Wonderful shop under an amazing restaurant! Been visiting both since the early 80's. If you're in Big Sur Nepenthe and the Phoenix Shop are a must see! read more

Stopped by after lunch at the Nepenthe. What a lovely store. So many beautiful items for gifts or why not yourself. Handmade jewelry that was so unique. Candles, scarves, lotions, tableware and more. Beautiful views from all around. Welcoming staff. read more

This store was very nice 15 years ago . Went a few days ago and couldn't believe it. So much junk that was probably from a flea market. The outside had nothing nice, years ago they had a nice water fountain, that was so amazing. Will not be going anymore read more

I have been meaning to write my review for here since it's been ages since I came here but I finally did about a month ago. I ended up spending a lot of money and time enjoying buying candles, meditation aids, but mostly cute clothing and hats. LIZ IS SUPER AWESOME AND SO WAS THE OTHER LADY IN THE DOWNSTAIRS CLOTHING SECTION. I will come back here soon and I will definitely patronize this place. They have everything I want specifically also joint creams which really are a life saver when you have lots of pain and need to get relief. I honestly splurge here because the uniqueness and beauty of the items here are parallel to the best in the world and I have shopped around everywhere. I love to mix these pieces with my favorite items and create something special and original that is personal to my taste. I also treat myself to the excellent food upstairs. Service in both are impeccable. Every time I come here, I literally spend a few hours and I am prepared to spend a lot and it never surprises me. read more

By far the best souvenir shop in Big Sur. The Phoenix Shop is located beneath a cliffside eatery and coffee shop called Nepenthe. This spot sits on PCH and is two stories with a balcony. The entry level is filled with a ton of goodies, including items like candles, perfumes, journals, books, jewelry, incense, soaps, nick-nacks, etc. The bottom story/basement is stacked with Big Sur inspired clothing, mainly a lot aztec designs. Finally, the balcony has fun plant accessories and outdoor decor. You'll be able to find a locally made item for every person in your life and it won't be a tacky sweatshirt. I ended up taking home a fancy terracotta candle and a fun recycled bag with a seagull eating french fries that states, "I'm here for your snacks." I couldn't find a better item to remember this trip! read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this little shoppe. It had jewelry, books, clothing, paintings, art, and all sorts of other goodies nestled on shelves, showcased on the wall, and presented in display cases. I couldn't get enough of it...I could've stayed all day. The nice thing is that many of the pieces are from local artists so they are pretty unique. I bought a beautiful pair of dangling silver earrings and stunning navy blue dress. The downside is that many of the clothing--while totally cool and interesting--is pretty pricey (way too much for my taste). But, if I had the money to spend, I would've loved to pick up a few more items. read more

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It has been a very long time since I encountered a gift shop that has such a lovely and well chosen selection (local books, jewelry, clothing, knick knacks) and at reasonable prices! The staff were very friendly and helpful. They offered gift wrapping as well. I wish that they had a shop in the Bay Area! Definitely recommend if you're in the area! read more

What a cute shop! I underestimated and thought it was another gift shop, but it's actually in a large space, two floors. The lower level has clothing and the upper level has gifts (scents, bath, books, etc.), but the best part is going outside towards the garden area to take in the coastal view. read more

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THE PHOENIX SHOP is located a level below Nepenthe Restaurant. Parking is free and easy. THE PHOENIX SHOP is great! They have a great selection of souvenir items you can purchase: stickers, etc. They also showcase, and sell local artists' products such as handcrafted soaps, vases, lawn décor, artwork, accessories, food items (like jerky) etc. Books, and some items you might or might not need while camping nearby are also available. To be honest, there are a lot of stuff here that you didn't know you needed until you see them :) read more

Oh come on, admit it. The only reason you come here is because you're either: (a) waiting for one of the sought-after back patio tables at Nepenthe and hoping you can hear your name being called; or (b) feeling a need to maximize your stop at Nepenthe since it's such a long, winding drive to whatever your destination may be. As striking as the setting is, it's the sort of hippy-dippy, Age of Aquarius-style combination of art gallery, clothing emporium, and gift and bookstore that you would expect in Big Sur. There are certainly nice items artfully arranged on tables and shelves, and once you turn them over, do try to maintain your composure at the Big Sur-level prices. The back patio offers an orchestra of windchimes that generate a cacophony of Wyndham Hill-infused ambient noise to the stoic response of a chorus of stone-faced Buddhas (literally) (see photo). My favorite item is the open spigot fountain that magically pours water in a bucket of stones without a visible source (see photo). I have to admit the only thing I've bought here was the Nepenthe cookbook which I subsequently saw change hands considerably at a white elephant potluck. Alas, there is an upscale, estrogen-oriented target audience for this shop as I saw a hen party of women swoon over the kaleidoscopic scarves with abandon. I could well envision a zaftig Elizabeth Taylor in a bosom-enhancing caftan selling her avant-garde paintings here to a smitten Richard Burton in "The Sandpiper" as the waves crash dramatically below. Time to see if your table's ready. read more

