Introduction

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with sun-kissed beaches and iconic piers—it’s a vibrant cultural hub where art, history, and community converge. For visitors seeking meaningful mementos, the quest for authentic souvenirs can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless stalls, boutiques, and markets offering everything from beach-themed trinkets to handcrafted art, knowing where to find items that truly reflect the spirit of Long Beach is essential. This guide highlights the top 10 Long Beach markets for souvenirs you can trust—places where quality, authenticity, and local craftsmanship are prioritized over mass-produced imports. Whether you’re looking for a piece of coastal art, a locally made jewelry item, or a keepsake that tells a story, these markets deliver with integrity. Trust isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s built through decades of community relationships, transparent sourcing, and a deep respect for regional heritage.

Why Trust Matters

In today’s global marketplace, souvenirs are often mass-produced in factories thousands of miles away, bearing little to no connection to the place they claim to represent. A plastic keychain stamped with “Long Beach” may look cute, but it tells no story. It carries no cultural weight. It doesn’t support local artists or preserve regional traditions. When you choose to buy from trusted markets, you’re not just purchasing an object—you’re investing in people, preserving heritage, and contributing to a sustainable local economy.

Trusted markets in Long Beach prioritize transparency. They source materials locally whenever possible, collaborate directly with artisans, and clearly label the origin of each item. Many of these vendors are third-generation family businesses or independent creators who live and work in the community. Their products reflect decades of skill, personal narratives, and deep ties to the city’s identity—from the Harbor’s maritime history to the diverse cultures of its neighborhoods.

Trust also means durability and quality. A hand-thrown ceramic mug from a Long Beach potter will last longer and carry more meaning than a cheaply molded plastic replica. A hand-painted surfboard art print captures the essence of the city’s surfing culture in a way that a generic poster never could. When you buy from trusted sources, you avoid the disappointment of items that break, fade, or feel impersonal. You walk away with something that feels genuine, something you’ll cherish—and something that tells others you didn’t just visit Long Beach, you connected with it.

Moreover, supporting trusted markets helps combat cultural appropriation and exploitation. Many tourist markets profit from misrepresenting indigenous or ethnic symbols without permission or context. In contrast, Long Beach’s trusted vendors ensure cultural elements are honored, not commodified. They work with local Native American artists, Mexican-American craftspeople, and Pacific Islander designers to present authentic expressions of identity, not stereotypes.

Choosing trust over convenience transforms your souvenir shopping from a transaction into a meaningful experience. It turns your visit into a contribution. And in a city as richly layered as Long Beach, that connection is priceless.

Top 10 Long Beach Markets for Souvenirs You Can Trust

1. The Pike Outlets – Local Artisan Corner

While The Pike Outlets is known for national chains, its carefully curated Local Artisan Corner stands apart. Managed in partnership with the Long Beach Arts Council, this section features rotating displays from over 50 regional creators. You’ll find hand-blown glass seashells from Long Beach Glassworks, reclaimed driftwood sculptures, and limited-edition prints capturing the Queen Mary’s silhouette at dawn. Each vendor must pass a vetting process that evaluates craftsmanship, originality, and community involvement. The stall owners often engage visitors in conversations about their creative process, making shopping here feel personal and educational. Many pieces are labeled with QR codes linking to short video interviews with the artists—adding depth to every purchase.

2. Long Beach Saturday Market

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the downtown plaza transforms into a bustling open-air market featuring over 80 local vendors. This is the heartbeat of Long Beach’s artisan scene. Here, you’ll find handmade soaps infused with local sea salt and kelp, hand-stitched beach towels woven with indigenous patterns, and organic honey from beekeepers in the nearby San Gabriel Valley. All vendors are required to produce their goods within 50 miles of Long Beach. The market operates on a no-resale policy—meaning you won’t find imported goods disguised as local. Look for the “Made in Long Beach” green badge on each stall. Don’t miss the monthly “Artist Spotlight” tables, where emerging creators present new collections tied to seasonal themes like tide pools or vintage boardwalk culture.

3. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) Gift Shop

Located in the heart of Long Beach’s vibrant Latinx community, MOLAA’s gift shop is a treasure trove of culturally authentic souvenirs. Unlike generic museum stores, this shop partners directly with artists from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean who live in or have deep ties to Long Beach. You’ll discover hand-carved wooden masks from Oaxacan artisans, embroidered textiles using traditional backstrap looms, and ceramic tiles painted with scenes of the city’s historic Calle de los Plateros. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief story of the artist’s heritage and technique. Proceeds from sales directly fund community art programs for youth. This is not just shopping—it’s cultural preservation.

