Absolutely thrilled. From the bead shop to the secret garden to meeting Nachos Grande. We loved the hardware and selection, the beads and plants, the pottery and tiny mushrooms. Can't wait to go back. read more

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I came here on a whim with a friend as we were going to the weekly Farmer's Market that takes place on Saturday afternoons. This is such a cute and adorable shop- and there's a cat who lounges in the back area! I didn't realize that this bead shop also sold crystals and had a pretty great selection & variety. It was nice checking out the shop and feeling so welcomed despite not purchasing anything. There was a nice selection of plants & pots available and not gonna lie, it was very tempting to bring a plant home. Definitely coming here if I ever need supplies for jewelry making or making a little fairy garden. read more

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Cute shop. The owner was very nice and greeted me upon arrival. She helped me select a very pretty Burmese Jadeite round bead. All beads are well organized and priced well. Next time I'm in Morro Bay I will stop by again! read more

Beads By the Bay - Exterior - Art Supplies Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Great place for picking up beads, earrings and anything fancy as an accessory from local markets as well as different parts of the world. Its cute and colorful and you'll enjoy roaming around and may end up buying as well. Have fun here! read more

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Beads by the Bay is a lil space of bead heaven tucked away in downtown Morro Bay. So many beautiful and fun beads, pearls, stones to choose from. The shop is cozy. Amongst all the beautiful beads, terrific beading accessories, and excellent customer service you can truly get your zen on just sitting out in the back yard area. It's full of luscious greens, Flowers, succulents, and a beautiful pond with koi fish. The atmosphere is very relaxed, comfortable, and zenful :-) if I may say :-) Aside from shopping, I've also stopped in just to peruse and sit out in back with a cup of joe. It's ok with the owner :-). Thank you :-)! You can call direct to schedule a group or personal beading class. You can also take in your own jewelry items to strand. Pop in to see bead heaven for yourself. I think you will enjoy :-)))) read more

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Super cute shop with a lot of beads. Cute plant stuff in the back. A must visit and you will find something. Will come back again.

This store is not exactly off 101 South, but it was suppose to be open until 5:00 P.M. My GPS said I would arrive at 5:52. When I arrived, the door was locked, but the lights were still on, so I knocked. No one came to the door, so I left very disappointed. I have a small beaded jewelry business. I travel back and forth from my home in Irvine to Northern California to be a vendor at different art and craft fairs. There are a few beads stores I stop at along the way. Even though Beads by the Bay has a nice selection of beads, I'm crossing the store off my list! If you are suppose to be open until 5:00, as it was posted, then the store shouldn't been open! read more

My niece was shopping for beads but they also have sea shells, plants and pots in the backyard. They had a better selection of barnacles than the other shell shops in the area. Will definitely be back in this store when we are in the area again. read more

Beads By the Bay - They had a great selection of barnacles the time we were there. - Art Supplies Near Me - Morro Bay, California

We have shopped at the Beads by the Bay Store on 2 different trips to the Morrow Bay Area. If you love plants and bead making, you will enjoy shopping here. I have purchased clay pots, succulents, ornamental picks, and jewelry making charms from this store. The employees are very personable and make me feel welcome to browse around. They will also help you plant your succulents at the outdoor potting area from a plastic pot into a terra cotta pot and top it with your choice in gravel on top. So you can be a bit creative in making a plant as a gift, or for your own patio. read more

Beads By the Bay - Art Supplies Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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Walked in with my wife, about 7-10 people waiting to pay at the counter...lady with curly hair begins to scold the customers all of whom had items waiting to be paid for...here's what she said "There's too many people standing around here who aren't buying anything. If you aren't buying anything you need to get out of the store now"... then everyone explains they are buying items...her response "no you're not, you all need to get out of here"" Okay so my thoughts...this lady is the worst salesperson I have ever "experienced" (calling it less than an experience wouldn't do it justice). The rudeness, absolute meanness to customers is mind boggling. The only explanation for this is she is purposely trying to get this business to fail. She also explained she didn't want to take our money if it was by credit card because it didn't meet the $10 minimum. To the owner I'd suggest you fire this employee. We came in Saturday July 31st at 2PM, feel free to look up who was scheduled that day. Worst purchasing experience in my life. read more