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The Phoenix Shop is the retail arm of the complex that includes Nepenthe and Café Kevah. A typical experience is to stop by here while waiting for a table at the famous Nepenthe. Location: The complex is located along CA-1on mile marker 43. There's a big sign most evident coming from the north (Monterey). It is located south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Parking: As it shares the same parking as Nepenthe parking can be tough and tight if you park inside the complex, but you can get lucky if you go off-peak hours (ie. dusk). There's street parking on the side closest to the water. The luckiest parking situation was when the Dolan Fire occurred as there was almost nobody there. Since Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf all have the same low-quality, kitschy souvenirs this is actually my preferred place to get souvenirs that stand out. Lots of handcrafted items from local artists especially artwork, jewelry and body products in addition to Nepenthe-branded souvenirs. Souvenirs that stood out include a handmade embroidered pillow of the major landmarks of Monterey County, artwork of the Big Sur landmarks by Steve Thomas and bracelets by Kathy Bransfield that contain inspirational quotes. My personal souvenir of Monterey County/Big Sur is the Kathy Bransfield gold-plated necklace ""With Brave Wings she Flies". I initially bought it onsite but I lost it a month later. During my second trip along the coast I explained my situation - Bob (the jewelry buyer) was able to get me another necklace shipped to me within a few days of my order. So glad I am reunited with one of my favorite travel pieces! I love CA's Central Coast so this won't be my last time shopping at The Phoenix Shop. read more

This store is magical. If I could buy everything in here - I would. From locally made soap, to fragrant shea butter moisturizing sticks, to amber musk, to stunning toiletry bags, to colorful natural rugs, to bohemian skirts, to men's denim shirts - and soooo much much - the Phoenix Store has a little something for anyone and everyone. It's not cheap - but it's curated with so much love, attention, and passion - that you can be assured that everything has been well chosen and well researched and is of exceptional quality. I adore everything in Big Sur - and Phoenix Shop is right up there. Trust. read more

This is probably one of the more interesting gift stores in the stretch of Big Sur along Highway 1. Look for the signage that points to the Nepenthe restaurant (world famous for a sextacular view of the killer Big Sur coastline whilst you wine n' dine with other tourists and locals), and The Phoenix Shop will be at the parking lot level next to the stairs that go up to Cafe Kevah (not open for dinner which offers basically the same view at cheaper prices for burger sandwich type fare). Phoenix offers a mish mash of everything, from local artisan crafted goods (jewelry, accessories, artifacts), books, cosmetics, instrumental (re: background or tranquil spa type) muzak CDs and of other performing artists of this ilk, toys for the kids, a basement level of nothing but clothing (a must see for the ladies), a mini shelf near the cashier displaying racks of organic chocolate bars (a brand that I think you can find at your local Whole Foods) and in the back, a balcony section of zen themed decorations, statues, water fountains (lots of Buddha statues). The clothing section downstairs from a quick glance, revealed some really beautifully made dresses and various female apparel. Looky here http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/M_Ury7qoMoBxKEG6_v_PWw?select=8m18S6kIC7LQuC8SHzyGCA for a semi blurry snapshot of a dress I snapped, my only useful contribution, easily more elegant than some of Carrie Bradshaw's shall we say mostly TOSSABLE wardrobe during her closet modeling demo of basically "Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now"....(doh hopefully I didn't ruin a spoiler here). The most remotely amusing item in the toy section was a keychain battery powered device with multiple button presses, each basically executing a pre-recorded compressed sounding voice (using original sounds) of Mr. T (B.A Baracus) himself. One button: "I PITY DA FOOL!" Another button: "DAT'S MISTA T! EEEEM! AAAAAAR! PERIOD! TEEEEEEEEE!" The rest were typical Mr T persona rants that are soooooooooo 80s. (With the advent of the internet, one can easily find mp3s, youtube, soundbites of this dude). I cannot imagine how this keychain can be Useful, Funny, or Cool. And this thing was loud. Just trying it out, gave me and my curiosity away. Dag nammit Mister T, keep it down ya fool! No volume control on this thing, just loud. Now which responsible parent will get this keychain for their child? Or for that matter, why is this gag toy candidate in the kiddie toy section? DAT MUH FUGGIN SHIZZLE IS NAWT FUNNY YA FOOO! read more

