for the easiest purchase ever. They offered me a very specific price of $9.80 which I thought was weird and kind of offensive considering you can't buy it for that cheap anywhere and I'm trying to sell it to a local business. I asked if they could round it to $10 because that would be what I paid for it and it's 20 cents more for God sakes. They said they couldn't do it because it's "a precise amount they have to offer". Based on what exactly?. They also said "if you have 20 cents we can give you $10" which was again pretty disrespectful. Can't say I would recommend this place to anyone at this point. If you want good vintage clothes and/or Hawaiian shirts go to Frock You! In SD. read more

Love this place! A mix of recycled and new clothes with a bit of quirk and fashion! A little bit of everything. From clothing and fashion accessories, to books and coffee. Yes, theres a coffee cart out front! Definitely an Oceanside type of store for the casual to the hipster. Ill be checking back here again soon! read more

Over priced modern clothes. One little kids rack and mostly new stuff very cool shop but def not work it. I wouldnt come here. Blond girl was very miserable. I asked her about the kids rack and she just pointed at the little rack read more

Used to like this place when they first opened but with how bad the service always is won't be going back ever. Yo girls that work here you are on the job you applied for to service people so if you don't like people you should quit, your sabotaging the business owner. I used to trade lots of stuff here but now they've really shifted to only grungy band tees mostly and last time I went the things they didn't take they left as if someone had just tried them on all tossed around. read more

This place has very nice clothes but a bit pricy for used items. However I did not like the cashier she was a blond girl that was cocky. I was very disgusted by the way she presented herself I truly expected more from a first time shopper their never again (: read more

I went there today to buy a new loser machine helmet and at the same time I had to take a mean piss. The chick wouldn't let me use the restroom. It's not like i was gonna drop the kids off at the pool. I left to use the john at the laundry mat across the street. While doing my biz i said to myself why would i spend a hundred bones at a place that wouldn't let me use their freakin restroom. read more

Not a huge fan. I took in about 50+ outfits that were all either worn once or not at all, some still with tags, high end designer stuff not garage sale quality...all to trade in. They were gifted to me by someone but most didn't fit me. The girl at the counter took about 5 minutes to determine they didn't one any of it. Not one item. I looked at the racks and saw a lot of the same brands and styles, so I was a bit confused. It was annoying since I get how these stores work, they can't take in everything, but parking is awful along the coast so we had to haul it all a couple blocks to the store, then back to the car. No plans to go back. I still give 2 stars because it is clearly a very specific type of clothing they are looking for and if it was my business, I would accept more items and figure out a way to trade out with other similar merchants who are looking to do the same. If you go in and buy from this store, it's not significantly less than buying new items, and I'm guessing the return policy is tight as well. Just do your homework and it may be a good fit for you. It just wasn't for us. read more

Excellent place for lunch in Oceanside! The fish and chips were simply delicious and plentiful. Service was supreme, and the ambience was lovely. Will definitely be back next time I am in the area read more

Cool all around with reasonably priced used clothing with some new items and the coffee cart made an awesome dirty chai.

This is a highly curated resale shop that also sells new stuff. The decor is kinda steam punk cool. And I really like the coffee bar outside. When I stopped in today, the young staff was friendly & helpful, but not in my face. Their men's goods are more "hip" than the ladies. But Being well beyond middle age, I'm still considered hip, and found a number of items to try on and left with a cool colorful caftan dress. Prices reflect their refined selection but worth a visit. Next time I'll bring hubby. read more

Other than the pretentious snobby unfriendly girls that work there... I like their clothes selection and have found some unique items there!

Always super friendly! Very easy to sell to. Some places make you feel like total shit.. Not this place! Such a nice staff. Plus they have the best coffee while you wait. read more

If you want to support a local business who is doing it right - shop here! Great vintage and used finds as well as local surf, skate, art and apparel companies. Lovely staff too! The best part of my recent experience there was when the hostess at Beach Break Cafe down the street (another awesome spot) informed us that the woman at Captain's Helm had just called to track us down because they overcharged us on an item that should have received a discount. They overheard us say something about our lunch reservation and made the effort to find us to correct the charge. That is service! Will be back for sure. read more

It's a pretty neat store but just not to my taste or price range. It's a thrift store I think... price accordingly!