From the front of this shop, it looks like just beads, but wait, there's more! Really cool garden shop out back as well! We popped up in on a Sunday just to see if there were any interesting beads but then noticed a door that led to backyard garden shop. That's when the real fun began! So many gorgeous succulent plants for purchase as well as other summer flowers, garden adornments and my favorite-amazing chunks of slag glass that can be used to decorate flower beds and other garden arrangements. The prices were very good and I walked out with several large pieces in red, turquoise and light blue at a fraction of the price for what I've paid for similar pieces up in Sonoma county. The cashier was super friendly and agreed to even hold our box of garden glass behind the counter so we could explore downtown some more without schlepping 20 pounds of glass chunks around. While there also stop and admire the koi pond, say hi to the friendly kitty cat and stop to admire the butterflies floating around the garden center. Well worth a stop in Morro Bay! The Yelp 100 Challenge! read more

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I went with my friend over the weekend for the promise of a secret garden, and we got so much more! There was a sweet old cat and plants for sale as well as for decor. The woman at the counter knew the store and what she was talking about and was extremely helpful to him when he was asking about and buying some of the beads and just good to talk with in general. Great vibes and customer service! read more

Beads By the Bay - Air plants - Art Supplies Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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This is the cutest little shop. I was visiting SLO for a weekend and saw this store online. I went in the next day and had a great experience. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. I got a variety of beads and have made some really cute jewelry pieces with them. Also there backyard garden is soooo cute!! Definitely suggest going to check it out. read more

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My sisters, their husbands, and I were in this store for all of 15 minutes when the shopkeeper informed our group and a couple of others that we needed to get out of the store because we were not 'paying customers.' Everyone in our group had items in their hands and tried to explain that we intended on purchasing our items but she said 'no, you're not - get out.' Two of my sisters ended up getting beads and the entire time the shopkeeper continued to harass them and other customers about remembering the prices of HER STORES ITEMS and talking negatively about other customers in front of them. Several other customers who also had to wait outside because they had also been randomly kicked out but had other friends still shopping remarked that they were shocked by the horrific customer service. read more

I came to this beads shop about a year ago while visiting a friend who lives in Morro Bay. In my recent visit to Morro bay again, I called up the store to arrange a private lesson. The owner was super patient and attentive. I took a bead class at other place, but have forgotten most of it. The owner helped me figure out design and materials suited for them. I find the service attentive and the great selection of beads. I will certainly come back for the beads and lessons! read more

Visited shop last Saturday, (I stop in every time I make the trip) and was pleased by the wide selection as usual! The gal behind the counter was friendly and helpful! read more

What a wonderful little gem in the heart of downtown Morro Bay! The shop has an impressive collection of jewelry making supplies, and finished pieces for sale as well. My favorite is the garden in back (what a treat!!). I have gone there more than once just to be still, to meditate. To watch the koi in the pond or play with the cat. The succulents in the garden (some ornamental but many for sale) are quite impressive and varied. One day, while lingering in the peaceful oasis out back, I walked over to the outdoor work shed. Waiting for me there was a table, hand tools, succulents, air plants, pots, soil, and more. I'd FINALLY made it from the bench at the koi pond to the back yard outdoor art studio.!! Which had clear instructions, a plethora of supplies, and being tucked away, offered the perfect space with which to create my masterpieces!! I made three "air terrariums" that day, plus I potted a tiny succulent in a bed of crystals in a ceramic pot. The airplants l nestled in gorgeous hand blown clear glass hanging houses. I took them home and hung them with fishing line and they floated in my home, happily taking me back to the serenity of the zen garden, each and every time I look at them. The $ spent on all the plants and supplies was WELL worth the Art Therapy and the continuing joy the little creations still bring to my life. Thanks for being such a lovely and healing place, Beads By The Bay! read more