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Talk about a swift pin to my expectation bubble! In addition to the assumed inventory of hippy-dippy baubles, chakra centers and herbal balms harvested from the rocky cliffs of Big Sur's sweeping coast, there are actually items you'll want to buy. Yes you, the skeptic in the back. A nicely curated selection of books, housewares and assorted stylish accoutrement are reminiscent of what you'd find in a Paper Source, Black Ink (in Boston, look it up) and perhaps the slicker parts of Etsy. Grab lunch at Nepenthe, pick up a trinket, blanket, book or CD before soaking up the views and hitting Rte 1 again. Serious about the CD. There's, like, one radio station that comes in occasionally around these parts, so load up the Lorde and save yourself the agonizing pain of... road trip conversation! read more

Heavenly shopping! If you love all things spiritual, nature, organically grown, and earth friendly then you have found shopping paradise. Maybe it's just my kinda store but i want everything here! This trip I grabbed up a sweet lil succulent, added a Blythe & Bonny Palo Santo soy candle, a new set of tarot cards, A few esoteric books for some light reading, and a snazzy aqua blue Lord Ganesh. I was a happy camper to say the least. But what i love the most about this shop is they just let you chill out and shop. No ones pressing you to buy anything! I can shop in peace! If you don't like this shop then you probably have pent up anger issues and need to relax. This is not the place for the angry and unhappy people. read more

I did not appreciate the culturally appropriated type coastal Mexican tourist souvenirs such as sculptures, blankets, etc. I would also hope that the Native American type merchandise is made by the Esselen people (the Native Indigenous people of Big Sur). Because the gift shop just had that cultural appropriation vibe under the guise of, "spiritual" including Buddha statues everywhere. As a brown woman of color, it's just tiring to see another shop like this everywhere in our state that use sacred objects, or cultural objects used by people not of the culture, as purely decorative. read more

A shop that I frequent whenever in Big Sur. I go there for the wide selection of esoteric goods...handcrafted jewelry, weavings from far away places as well as carvings, unique toys, books on Big Sur and wonderful wind chimes. They have a sale rack that I frequent in the upstairs which usually includes candles and home goods. Then there's the downstairs with unusual clothing for women and small selection for men. This has proved to be a happy hunting ground for me...especially the clothes as they are very "Big Sur-ish". Be sure to allow enough time to check out the goods in this store...one of kind objects are their specialty! read more

The Phoenix Shop - The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe - Home Decor Near Me - Big Sur, California

We tend to judge a place like the Phoenix by how often the things we buy there give us joy in the years to come. After all, it's not like you shop regularly at a place like this, unless you happen actually to live in Big Sur or the surrounding communities. If you aren't enchanted by the wind chimes, the open air, 2-story retail space with its beautiful interior staircase, or by the fantastic outdoor garden deck overlooking the Pacific, well then that's fine. I suppose. No need to be taken in by all that magical air and energy that positively exudes through the pores of every nook and cranny. Of course you can compare the prices here to your local Wal-Mart or Michael's or Trader Joe's or wherever you happen to buy things like personal care products, clothing, books, kitchen items, garden decor, tarot cards, merino wool stuffed lions, yoga paraphernalia, herbal lore literature, and carved wooden saltboxes. But honestly, isn't that wrong to do so? Big Sur isn't suburbia for a reason. Many of them, actually. Infinite, probably. The key to a memorable Phoenix visit is not to pick something to buy; it is to linger inside long enough so that the somethings pick you. Sure, this probably sounds weird reading it on Yelp, while eating McNuggets from a McDonalds drive-through or while sipping a Starbucks latte, but in the Nepenthe compound, with those chimes and that light and the hills and ocean and gentle breezes of early spring, it makes perfect sense, believe me. Things purchased here that bring us joy: 1. Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch, a stunning memoir by Henry Miller. 2. Red cloth cotton napkins (x2) and yellow cloth cotton napkins (x2), woven in India. 3. "Bea" (the tufted titmouse) blank greeting card, recycled content printed in USA. 4. Sock & Smith women's socks, designed in Santa Cruz and made in Korea. 5. Farmacie red rose saffron all-natural moisturizing hand creme, made by Soap & Paper Factory (NYC). Things we admired here that also brought us joy: 1. Everything else in the store. 2. Everything that was outside and not for sale, ever. Total bill for these visits: under $75. Enduring value for these visits: priceless. You do the math. It comes out right, every time! read more

