Ocean Beach Shopping Tips by lmkluque

The Green Room on Abbot Street

Name of Shop: The Greenroom!!

What is the "Greenroom?" It is surfer-speak for the experience of surfing within the tube of a wave. Totally surrounded by the green ocean water, still on the board surfing. It is a rare and profound experience for any surfer who has accomplished the feat.

However, the Greenroom of this tip, is a surfer's supply shop. It is located across the street from the beach, so very convenient. Not only do they sell things, they also rent beach supplies. Stop in for a look to get the complete California Beach Experience as the name of the shop implies.

What To Buy: Surffing related items, souviners and other beach necessities.

What To Pay: Rentals are about average. Other items may be more expensive than you'd pay else where, but many things are unique to surfing and can't be gotten at any of the discount stores, in this case the prices marked are to be expected.

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Theme: Sporting Goods
Phone: (619) 226-1311
Address: 1963 Abbott Street

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%cb%bOB People's Organic Foods Market!%c*%b: Shop For A Picnic On The Beach!

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 26, 2006

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food

Market

by lmkluque , 1 more photos

Name of Shop: OB People's Organic Foods Market!

This, the quintessential example of business in OB, was originally a worker's collective. The Ocean Beach People's Organic Foods Market offers retail space of 6,000 square feet, and has 7,000 merchants/members! Since their beginning in 1971 it has grown and is the major grocery market in OB.

The focus of this market is Organic produce, groceries, including bulk food, herbs and dairy. They sell vitamins, homeopathics, aromatherapy products and cruelty-free body care items.

Also, this is a vegetarian/vegan haven complete with hot and cold deli items ready to pack-up for a picnic on the beach or a meal to take back to your hotel room.

What To Buy: Buy what ever appeals to you. At least go in for a look at the place, it's pretty interesting and definitely adds to the atmosphere of OB!

What To Pay: A bit more than any major grocery chain. Well, since everything is organic you'd probably pay about the same.

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Theme: Food and Drink
Phone: (619) 224-1387
Address: 4765 Voltaire Street
Website: http://obpeoplesfood.coop/

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%cb%bHemp Clothes!!%c*%b: Not Just String & Twine

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 28, 2006

Hemp Clothes Sign

Name of Shop: Hemp Clothes!!

Hemp (h�mp) n. 1. Cannabis. 2. The tough, coarse fiber of the cannabis plant, used to make cordage. 3.a. Any of various plants similar to cannabis, especially one yielding a similar fiber. b. The fiber of such a plant.

That is the definition of "hemp." It is not surprising that in OB there is enough hemp to make string, twine, shoes or even clothes from the left over plant. If this doesn't bring back past memories, then you are pretty young or pretty old.

This tip could have gone into the "Local Customs" section, but I thought shoppers might like to know that they can "special-order" things too. This craft has basically died out so any item would be unique. Actually, it would be the quintessential souviner from OB.

What To Buy: What ever you'd like made out of hemp.

What To Pay: I haven't a clue what the cost would be. My thought is that it shouldn't be too expensive as OBceans are not usually materilaistic.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: (619) 606-4334

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%cb%bVishions%c*%b: Interested in Smoking What?

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 28, 2006

Vishions Smoke Shop

by lmkluque , 1 more photos

Name of Shop: Vishions

Something that is not usually seen in a prominent location in California these days, is a SMOKE shop! Californians have pushed cigarette smoking so far out that there are few places one can have a cigarette in public legally any longer.

Wow! Here we find, on the famed Newport Avenue a Smoke shop! Well, not only one but two, which is strange as most OBceans do not advocate cigarette smoking. Hummm? Looking closer, a row of hookahs can be seen, this is not the section of town with a large Middle-Eastern community. Oh, yes. These shops were once known as "head-shops."

What To Buy: Anything that suits your fancy.

What To Pay: About $4.00 to $5.00 for a pack of regular cigarettes. The price of the paraphernalia? I haven't a clue.

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Theme: Other
Phone: (619) 223-5008
Address: 5038 Newport Avenue
Other Contact: sheripie1960@aol.com

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%cb%bThe Black!%c*%b: Eclectic Gift Shop And More!!

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 28, 2006

The Black Entrance

Name of Shop: The Black!

The Black is another throw-back from the sixties but offering more up to date things for the younger set. Walking into this store brings back the chaotic feeling one would get in the sixties. Every space is taken up by something odd, unique or nostalgic. Clothes, signs, and all kinds of odds & ends can be found here. The problem is that to find just the right gift, and you most likely would be able to, it will take up much of your time.

To complete the inventory, just next door is, "The Black Bead!" Do you remember the beautiful beads hanging in the door way? Here you can buy all the beads needed.

In any case, stop in at The Black, they are very friendly and you can at least have an interesting conversation.

What To Buy: What ever trips your trigger.

What To Pay: Something is in everyones price range.

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: (619) 222-5498
Address: 5017 Newport Avenue

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%cb%bElectric Chair!%c*%b: Do Something Different With Your Hair!

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 28, 2006

Electric Chair Hair Salon

Name of Shop: Electric Chair!

With a name like, "The Electric Chair," you know that you can get an interesting "do" at this place. There is also an art gallery called Primitive Kool inside the shop.

I haven't been here myself, but thought you might like to know that it exists. If you're thinking of getting your hair done during your trip, stop in here. You will have the opportunity of really changing your "look." Of course, you needn't be afraid, they will do for you what ever you want, even if it is conservative.

They offer a full selection of services and if you are coming from out of town you can e-mail them for an appointment during your visit.

What To Buy: Beauty products and services.

What To Pay: Hair cuts for children $15.00, for men $30.00, for women $40.00. Check their website for the price of other services.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: (619) 223-1112
Address: 4944-A Newport Avenue
Website: http://www.electricchairsalon.com/
Other Contact: electricchair@sbcglobal.net

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%cb%bSunshine Daydreams!%c*%b: More Eclectic Gifts!

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Updated by lmkluque

on Jan 28, 2006

Entrance To Sunshine Daydreams

Name of Shop: Sunshine Daydreams!

Just the name of this place brings back old memories.

This is a clothing shop with an added element and I couldn't resist adding it because it indicates more of the OB state of mind. Besides clothing you will find here, hats, tapestries and more hemp products!

So, if you don't have the time or opportunity of calling that number posted at the Co-op bulliten board, just drop in at Sunshine Daydreams and check out their inventory.

What To Buy: Something "California Summer."

What To Pay: Expect to pay more than at a discount store.

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: (619) 225-0708
Address: 4979 Newport Avenue

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%cb%bNot One Shop, Many!%c*%b: Antiques / Collectibles

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Written by lmkluque

on Mar 5, 2006

Cottage Antiques

by lmkluque , 1 more photos