4. Belmont Shore Craft Fair (Seasonal)

Held quarterly in the charming streets of Belmont Shore, this artisan fair draws some of the most respected creators in Southern California. What sets it apart is its rigorous selection process: only makers who have demonstrated at least two years of consistent craftsmanship are invited. You’ll find hand-forged metal wind chimes shaped like seagulls, organic cotton tote bags screen-printed with vintage Long Beach postcards, and small-batch lavender candles made with flowers grown in the city’s urban gardens. The fair emphasizes sustainability—vendors use biodegradable packaging and avoid synthetic dyes. Many artists offer customization, allowing you to request a piece with your initials, a favorite beach location, or a meaningful date. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift that feels deeply personal.

5. The Long Beach Historical Society Boutique

Tucked inside the historic 1912 Long Beach City Hall annex, this boutique specializes in historically accurate reproductions and archival-inspired items. Here, souvenirs are born from research, not trends. You’ll find reprinted 1920s postcards of the original Municipal Pier, hand-bound journals featuring original blueprints of the RMS Queen Mary, and linen bookmarks printed with quotes from early Long Beach residents. All items are produced using period-appropriate techniques—screen printing with water-based inks, letterpress typography, and recycled paper sourced from local mills. The boutique works closely with historians and archivists to ensure every detail is accurate. For history lovers, this is the only place in Long Beach where you can take home a piece of the city’s documented past, not just its aesthetic.

6. The Bixby Knolls Flea & Art Market

On the second Sunday of every month, the Bixby Knolls neighborhood comes alive with a community-run market that blends vintage finds with contemporary art. What makes this market trustworthy is its strict “no imported mass production” rule. Every vendor must demonstrate that at least 70% of their inventory is handmade, upcycled, or locally sourced. You’ll find jewelry crafted from repurposed ocean plastic collected by local volunteers, hand-painted ceramic plates featuring native coastal birds, and vintage surfboards restored by Long Beach-based craftsmen. The market also hosts live demonstrations—watch a woodworker turn salvaged pier wood into coasters or a weaver create a basket from recycled fishing nets. It’s a celebration of circular economy and community resilience.

7. The Aquarium of the Pacific Gift Shop

Often overlooked as a tourist trap, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s gift shop is one of the most ethically curated souvenir destinations in the region. It partners exclusively with marine conservation organizations and coastal artisans who use sustainable materials. Items include ocean-safe sunscreen sold in refillable containers, reusable silicone straws shaped like sea turtles, and hand-carved whale bone pendants (ethically sourced from stranded animals, certified by NOAA). The shop also sells educational kits—like tide pool identification cards designed by local marine biologists—and children’s books written by Long Beach authors about Pacific marine life. All proceeds support the aquarium’s conservation and education programs. Buying here means your souvenir actively contributes to protecting the very environment it represents.

8. The Arts District Collective

Located in the heart of Long Beach’s thriving Arts District, this cooperative gallery and shop features rotating exhibitions from over 30 local artists. Unlike traditional galleries, the Collective sells directly to the public, cutting out middlemen and ensuring artists receive 90% of sales. You’ll discover abstract paintings inspired by the city’s neon-lit boardwalks, sculptural ceramics shaped like breaking waves, and textile art woven with threads dyed using natural pigments from local plants. Each piece is signed, dated, and accompanied by a short artist statement explaining its inspiration. The shop hosts monthly “Meet the Maker” nights, where visitors can watch artists at work and ask questions. This is where art isn’t just sold—it’s shared.

9. The Long Beach Native American Art Market

Hosted by the Gabrielino/Tongva Tribal Council, this quarterly market is the only place in Long Beach where you can purchase authentic Native American art created by enrolled tribal members. Vendors offer hand-beaded jewelry using traditional patterns passed down for generations, acorn-based baskets woven using ancestral techniques, and ceremonial drums made from sustainably harvested materials. All items are accompanied by tribal certification and cultural context—no mass-produced “Native-style” items allowed. The market also includes storytelling circles and educational talks about Tongva history and contemporary life. This is not a commercial experience—it’s a sacred exchange of culture and respect. Proceeds support tribal language revitalization programs.