Oh my heart! Locally made goods from soap to jewelry, cool kids toys I wan to play with... with my toddler, books, gifts, and the art... oh, the art! (I'm going to paint that on the side of their wall... jk.) But really, this place rules and I could spend a lot of time/all my monies here. Well, I kinda did. Every time I travel I set aside a very strict budget for food, coffee, art. I used the majority of that budget here on the most magical driftwood + shell + sea glass piece. It now hangs in my living room and it brings me so much joy. read more

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in Big Sur. What I especially like about it is that there are so many unique things. I often find gifts there. Of course, the view surrounding it is nothing less than amazing. I usually go upstairs to one of the restaurants to eat and enjoy that unique Big Sur view. That has to be some of my best experiences. But the shop downstairs has something for everyone, and I always leave with something. read more

I visited this gift shop a few weeks ago with my friends. 3 out of 4 of us purchased items like cool dresses, postcards and jewelry. We all loved the selection and staff. BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY, I lost my wallet in the parking lot, some sweet person turned it in, Phoenix called my bank - who then contacted me - and put me in touch with the giftshop. They were so sweet and returned my wallet with $125 cash still in it (not a dollar missing). I insisted they take some cash to cover the shipping and the hassle and they graciously declined. What a beautiful shop, with incredible people and a magnificent energy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU STOP HERE! The view is great too! read more

This is a fantastic place to just come and browse. I always liked looking at the smorgasbord of things that they have to offer for sale. Sometimes, I wonder, "Who actually buys all of this stuff?" Honestly, though, over the years, I've found some pretty awesome things here. "What Cats Like to Paint" is definitely one of those things and I will always link that book to this store. Running around the grounds of this place is amazing too, and the whole compound seems to be locked in the forest, as though the building itself is an organic being. read more

I love Big Hats. I do. I must admit that there was a time at university where the answer to "what do you want to be when you grow up?" was "a lady who lunches in Big Hats." On a fantastic weekend away, a big hat was purchased for me here. I love it and try to wear it often while lunching....... read more

I find it funny that hippies are against capitalism in principle, yet everything at this shop, mostly made by the granola crowd, is exorbitantly over priced. The clothes look like something you find at the local goodwill, yet the prices are laughably high--some pieces close to $1000. Stop by to buy a Book or postcard, but anything more is just a rip off. read more

This is an okay rest stop to stretch your legs and browse around. Everything in the shop seems expensive. Theres a restaurant there as well with a nice patio. read more

Great day at the Big Sur, but had the same experience as Linda H. at this establishment. I was so very disappointed to be followed around by a strange-looking lady who crept up behind me as I was taking a picture on the balcony. She stood there and watched me as if she wanted to let me know I was unwelcome. As a business owner and HUMAN BEING, I was so very disappointed that she wanted to alter my experience. Years ago, I had the pleasure of dining at Nepenthe and remember having the most wonderful, cheerful, and welcoming host of a bartender/waiter. I appreciated how smart he was in realizing that people are just that: people. Note to Management and Staff: Regardless of your bigotry and hate, humanity will still exist. Most are not like you, thankfully. If there were a world full of suspicious creatures without merit, judging from tiny (almost closed) slitted eyes and miniscule brains, what a monstrous place it would be! read more

Another shop for your inner magpie!!!! What a fun selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, children's toys, garden art, cosmetics, clothing, tchotckis.....fun, fun, fun! Went there 2 days in a row just to fill my mind with inspiration and eye candy read more

I love bringing friends from out of town to this special little spot. From the the wind chimes on the back deck to the unique artisan designed jewelry, this is such a sweet store. My boyfriend and I took a trip over and spent an hour looking through the books, sampling the lovely creams, gazing out to the ocean view. We settled on some beautiful lanterns for the back yard. It's a great place to spend an afternoon, then pop up to the cafe' for a coffee and huge chocolate chip cookie. read more

