The best shops in Manhattan Beach

If looking like a '70s rockstar is at all of interest to you, it might be worth making your way to this rustic fashion hideaway in Manhattan Beach. Displayed amid wooden furniture under a crystal chandelier, you'll find a stock of trendy menswear and womenswear with a focus on high-end denim from brands like Paige and Citizens of Humanity. Style your new pair with a fur vest and arm's length of bangles (also available in-house), and you'll stroll out looking like a Stevie Nicks reincarnate.

Shop for the trendiest swimwear looks at this luxe Australian export. The new 1,400-square-foot Manhattan Beach store is the third to make a splash in SoCal. You may recognize the brand's bold patterns and functional, yet trendy swimwear from retailers like ASOS, Anthropologie, Nasty Gal and Everything But Water. This impressive storefront is not-to-be-missed; stocked with chic necessities for the bohemian water baby, the store carries bright, mix-and-match swim separates, apparel and accessories (think: fringed tops and floral cover-ups).

You go to Griffith Park to hike, you go to Big Bear to ski and you go to the South Bay to surf. Open since 1989, this 1,200-square-foot surf shop prides itself on helping you make that happen in the raddest way possible. The staff of cheery, knowledgeable wave riders is well equipped to help you pick out anything from longboards to bumper stickers, and they'll do so with pleasure no matter your skill level. There's also men and women's apparel and consignment surfboards available.

This minimal, athleisure boutique is your one-stop-shop whether you're in the market for a pair of geo-print yoga bottoms to do actual yoga in, or you just don't feel like wearing real pants to Starbucks. The boutique is stocked with photogenic fitness fashions for both men and women, from Vuori striped board shorts and strappy triangle bras from Onzie to fun slogan tanks from YogaRX (who doesn't want their racerback to read "Heavily Meditated?"). Positioned under a bright, sky-blue awning on Manhattan Ave, you couldn't miss its punny title no matter how fast you power walk by.

The posh labels of Beverly Hills meet the eclectic, bohemian nature of the South Bay in the form of this homey menswear and womenswear boutique. Decked with furnishings that strike that oh-so-trendy balance between mid-century modern and crafty tribal (think: Navajo blanket draped over vintage mahogany credenza), the shop flaunts a luxe roster of designers from Isabel Marant to Rag & Bone. Owned by lifelong Manhattan Beachers, the shop has a nostalgic vibe, bolstered by the storied antiques on display, including a totem pole that has been in the owners' family for centuries.

Meet your quota of Instagram-worthy womenswear and accessories at this beach-adjacent, boho-hipster emporium. An inventory of selectively 20-something appropriate flash tattoos, beaded jewelry and ironic, meme-like message tees (offering phrases like "I'd Rather Be Day Drinking" and "Texting Is My Cardio") will have you whispering "only in the South Bay." If you don't feel like making the trip down the 405, feel free to flick through the brand's up-and-coming e-commerce boutique.

"Beach chic" is the focus of this waterfront womenswear boutique. Cowhide rugs, antique furniture and a sundry of chandeliers serve as a boho backdrop for paisley maxi dresses and fringe rompers. Before heading over to buy your entire Coachella wardrobe, follow the shop on Instagram for the latest on sales and new arrivals.

LA's indie lit scene is alive and sunsoaked in Manhattan Beach thanks to this charmer of a full-service book shop. Pop by for one of the store's frequent author events and signings in-between browsing its smorgasbord of both mainstream and locally published fiction, nonfiction and children's titles. The boutique's smiley-faced and well-read staffers are happy to help you find, order or gift wrap your volume of choice. Even if your "to read" list is long enough already, the shop's turquoise walls and full, vibrant shelves are enough to invite you in for a quick spin.

A longtime SoCal swimwear institution, this popular chain finds a major market for its trendy bikinis and laidback apparel in downtown Manhattan Beach. Thumb through stylish swim looks from boutique-y brands like Frankie's Bikinis, Mikoh and Acacia, as well as intimates, loungewear and activewear from the likes of Wildfox and For Love and Lemons. Expect to drop a pretty penny on your designer bandeaus and cover-ups (let's just say you're not paying per square inch of fabric).

Puns and zany shoreline tchotchke shops seem to go together like tie dye and peace sign pendants, which are, incidentally, the sorts of hippie-dippie souvenirs to be found within this technicolor, jam-packed trinket shop. Even with a cartoony cow-print exterior and bovine bust mounted over its front door, the store's interior is somehow equally flamboyant thanks to its overflowing racks of beachy wall hangings, brightly patterned lounge pants and jingle-jangly accessories. The shop has been a Manhattan Beach mainstay for more than 30 years, and its peppy staffers have the neighborly demeanors to show for it.