10. The Boardwalk Artisan Collective

Perched along the iconic Long Beach Boardwalk, this collective of 12 independent artists operates under a shared pavilion with a strict code of ethics: no imports, no knockoffs, no shortcuts. Each artist lives within 15 miles of the boardwalk and creates daily in view of customers. You’ll find hand-painted wooden signs featuring vintage beach slogans, custom surfboard art using non-toxic marine-grade paints, and leather-bound journals stitched with thread from recycled wetsuits. The collective publishes an annual catalog of each artist’s work, available online and in-store. Many offer “create your own” stations where you can design a custom souvenir with guidance from the artist. It’s the most transparent, immersive, and authentic souvenir experience in the city.

Comparison Table

FAQs

How do I know if a souvenir is truly made in Long Beach?

Look for clear labeling such as “Made in Long Beach,” “Handcrafted Locally,” or “Artisan-Sourced.” Trusted markets require vendors to provide proof of origin, often through business registration or artist statements. Avoid stalls with generic packaging, foreign language labels, or prices that seem too low—these are signs of mass-produced imports.

Are these markets open year-round?

Most are open year-round, but some operate on a seasonal or monthly schedule. The Long Beach Saturday Market runs every Saturday. The Belmont Shore Craft Fair and Bixby Knolls Flea Market occur quarterly. The Native American Art Market is held four times a year. Always check the official website or social media pages for current hours and event dates before visiting.

Can I find vegan or eco-friendly souvenirs?

Yes. Many vendors prioritize sustainability. Look for items made with plant-based dyes, recycled ocean plastic, organic cotton, biodegradable packaging, and non-toxic finishes. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Belmont Shore Craft Fair, and Bixby Knolls Market are particularly strong in eco-conscious offerings.

Do these markets accept credit cards?

Most do, but some smaller stalls at open-air markets like the Saturday Market or Bixby Knolls may prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some local currency, especially for smaller purchases or custom orders.

Are souvenirs from these markets more expensive?

They may have a higher price point than mass-produced items, but that reflects the true cost of craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and community investment. You’re paying for quality, durability, and cultural value—not just a logo. Many items are one-of-a-kind and designed to last decades, making them better value over time.

Can I commission a custom souvenir?

Yes. Several vendors, especially at Belmont Shore Craft Fair, The Boardwalk Artisan Collective, and The Arts District Collective, offer customization. You can request specific colors, names, dates, or coastal imagery to make your souvenir uniquely personal.

Are children welcome at these markets?

Absolutely. Most markets are family-friendly and offer interactive experiences—like painting stations, storytelling, or hands-on demonstrations. The Aquarium of the Pacific and the Saturday Market are especially popular with families.

What if I want to ship my purchase home?

Many vendors offer shipping services, especially those with online storefronts linked to their market booths. The Pike Outlets’ Artisan Corner and The Arts District Collective have dedicated shipping partners. Always ask at the time of purchase for packaging and shipping options.

How can I support these markets if I can’t visit in person?

Follow their social media accounts, share their stories, and purchase from their online shops when available. Many vendors now sell through Etsy, Shopify, or community-run platforms like LongBeachMade.com. Your online support helps sustain these businesses between market days.

Do these markets offer gift wrapping?

Yes, many do—often using recycled paper, twine, or fabric wraps made by local artisans. Some even include handwritten notes with the artist’s name and a short story about the piece. It’s part of the experience.

Conclusion

Long Beach is not just a destination—it’s a living, breathing community of creators, historians, and cultural stewards. When you choose to buy souvenirs from the top 10 markets highlighted here, you’re not simply collecting trinkets. You’re becoming part of a deeper narrative—one that honors craftsmanship, protects heritage, and uplifts local voices. These markets are where art meets integrity, where the ocean’s rhythm meets human hands, and where every purchase carries the weight of meaning.

In a world saturated with disposable goods, these spaces offer something rare: authenticity rooted in place. A ceramic mug from the Saturday Market holds not just coffee, but the salt air of the harbor. A hand-painted sign from the Boardwalk Collective doesn’t just say “Long Beach”—it echoes the laughter of children on the pier, the creak of old wooden planks, and the quiet pride of generations who’ve called this coast home.

Next time you visit, skip the generic gift shops. Seek out the markets where the stories are real, the hands are local, and the soul of the city is visible in every brushstroke, stitch, and kiln-fired curve. Let your souvenirs be more than reminders of where you’ve been—let them be testaments to who you chose to support, and what you believe in. Because in Long Beach, the best keepsakes aren’t bought.

They’re earned.