Spring/Summer 2026: Retail Trends

Sun, Style & the SoCal Escape: Spring/Summer 2026 Travel Trends Across Orange County & San Diego Southern California continues to define modern travel — blending beach culture, boutique shopping, outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed sophistication. As we head into Spring and Summer 2026, both Orange County (OC) and San Diego are seeing strong tourism momentum that is reshaping how travelers spend and how local businesses thrive. In 2026, visitors aren’t just coming for sunshine and scenery — they’re seeking immersive lifestyle experiences that fuel economic growth across hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors. Orange County: Where Style Meets Coastal Culture Orange County’s dynamic destinations — from Huntington Beach to Laguna Beach — are drawing travelers who want to shop, play, dine, and soak in authentic SoCal style. Tourism Trends That Drive Local Retail Revenue 1. Lifestyle-Driven Exploration Travelers increasingly plan trips focused on specific experiences — shopping local boutiques, exploring surf culture, attending outdoor events, and enjoying dining and nightlife. This creates higher foot traffic for: Boutiques and Men’s Stores — Visitors seek fresh, coastal-inspired apparel, resort wear, and high-quality staples that reflect the regional vibe. Surf Shops — With a global surf culture fascination, shops near iconic breaks (Huntington Beach, Newport, San Clemente) see higher sales in boards, gear, and branded apparel as travelers embrace the sport. Marina Shops & Resort Stores — Tourists stay longer and spend more when waterfront experiences are woven into their itinerary — fueling purchases from yacht-friendly apparel to nautical accessories. 2. Country Club & Resort-Lifestyle Demand Orange County’s prestigious country clubs and resort properties are not just golf destinations — they’re social hubs for travelers and locals alike. These venues help drive: Upscale Retail Sales — Country club pro shops and resort boutiques offer curated apparel and access to premium lifestyle brands that appeal to visitors with discretionary income. Cross-Category Purchases — Guests frequent club-based dining, events, and retail, increasing overall spend per visitor. San Diego: Relaxed Luxury with Retail Momentum San Diego’s tourism ecosystem continues to flourish, attracting visitors who want a mix of urban amenities and beachside bliss. Tourism Trends That Boost Local Retail Sectors 1. Neighborhood-Focused Travel Travelers are exploring beyond downtown to vibrant coastal neighborhoods like: La Jolla – Known for luxury shopping, designer boutiques, and high-end resorts. Pacific Beach & Mission Beach – Home to surf shops, casual men’s brands, and beach lifestyle gear. Carlsbad & Encinitas – Fusion of boutique brands, surf heritage, and destination retail. This neighborhood diversification spreads visitor dollars across restaurants, retailers, and service providers, not just the core tourist corridors. 2. Outdoor & Adventure-Driven Spend San Diego’s emphasis on outdoor activities — sailing, paddleboarding, surfing, coastal bike paths — brings purposeful shopping as travelers prepare for experiences: Marinas & Waterfront Shops — Nautical accessories, SPF gear, performance wear, and boating lifestyle brands become travel essentials. Surf Shops & Activewear Stores — With surf culture deeply rooted in the region, these retailers thrive as part of the travel narrative. 3. Mixed-Use Destinations Developments that combine dining, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor spaces keep visitors engaged and spending — Boosting: Accessory Stores — From sunglasses and hats to artisan goods. Resort Stores — Travelers often make purchases as part of their stay experience, whether in beachfront hotels or downtown boutique properties. Direct Economic Impact on Local Businesses Across both counties, tourism growth translates into measurable business outcomes: -Hotels & Resorts Strong occupancy rates and extended stays directly increase demand for on-site retail and partner boutiques — driving additional revenue per guest. -Boutiques & Men’s Stores As travelers seek region-specific fashion, coastal casualwear, and immersive shopping experiences, local shops benefit from: Higher transaction volumes during peak seasons Increased average sale values as visitors purchase vacation-ready outfits, accessories, and gifts Broader brand exposure from out-of-town shoppers who share purchases on social platforms -Country Clubs & Marina Retail These lifestyle venues are anchors for out-of-town spend: Country club shops — Attracting affluent visitors who buy premium golf apparel, resort gear, and branded merchandise. -Marina retail outlets — Benefiting from proximity to boating and water-sport activities that are top choices for spring/summer itineraries. -Surf Shops & Resort Boutiques Retailers tied to outdoor and beach culture see a double benefit: Tourists often spend on gear that enables their experiences. These purchases become souvenirs and lifestyle markers — extending retail impact beyond typical shopping habits. What Does This Means for Spring/Summer 2026 The travel landscape in Orange County and San Diego is evolving — and local businesses are well positioned to benefit: Extended visitor seasons driven by events, coastal communities, and lifestyle trends. Diverse spend profiles from luxury resort guests to adventure-oriented travelers. Retail growth that aligns with experiential tourism, driving employment and supporting local economies. In 2026, SoCal isn’t just a destination — it’s a living, breathing lifestyle that fuels vibrant tourism, creates economic opportunity, and connects visitors with the very brands that make Orange County and San Diego so iconic.