1. Nick’s Deli
Huge burritos, small prices. This local, order-at-the-counter staple features a handwritten menu and tortillas stuffed full of goodies like chorizo, carne asada, bacon, and avocado. Items top out at around $10.50.
2. Coast Modern
Chic beach fashion meets mid-century modern design in this husband-and-wife–owned boutique. Browse books on Eichler homes, ogle Danish modern furniture, and try on tees from the owners’ clothing line, Unidas.
3. Elison Rd.
This clothing boutique owes its boho-country vibe—and great prices—to co-owner Liz Sontag, who cut her merchandising teeth at the Gap and American Eagle. Her ultimate goal: to fill the women’s store with clothes that look and feel luxe but mostly cost under $60. Mission accomplished.
4. Paradis Ice Cream
Grab a cone of made-from-scratch ice cream with surprising flavors—like apple carrot ginger sorbet, which uses real Granny Smith apples and actual ginger.
5. Tankfarm & Co.
What started as two brothers’ record label in the 1990s has blossomed into a powerful brand of classic Americana, featuring everything from well-built flannels to sunglasses, watches, and wallets. The company creates “supplies for gentlemen” that deliver a James Dean-meets-Steve McQueen look—perfect for staying cool on a warm SoCal day.
6. Javatinis Espresso
Coffeephiles can’t miss this Main Street micro-roaster, where premium beans are roasted daily in small batches for a full flavor Starbucks can’t match. Need a pick-me-up? Try the special: two shots of espresso, three ice cubes, shaken not stirred, topped with a chocolate coffee bean. It’s called the Javatini.
7. The Seal Beach Pier
Extend your walk over the ocean with a visit to California’s fourth-longest wooden pier. (The longest: Santa Cruz.) At 1,835 feet, Seal Beach’s pier offers spectacular ocean and coastline views.