I visited this lovely establishment during my recent stay. I love coming to Beads by the Bay because of the fantastic assortment of beautiful beads, and the sweet, friendly, talkative owner. I felt compelled to leave this review because of the mean-spirited one stating the hope of this small business shutting down simply for adhering to "state mandated guidelines about mask requirements! Yes, everyone was wearing a mask, and I am grateful for that. So thank you. I was able to comfortably take my time and browse while shopping . I even accidentally spilled a container of beads, and the owner was not even fazed by it! The sweet garden in the back, is an added plus. read more

What a fun shop! A little shop but stocked full of beads and jewelry findings. I bought stone beads, strung glass beads, metal charms, and chain. Well priced, too. And on the back patio is an assortment of small succulents for sale - with different containers and fairy garden accents. read more

Very cool shop, beads and succulents. Bought a nice Scottie dog terra cotta pot. Beautiful, I will be back.

I always make sure I go to this store when I am in town a couple times a year. I have not come in since Covid... a little worried about the size & the safety of mask wearing...but just went yesterday & was so pleased & happy that the lady working would remind people to put on their masks, when they attempted to come in without one. Made me feel safe & made me feel that she cared about her customers. Will return in the fall ..thanks again! read more

Great store. Every bead you can think of to make your own jewelry, or premade jewelry if you're so inclined. Lots of beautiful succulents in the back garden area with pots. Highly recommend and Helen is a sweet and wonderful soul read more

I would give this place a 5 based on all my past experiences in the store. It is true they have a great selection and a wonderful garden. I give the store 3 stars because the owner kicked my family out of the store. My special needs son was looking at all the merchandise around the pond and the owner came outside waving her arms saying he was, "in the pond!" She told me that my daughter was destroying her fairy garden (she was not) and literally flapped her arms at us and shooed us out of her store. I had plants picked out to buy, and I have spent a lot of money in the store when I have shopped alone. This store is not child friendly. Parents, do not bring your kids here if you want to make it through check out. read more

Best bead shop! They have such an incredible, unique selection. Make sure you check out the garden shop in the back and say hello to the kitty! read more

This place was so good we came back for more the next day! My Girl Scout troop was visiting and looking for hair wrap supplies. The nice lady in the shop helped the girls find something better than the embroidery floss they were looking for and they even found beads to use in their wraps. Enchanting garden out back, tons of cute beads and super nice staff. Can't beat that! read more

Went in just for a look around, and was very impressed by how many very unique beads there were. It's a small shop but cleanly organized. The secret garden in the back was not what I expected, and was very cool. The variety of herbs, plants and succulents is impressive and it is all arranged very well. Finding prices were hit and miss on plants, but decently priced overall, especially for the Bay area. Customer service was nice, although lady behind counter a bit distracted. If you are passing by, I definitely recommend a look inside! read more

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We aren't bead people but we love the secret garden out back. We always find unique treasures to take home to Arizona.

All of the cool beads that you see online are all in this place. They have such an amazing selection and the ladies are so helpful and so generous with their time. read more

Everything here is great if you're into beads and similar things. The owner is wonderful and the prices are reasonable. The best part is walking in the back into garden. However, I come here to pet the kitty cat. read more

Beads By the Bay - Beads of the Bay kitty cat. - Art Supplies Near Me - Morro Bay, California

