There’s something about seeing an old general store in the middle of town that warms my heart. Here in Southern California, you can experience a slice of life during a simpler time by checking out some of our charming general stores sprinkled throughout SoCal. Some of these locations date back to the early 1900s, so get ready for some history. Want to check out these quaint storefronts? I’ll take you on a little tour.
Please note, Ruddy’s General Store Museum is temporarily closed.
This charming general store in Forest Falls looks wonderfully old fashioned. It's the perfect place to stock up on all the staples you need while enjoying a cabin adventure in the nearby area. Rumor has it they have a pretty epic selection of soda pop and root beer.
From the moment you step into Rust, you'll be transported back in time. Located in Old Town San Diego, this local store is modeled after a traditional general store from the 1800s. Even the clerks in the store are dressed in costumes right out of Little House on the Prairie.
Even though this is a museum in the style of a general store and not a an actual store, it's still worth your time to stop in and visit. Located in downtown Palm Springs, Ruddy's General Store is a curated collection of fixtures from the general stores of the 1930s and '40s, as well as actual merchandise that was sold back then. You'll find that many of the items on display are still filled with the original contents. For only 95 cents per person, you can tour this rare find in Palm Springs.
The Backcountry Visitor Center is housed in a historic building from 1884 that was once home to the Santa Ysabel General Store. Operated by the Save Our Heritage Organization, it's been redesigned to reflect its historic roots. The products offered for sale help support the local community while also providing funds to restore other historical buildings in the area.
5. Adam's Pack Station and General Merchandise -- Sierra Madre
Since 1936, Adam's Pack Station has been operating in Chantry Flats in the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains. Capture the spirit of a simpler time and stop in for a snack and an ice-cold beverage before or after a day of hiking in the woods. Or stock up on basic conveniences if you're staying in a nearby cabin.
This charming general store in Green Valley Lake is picture-book pretty. It looks exactly like the kind of place you'd find in the good ol' days when you could buy a scoop of ice cream for a dime.
Did you have any idea these general stores were still around in Southern California? Or how about the museum — have you ever heard of that little gem before? Make sure to stop by and step inside the next time you’re near one of these general stores and take a look around.
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