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San Diego, CA

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American Nostalgia

3.8 (24 reviews)
Closed • 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Vidya P.

What a walk down memory lane! I thoroughly enjoyed walking through this store with the walls lined up with old-timey knickknacks and candy! The saleslady at the front was kind, helpful, and engaging. I loved hearing her talk about the shop and the kitschy collection items! It definitely makes for a fun conversation starter with friends - and it's definitely worth a visit.

American Nostalgia at night.
Annemargaret B.

Candy. Shirts. Images. Grandparents share stories of their childhood that leave you in awe or crying with laughter? Want to relive fond memories? This is American Nostalgia and what happens when you venture into this cute shop. Staff is delightful and friendly while they guide customers through the nostalgia. We had a great time and purchase gifts for the holidays. Pricing is reasonable. American Nostalgia is a great place to have fun!

Angelo A.

Came across American Nostalgia while strolling through Seaport Village. Smallish shop with old school candy, t-shirts, signs and other knickknacks. Was excited to see Chick-O-Sticks and surprised to see those bubblegum cigarettes from when I was a kid. I thought they were banned . . . There really isn't anything you NEED in here, but it's a fun shop to look around in if you're window shopping, killing time, need a unique gift for someone, or longing for the "good ol' days".

Alicia P.

Not sure I would've stopped in except that we were part of a special tour. I truly enjoyed the merchandise and the memories that they brought, especially the candies. The packs of candy cigarettes that we use to blow the powder out of, big hunk, Razzles, Chick-o-Stix to name a few. It was a blast to stroll the store and the server was very nice.

Located in Seaport Village
Courtney K.

Bottom Line: Entertaining shop full of vintage inspired things that you don't need but are fun to have. My husband wanted to duck in here and I was very neutral on the idea, at best, but I ended up buying something! The store is very kitschy but I was excited to purchase absorbent coasters with artwork inspired by vintage San Diego travel posters. The salesperson was very friendly and chatty while carefully wrapping my coasters. Also, she asked if I needed parking validated which I appreciated.

Lyn V.

This place was cool. Had some funny stuff. I saw a nightmare before Christmas couples mugs (forgot to take pics) and think it would make a great gift . The girl working at the register was really nice also

Candy
Nell E.

American Nostalgia is a staple of Seaport Village. In a unique collection of little shops and souvenir stops, this store feeds your sweet tooth and takes you back a couple of decades. As you enter the shop on your left, there is a wall of old signs of American highways like highway 66, inside, there are collectible toys and treats like the Charleston Chew, sprinkle-covered chocolate drops and Milk Duds. American Nostalgia is as it's name suggests, a throwback to America of old. A fun and cute shop.

Classic Coke machine
Danielle R.

This is a fun, cute store. I love Seaport Village and this is the perfect shop for that area. There are little knick-knacks, mugs, shirts, signs, cards, calendars and more here. Everything has a vintage, old fashioned feel to it and you totally understand the nostalgia part of the name. It makes you think of a time where things were a bit more wholesome. The store was a bit small but had a large amount of items in it. The staff was very kind and was never pushy but was available to help if you wanted it.

Kit for my nephew to kick ass and puff bubble smokes--he'll be the coolest kid at Kindergarten
Jason A.

It's something like a miniature Spencer's to grab a small gag gift (I bought a pair of Handerpants) or the various tshirts that's either local (California) or scifi (Star Wars). Hanging in the back are vintage frames/posters reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood. They have your classic candy needs, from Lucky brand gum to Abba Zabba I admit that some of the items are a bit pricey and would look elsewhere for cheaper souvenirs but I found the store clerk to be very helpful and friendly which is what I'm basing my high rating on--she took the time to chat with a tourist like me and gave several recommendations in the local flavors to try out for the short time I'll be in the area. Would definitely visit again if I'm in Seaport Village!

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Chris G.

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Chris G.

Thank you so much for the amazing review, it’s greatly appreciated!

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Review Highlights - American Nostalgia

“Definitely a walk down memory lane.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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