This store is a jewel and I hope it survives not only the competition of online sales, but also the hardships Corona restrictions impose these days. When I walked through the door it felt like stepping into a magical sparkling jewel box. Beautiful strings of beads cascading down the walls to land in a sea of little boxes filled with equally wonderful beads, pearls and gems. You can find the most mesmerizing rarities, findings, chains and strings from many places of this world. In the back of the store is a little garden where you find gardening supplies, plants, figurines and much more that makes the little outside area an experience of its own. A true fairy garden. The two ladies I met and who seem to run the store were friendly, smiling (this was before we had to wear masks) approachable and very, very helpful. Both of them went out of their way to explain this, give a hand with that and even twirled silver wires through and around some beads for me.I drove back home happily, with a set of brand new handmade earrings and some material to continue living my streak of creativity. I love this store and give it a BIG five-star rating. read more

Traveling through town and stopped by the bead store to restock for some delica beads. My wife has been in "lots" of bead stores and said this one was the best ever!!! I ventured out to the patio........wow, what a great plant area, beautiful pond and soil options.Was intrigued by the Taco Temple sign and inquired to owner who told us the history.Not only did we get a great bead experience, we ate at Taco Temple! read more

Beads by the Bay is a magical place where time stands still! The store is clean and well organized with hundreds of options for making your own jewelry. The owner was very sweet with my children and even gave my son a little present for his birthday. My husband bought me a bracelet and earrings and everything came to less than $30. There is also a beautifully landscaped garden in the back with herbs, plants, and succulents for sale. I can't wait to go back. read more

Love this place, I come here every time I'm in town. So many beads. Anything you can think of is here. The owner is a very nice lady. And there is a kitty in the garden! read more

I love coming here and I always find new ideas and nice friendly assistance. I have brought in all kinds of little pieces and questions and challenges and I always leave feeling that I have resolved my challenges and probably gotten some new ideas too. I am new to this hobby and Susan has been a huge help. It's justa great little shop! read more

I love this store! As a hobby crafter I can always find what I'm looking for, whether an exotic bead for a necklace focal point or a hard-to-find extra-narrow split ring. I enjoy exploring there when I need inspiration for something new. Take a few moments to enjoy the peaceful garden, too :-) read more

I try not to come here if I have anything to do or anywhere else to be.....I could spend hours! They have a fantastic selection of cute beads and classic or elegant as well. They have everything you need for jewelry making. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and if you love plants the back garden is serene and for sale! read more

Ive been buying beads here for years and recommend them highly! Great selection of traditional and unusual beads. Great service when I ask questions. Charming garden in the back- be sure to visit it, if only once! :-) read more

They are small, but have a large selection of beads and minerals. The customer service can't be beat--I'm not a frequent customer, but I took in a necklace that had a broken clasp, and the saleslady not only found a replacement clasp for it, but fixed it for me on the spot--all for 25 cents. Definitely will be my first destination when I need beads or jewelry-making materials. read more

Lovely garden in the back ~ I visit often, just so I can go back to smell the flowers and breathe the fresh air. Truly Magical. Be sure to say hi to Kitty ;) Kind and Caring Customer Service. Positive individuals, artists, and nature lovers who run the shop. They care about their community, the environment, and radiating joy to their customers and locals. Their "Nursery" provides a selection of culinary and aromatherapy herbs. They have a very unique selection ; Pineapple Mint, Chocolate Mint, Catnip, Rosemary, and more! Great selection of beads, and jewelry making supplies. ~~ At times, I find things a tad bit overpriced...but if you know the treasures you are searching for, you can be sure to find them and seek out reasonable priced items. ~~ They provide some shell jewelry as well (mainly abalone, clay pieces, and bone). My top choice for purchasing gift boxes and baggies as well. They sell gift boxes individually for about .25 cents. As well as silk sachet baggies which range from .25 cents to $1.00 *** UPDATE : As of recently, they are not selling their selection of Crystals and Minerals anymore. A new shop has opened nearby which they will be happy to tell you about and give you the information. read more

We stumbled upon this little shop, hoping to buy a little aloe succulent, and it was awesome! The woman at the counter helped us find our aloe plant, explained how to care for it, and was just all-around pleasant. The "secret garden" in back is just fun. The prices were surprisingly cheap, as well. read more