It's about time I give this resale shop a rating.. It's been waiting, but I've been procrastinating. It's ok, they've got most of what you can consider flashy. I like that I can find sunglasses here that are cheap and hear some good music, I've found some unique items.. Found my Michael Kors skirt here, along with a cute top. I also enjoy their coffee shop up front. The girls here are always nice! I dig it! read more

This place has totally grown on me, I always seem to find something rad or something I've been searching for awhile here. Yes, "vintage" or used clothing can be expensive at most shops, but I find the best steals here, I can't argue with 8-10 bucks on a new shirt, and I don't mind spending near 20 on an extremely good condition Levi Jean jacket. They also carry great local brands like RAEN & Brixton. This place is worth the visit. Oh and don't forgot to grab a coffee at captains grounds before or after you shop, Jen is super friendly! read more

Just visited this place for the first time today. I really like the set-up a lot. It's very easy to navigate around the store. A very thorough selection of flannels and t-shirts. It seems like this place only sells the cream of the crop. Pretty reasonable prices too. Minus one star because salesgirl(s) were not attentive at all (which is better than being paid *too* much attention to I guess, but a simple "Would you like me to start a dressing room for you?" or "How did those work out for you?" or "Thanks for coming in" would be nice). read more

I am not the biggest "vintage" clothing shopper, mainly because I feel like a lot of the places I go to are either overpriced or have clothes that leave me questioning the cleanliness of the place. NOT Captain's Helm. I walked away with an almost brand new pair of Cheap Monday jeans for $18 and Wrangler cut offs for $16. In my opinion, that is awesome. You can tell that they really take into consideration every piece of clothing that they purchase and have a really welcoming vibe. I also really appreciated that they had an equal selection of both guys and girl's clothes, including new jewelry and accessories from local businesses only. read more

oMg!! What a great store! Prices aren't flea market bargains! But, they shouldn't be- this store is high quality vintage- not goodwill. So if you want to find quality vintage clothing- this is the place for you!! read more

Must preface by saying consignment, thrifting, antiquing is what I love to do so I felt right at home here. There is a wide variety of things from brand name clothing to vinyl records. Sadly no furniture but there is a cool spot next door, which you will have a chance to read my next review about. Now, Captains Helm, buy sell trade. I've done only two of those and that's because I can't walk out of this place with out something new to me in hand! The selection of clothing is just all around cool! From vintage Givenchy to designer collabs with H&M and all kind of vintage in between. Not to mention the sick selection of eyewear, EVERYTIME I wear this pair I got here I always get compliments or stopped to ask where I found them. And I can't wait to tell the Captain's Helm and only $10! They've also got some cool jewelry up by the register, nice rings and some more expensive eyewear if that's what you're in to. Cool guy stuff, more of the CA surfer type clothing but their woman's selection is so eclectic. I love the vibe and the staff is pretty cool, not at all pushy like you'd find at some chain place, and the store is usually well organized. Pretty cool I must say. One of my favorite places to come and drop off cloths and pick some new stuff up! read more

I wish more things in Oceanside were like this. It's an aesthetically pleasing surf and skate shop without brats and douche-y bros. I think all the hipster stuff and girl clothes keeps them away. I have seen a coffee booth out front lately. I'm giving this an Oceanside 5/5. read more

I've only been in once, but found two great items to add to the wardrobe and some cute rings, I'll go back soon and keep you updated, but so far so good! read more

So I had some downtime while in Carlsbad. So I looked up Yelp for some vintage clothes shops & took a spin up to the Captain's Helm. I sifted through the racks and found a few sweet deals - a pair of Crate selvege jeans for $30, a Pendleton wool shirt for $22 and a kitschy Hawaiian shirt for $10. All made in good 'ol USA and all good 'ol value for the money! See you next time cap'n! read more

If you are buying beach clothes I guess this is a place to go. Trendy? Not so much. Immature is the main style of this shop. If you wanna buy clothes, please go to nordstrom rock or something, u can find many trendy clothes there. read more

Pretty pricy of clothes but shoes are amazingly priced on great designer shoes. Found Malo Blanics for $18!!!

I see miss Jane D. below had a bad experience which is hilarious to me because I think it's clear that this store is not trying to attract that "kind" of customer (one who expects to be greeted at the door? LOL gimme a break). The store is laid back, the staff is extremely friendly, and their selection is incredible for alternative/vintage styles. The prices just make everything that much more amazing - most tops for $10 or less! In all of San Diego, this is my #1 favorite vintage/recycled clothing store. read more