My husband & I went to spend the day in Big Sur & had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful scenery, enjoyed a really good lunch at Nepenthe & the hike to the falls was awesome. The one dark spot was the Phoenix Shop where we went into to buy a few unique Christmas gifts. The store is full of lots of interesting and fun things so we took our time walking around & looking at them all when I noticed a woman following behind me, she asked me if I needed help & I told her no we are just looking. I had this woman follow me the ENTIRE time I was in the store and was giving me the most unfriendly looks. She assumed I was going to take something and made it a point to let me know she was following me. I took a few of my items I was carrying up to the register to help ease her assumption and told the cashier that I wanted to leave them there and was still looking. After I got the rest of the things I planned to purchase I went to the register to buy them and the cashier who as was very unfriendly told me she put my things back because she didn't think I would buy them?! She told the woman who had been following me all day to go get them and when she returned I reached my hand for them and she went around me to hand them directly to the cashier. I was insulted and WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN. I am also contacting the manager. These people assumed by looking at me that I was going to take something and they were arrogant snobs. Note to this store's manager...please keep in mind that all your customers should be treated with respect! And just because a person is not dressed like they had money to spend does not make someone a thief. read more

Had some unique and beautiful merchandise, which my sister and I were ready to drop a good amount of our "souvenir budget" on - however, NO EMPLOYEE approached us during the entire 30 minutes we were in the store - EVEN when we were standing right in front of their faces (i.e., at the jewelry counter) and were clearly interested in asking some questions/seeing some pieces. The staff was so rude to us that it ensured us not wanting to spend any money at this store. read more

If you love a really big museum store, you'll love the Phoenix shop. Loads of local art- not just the typical watercolors of beaches and trees but some cool stuff I wasn't expecting to find. I picked up some recycled coasters and a neato Virgin of Guadalupe sculpture thing. read more

A great gift shop with all kinds of random things!

Was a huge fan in the past, not so much since my last visit. They have substantially pared down their jewelry selection - bummer. And items are not as unique as they once were. read more

I am so very fond of this little shop. It has some really nice artwork, books, garden items, and jewelry. It isn't just a souvenir shop. The first time I came here was when I was a kid camping in the area for the first time. I remember that I bought myself a bookmark, some dark chocolate, and delicious smelling incense sticks that I would pull out of my dresser drawer and sniff to remind myself of Big Sur. Whenever I come back here, it reminds me of those camping trips and spending time with my family. read more

I absolutely adore this shop. It is my go-to for unique gift options for all ages. I love that they consign fountains, art and the like for local artists. Some stuff you say to yourself "I would never pay that much for that" but other stuff I say "I can't believe what an amazing price that is". They also have a big clearance section in the back. Check out their rad fountains too! Me likey! read more

Once the home of a Big Sur artist, in the 1940s - it was donated to Phoenix' current owner in the 1960s. Lots of pricey, cool hippie stuff here. But honestly, eBay will have everything sold here....for a fraction of what this shop charges. Savor it for the inspiring views, while waiting for your table at Nepenthe Restaurant. read more

Wow! What a selection of neat artisan jewelry! Yes, I splurged! There is something for everyone here, from cards, to house decor, to out door patio ornaments, to fabulous clothing and jewelry. AND THE VIEW!!!!!! I had to buy something that had soaked in that wonderful vibe of Big Sur... Easy way to spend a perfect afternoon in paradise! For whoever wrote that the clothing was over priced... I guess they don't know designer names and prices. I found the pricing on-par for any boutique or nice shop that features the unique. read more

By far the most eclectic and largest gift shop in Big Sur. The store, located on the cliff just below Nepenthe, is filled with one-of-a-kind trinkets from local artisans that will keep you browsing for hours. Don't leave without picking up one of their handcrafted postcards! read more

My boyfriend and I came into this shop while going up to have lunch at Nepenthe. I would have never imagined that the decor and the merchandise would be so charming! Some of the merchandise was WAAAY overpriced ( a flannel button up for $109?!?) but the overall look and feel of the store made our experience better. I didn't buy anything but I felt like I had to share with everyone how adorable this hidden gem really is. read more

impressive selection of artisan jewelry and now even more (squeee) big sur jade! a fave stop of mine for over a decade. go in, browsing's free :) read more