Retro Whoa! A Guide to Nostalgic Long Beach
Retro Row
"Everything old is new again" along Fourth Street's Retro Row.
Long Beach offers something for everyone when it comes to shopping, but especially those in search of extraordinary and hard-to-find vintage wear. Retro Row, a three-block collection of vintage and retro shops, is located on Fourth Street between Cherry and Junipero Avenues.
This shopping district is popular with Los Angeles stylists and costume designers as well as young, urban hipsters. Retro Row has become a don’t-miss destination for Long Beach visitors and residents alike and was touted in the New York Times Travel Section as the place to find “the soul of Long Beach.” Along with both retro and modern boutiques and restaurants, 4th Street is also home to the renovated Art Theatre.
What Kinds of Clothing Can I Find on Retro Row?
Whether clothing aficionados are in search of 1970’s striped tube socks, handmade jewelry or vintage Hawaiian shirts, it can be found on Retro Row. Step into retail’s past at apparel shops specializing in mint condition, original clothing from the 1940’s to 1980’s.
Retro Row is the perfect place to find an uncommon gift for a friend or something special for yourself. You will find shops with collections of timeless handbags and accessories while right next door is a selection of rock and roll t-shirts and 1940’s leather biker jackets. You will discover everything retro from cocktail shakers to party dresses, sometimes all in the same store.
Find Design Inspiration and Home Decor
While strolling down Fourth Street in all its vintage glory you may be inspired to remodel. How about an egg chair for the living room, vinyl barstools for the kitchen or tiki torches for the backyard? Unusual and timeless furniture, lighting, fabric, and accessories can all be found at affordable prices. High-quality mid-century furniture from Rattan to Modern to Art Deco can be found to satisfy all your decorating demands.
Music, Books & More
While vintage clothing and furniture are the main attractions on Retro Row, there is plenty more to experience. You can find classic records and new CDs, used books and listen to live music at several unique venues, or head over to an authentic old-fashioned barbershop and get a straight razor shave and your pompadour trimmed.
The food on Retro Row is just as special and out of the ordinary as the shopping. Try the famous fish n’ chips, lobster tacos and burgers at the Pike Restaurant and Bar. This modernized 1950’s diner features iPod Sundays, where diners broadcast their MP3’s playlist as the restaurant’s music. Lola’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine features outdoor patio seating right on 4th Street in one of Long Beach’s very first “parklets.”