🛍️ Local Finds

Thrifters Paradise in San Clemente

If you love a good treasure hunt, you’ll want to block off an afternoon for San Clemente’s best-kept secret: a row of nine thrift shops tucked along El Camino Real, between Marquita and Avenida Palizada. It’s an easy stroll from the boutiques on Del Mar, but the prices are way friendlier—and the finds, way more fun.

Kaia (my resident teenage thrifting sidekick) and I recently hit every single shop. This strip felt curated without being stuffy, and far more browseable than a typical Goodwill. The best part? Most of these shops support local causes—from children’s programs to cancer research.

Here’s where to go and what not to miss:

🪡 1. La Tienda Thrift Shop

📍 510 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Run by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, this clean, well-organized shop funds local school clothing drives and literacy programs. Think quality over clutter: color-sorted racks, like-new denim, and a back room filled with charming home goods. (We spotted a Le Creuset ramekin for $3.)

🍭 2. Sweet Repeats Thrift Store

📍 504 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Sweet Repeats supports the Soroptimist International of Capistrano Bay, which helps empower women and girls through education. This one leans boutique-y: polished shoes, statement jewelry, and racks of carefully curated women’s fashion. The vintage handbags here are a goldmine.

🐚 3. Coral Thrift Shop — Our Top Pick

📍 506 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Open since 1967 and lovingly staffed by locals, Coral Thrift supports groups like the Boys & Girls Club and Ocean Institute. The shop feels lived-in in the best way—homey, inviting, and full of character. The real gem? Sandy, who’s worked the register for 22 years and has stories for days. (Grab a glimpse of her here).

🏡 4. Casita de Kathy

📍 522 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
This charming, lesser-known spot is more like stepping into someone’s chic coastal garage sale—except everything’s priced to move. From quirky mugs to hand-knit scarves and gently used kids’ clothes, it’s the kind of place you’ll leave with something you didn’t know you needed.

🐀 5. The Pac Rat Thrift Store

📍 534 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Don't let the name fool you—this place is a delightful dig. It’s one of the more eclectic shops on the row, with a little bit of everything: old records, retro kitchenware, funky wall art, and some vintage sports gear that gave Kaia major 90s kid vibes.

🧺 6. iHOPE Resale Boutique

📍 540 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
This tidy boutique benefits iHOPE San Clemente, which supports individuals experiencing homelessness. It’s smaller but well stocked—perfect if you’re hunting for casual basics or a new-to-you summer dress. Friendly staff, stylish pieces, and an even better mission.

🧦 7. Laura’s House Resale Store

📍 530 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Proceeds go to support Laura’s House, a nonprofit helping individuals impacted by domestic violence. This store is spacious and well-lit with a wide range of clothing, shoes, books, and home accessories. Pro tip: check the corner shelves for boutique candles and cute mugs.

✨ 8. Restoration Thrift

📍 538 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
One of the newer spots on the block, this nonprofit thrift store supports recovery programs and transitional housing for those in need. The layout is open and welcoming, with a great mix of fashion, furniture, and upcycled finds. If you're into a bit of DIY, this is your spot.

9. The Bargain Box Thrift Store

📍 526 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Operated by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, The Bargain Box sits right between Coral Thrift and Restoration Thrift. It funds school clothing drives and student scholarships and tends to have a reliably rotating inventory of apparel, housewares, and accessories

🌮 Celebrate Your Haul with Tacos

Once your thrift bags are full and your thrifting spirit is soaring, fuel up with tacos from El Campeon just around the corner (100 W El Camino Real). No frills, just solid carne asada and horchata worth the sticky fingers.

🛍️ Our haul: cowboy boots Willie Nelson would envy, a broken-in denim jacket, vintage Guess, and SPY goggles (because why not?). Check out our purchases.

🗺️ Your Thrift Row Game Plan

Start at the south end:
La Tienda Thrift Shop
📍 510 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Then walk north along the east side of El Camino Real, hitting these shops in order:

1. La Tienda Thrift Shop – 510 N El Camino Real

2. Sweet Repeats – 504 N El Camino Real

3. Coral Thrift Shop – 506 N El Camino Real

4. The Bargain Box – 526 N El Camino Real

5. Casaita de Kathy – 522 N El Camino Real

6. Restoration Thrift – 538 N El Camino Real

7. iHOPE Resale Boutique – 540 N El Camino Real

8. Laura’s House Resale Store – 530 N El Camino Real (yes, slightly out of sequence—it's worth the detour)

Then cross the street and wrap it up at:

9. The Pac Rat Thrift Store
   📍 534 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
   (Just across the street—look for the funky sign and vintage vibes.)Let us know what you score—we’ll be over here polishing our boots and feeling smug.