Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best Gift & Specialty Shops in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Amoeba Music
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 280 reviews
Famous for its massive selection of new and vintage music, this two-story, block-wide record store has a cult following. Staffers guide you to the best of their vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books, and posters.
Reviewed By caseybarnes - Saint Peters, United States
If you are into music, this is your place. The place is amazing, I spent two hours there and bought a few gems for my collection
2. Vroman's Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By CalBearsFan2013 - Berkeley, United States
Just came back from a long weekend in Pasadena. I have to say that Vroman's is a local gem. Warm and inviting. I really appreciated how the various sections were set up with related materials. Awesome fountain pen and ink selections - with staff that are both knowledgeable and friendly. The ink colour choices were outstanding. They opened a wine bar area last week. Fun to have a nice glass of wine and a munchie after making your purchases. Once again the staff super friendly and welcoming. I wish we could have a Vroman's in the East Bay!
3. The Cheese Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By maddycrouch - Carmel, United States
They have a coconut flavored cheese that is to die for! It’s cows milk but so delicately flavored. They have so many types of cheese. Head in there before your next dinner party and you won’t be sorry!
4. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,096 reviews
The Elephant Seal Viewing area and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 3B, San Simeon, CA) are two separate locations. They are 7.2 miles apart. Please plan to visit both while you are in the area. Directions to both locations: https://elephantseal.org/locations/ The Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) provide education for visitors to the Elephant Seal Viewing area at Piedras Blancas, every morning and afternoon, 365 days a year. Long boardwalks provide wonderful, up-close viewing opportunities. Look for docents in the blue jackets! Viewing Area is located 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle. Find us here: Put these coordinates into any map program: 35° 39' 48" N, 121° 15' 28" W Or use this link for the accurate location of the viewing area: https://goo.gl/maps/fzfACKBqNgcwurjf9
Reviewed By timohteee - Delaware, United States
My wife and I actually drove passed this stop and turned around to go back because we noticed a large group of people. We are glad we decided to turn around! When we got there around 6PM, there were a couple dozen elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach. Every now and then, you’ll catch one get up and stretch or another scooting across the sand to a new spot. It was surprisingly amazing to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and was definitely a highlight for us both on our trip.
5. Bart's Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By melstrong79 - Long Beach, United States
Tons of used books everywhere, wide variety, and good prices. It’s a book lovers paradise! Also cute little spots to curl up with good book and hang out for a while if you have the time.
6. Cambria Nursery and Florist
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Cambria's premiere nursery, florist and gift shop. Find everything from garden basics, indoor and outdoor plants, professional florist services and charming home decor and gifts here!
Reviewed By SMGrandma - Santa Maria, United States
This is a great place to visit. The plants and flowers always look healthy and vibrant. There are little areas to explore, including a lovely gift shop. Their location is divided nicely into various areas...succulents, blooming plants, garden accessories. It is a fantastic place to visit in December when Cambria is having their annual Christmas Market. The employees are very helpful.
7. Brandini Toffee
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
What began in 2006 as a way to earn money for a student trip to Italy has grown into a thriving business. Brandini Toffee is more than the creator of the world's most delicious almond toffee. We're a family-owned company, handcrafting simple ingredients into sweet indulgences that make people say Mmm... Our Palm Springs store was ranked as the #1 Candy Store store in California by Business Insider, Top 50 Ice Cream stores in the country.
Reviewed By PSforever - Palm Springs, United States
First of all, there is usually someone outside the store giving samples of the toffee and toffee popcorn...Once you taste it you can't keep walking, you must go in and buy some...it is so delicious and it makes a wonderful gift!!
8. Moraga Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Moraga Art Gallery is a co-op gallery of local artists, as well as several guest artists. This is your destination for unique gifts and fine art at reasonable prices. Artwork includes acrylic & oil paintings, watercolors, collage, fine art photography, jewelry, glass design, hand painted silk scarves and turned wood. There is free and ample parking. Due to Covid 19, we have reduced hours. Currently, we are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4pm.
9. Oakhurst Spirits
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Craft distillery, tasting room, and art gallery. Tour or distillery and taste up to 6 of our small-batch spirits while browsing our art gallery and gift shop. On off hours or for large groups, call for appointment. If we can get you in, we will!
10. Barbary Coast Dispensary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By JulianSFCA - San Francisco, United States
This is such a great dispensary. They have a great selection of bud and edibles. You can tell that this was an old bar built probably in the 1920s. Great knowledgeable budtenders. It has a great lounge where you can relax and enjoy your purchase.
