Dock and Shop with a Waterfront View
One of the best ways to experience the sizzle of summer is on a boat. Thanks to plentiful public docks and a stretch of enticing waterfront restaurants and shops, you can enjoy a bite to eat or a bit of retail therapy on dry land, then go right back to exploring the harbor’s charming waterways. Like the sound of that? Here’s where to dock and shop this season!
Dock your boat in this nook of town, and you’ll soon understand why it’s one of Newport’s go-to shopping destinations. Getting ready to stock up on summer wardrobe essentials? Head over to elysewalker, where you can pull together a tightly edited capsule wardrobe at the drop of, well, a hat, or Planet Blue, which keeps things boho and beachy. Does your skincare routine need a facelift? Duck into Aesop, an Australian-born purveyor of skin, hair and body products, or Cos Bar, which stocks its shelves with high-end, luxury formulations, some of which are exclusive to the store. Lido Marina Village is also home to salons, doggie boutiques and fragrance stores that sate every shopper’s appetite.
If you’re a local, you know. If you’re just passing through, you’ll know soon enough. Because A’MAREE’S storefront, which boasts a commanding glass facade and, from the inside, some seriously stunning views, is hard to miss. Ever since this family-run business moved into the landmark a little less than a decade ago, it has become a favorite shopping haunt, stocking high-fashion brands like Céline and Balenciaga. (You know it’s a swanky spot when Vogue makes a mention of it). In other words, it’s the perfect place to pick out a new sundress or a chic summer handbag!
Like what you see at A’MAREE’S but don’t fancy the hefty price tag? Dock your boat at one of Balboa Island’s marinas, and head over to A’maree’s Sale Away. Tucked away on Marine Avenue—aka the neighborhood’s Main Street—this store carries last season’s styles, special pieces from the archives of its parent store and a vast array of other treasures. In fact, as long as you’re breezing through town, pop into some of the island’s other shopping destinations like Isabelle’s Cabinet and Laura Matthews Designs.
If you’re looking for a piece of Newport to take home with you, visit the shops in Balboa Village for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, surf shops and coastal fashion. Visit The Mermaid Store for everything from hats and swimsuits to beach towels, keychains and more! Then, head over to Main Street Surf Shop, which has been around since 1979, to choose your next board!. If you need something fun to commemorate a great day, check out Sun N Fun for souvenir shirts, bags and other gifts!
Situated along West Coast Hwy, Yokishop turns used clothing items like football uniforms, military jackets and Levi jeans into fresh designs. Owner Jeff “Yoki” Yokoyama’s mission is to provide jobs and create a smaller carbon footprint by using existing products and materials that are often discarded. Here, each garment is cut by hand, and all the sewing is done in-house. To see what this little shop is all about, pull up your boat dockside and take a peek inside!
Located about midway down the Balboa Peninsula, this tiny female-owned store is chock-full of goodies you’ll love! From organic home goods and eco-friendly gifts to natural skincare and local California flowers, Little Shop by the Sea is a haven for those who like to shop small. You can even bring your empty containers and refill them with their selection of organic bath and beauty products!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
