user
The Black
5017 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
Appearance
The Black
Comments
Da
Review №1

Cool local shop. They have so many things that you cant find anywhere else. Love the music section. Always like to come here for broken guitar strings only place Ive ever been to where they let you buy 1 string.

Wa
Review №2

Oh my hippies...lolgreat stuff

Ze
Review №3

This is a really cool hole on the wall almost alternative the store very niche and awesome many different things to look at and many amazing nifty products I would definitely suggest this place to check out if youre down in the area and have the time

E
Review №4

Treasure trove of OB personality and tradition.. Clothing, tobacco products, wall art and posters, fun items and the list goes on! A must visit spot in Ocean Beach for sure!

Ty
Review №5

If your looking firbwv53eSuper cool spot, they got music shop in the back , all sorts of band tees etc , staff are really chill & helpful! Carlos does an outstanding job of making people feel welcome and connecting with everyone! come check it out!!

K
Review №6

Nice helpful employees, great selection of incense and funny greeting cards.

Ca
Review №7

Eclectic shop in the heart of OB. This place has everything: clothing, incense, artwork, books, tarot sets, runes, smoke shop items, and random knickknacks. Been going for years and every time there is something new. Staff are helpful and friendly.

Ma
Review №8

Always have what I need new hats incense n stuff been customer for over 20 yrs glad still going strong even after all thats happened in last year keep it up..

Er
Review №9

Been coming here for years, really old school; musical instruments, records, pipes, t shirts, etc...love it.

Sa
Review №10

This is an OB staple, simple, stoner shop and worth visiting purely for nostalgia.

Jo
Review №11

I have found several treasures there. Highly recommended!!!

Ca
Review №12

A staple of Newport Ave. and OB. Psychedelic shop with high quality graphic tees and friendly staff. If you are looking for runes, tarot or other similar items they have some cool options for that as well.

Pa
Review №13

This its one of the most famous head shops in US. Great fun. Great goofy stuff. Wonderful books. Clothing. And of course lots of mj accessories.

Na
Review №14

Even if Im in Los Angeles, I will make the 2 hour drive to Ocean Beach just to go browse around! Love this place! Love your long time customer from Arizona!

Tr
Review №15

Walked into the store yesterday with intentions of making a rather large purchase. The service and staff was rude and then one of the employees found it necessary to proclaim they are Biden liberals, Trump hating liberals, and that any conservative was not welcome in their store.

Lo
Review №16

This establishment been in Ocean Beach for 30 plus years its an old fashioned hippie head shop selling things that were popular in the 70s posters and so on

Ti
Review №17

A very, very good shop for eclectic merchandise and gifts. Plus, the staff is so courteous and friendly. This place is a joy.

Br
Review №18

Absolutely love them been going here for over 15 years! One of the Best stores in OB!

Al
Review №19

The Black is an amazing shop that has rare books, Rock and Roll collectables, Rock band shirts, clothing, jewelry, posters, hats and beenies, and much much more. Go in and check it out, Im sure youll find some super cool items that youll want to buy.Ive been going in there since 1973, its definitely one of a kind!!

Ma
Review №20

I been there be4. Its always very cleaning neat. Thank you

La
Review №21

Love this place if you like cool t-shirts, stickers, tie dye etc youll love this place.

Is
Review №22

My first visit here was back in 1995. The Black is a definite must when visiting Ocean Beach for the first time. I lived in OB for 3 years, stop in to get a little something for yourself or a friend that speaks to your inner hippie, musician or rebel.

Ja
Review №23

Great staff friendly service extremely clean kid friendly dog friendly awesome place to go unbelievable selection great guitar section 2They also sell single strings for your guitars and other instruments real cheap but excellent quality

Jo
Review №24

Ive been coming here for decades. I love it.

La
Review №25

The Best Head Shop in town !!! Since forever !!!

Em
Review №26

This is my favorite store on Newport. Theyve got some really unique and fun stuff in here and the staff is always nice. They also have lots of items for spiritual people which is great

za
Review №27

Very cool stuff.

To
Review №28

Good variety of products and great customer service

D
Review №29

My go-to for personal accessories, then a treasure trove of great fun and beautiful items ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

La
Review №30

Wonderful assortment of items. Staff is very friendly! And, I took my dog into the store too!

Da
Review №31

Hadnt been there in twenty years and it still is the same as it ever was.

Al
Review №32

Cool place. A must see when on Newport ave. Get an OB sticker for your car!

Mi
Review №33

Really cool place where you can find different stuff and great memorable souvenirs. Helpful staff (mostly)

Li
Review №34

Absolutely love this store, unfortunately I no longer live close to visit. Highly recommend going in and looking around.

Jo
Review №35

They have a lot of neat stuff you cant find anywhere . like posters, art , birthday cards ECT.

Co
Review №36

My favorite headshop on the planet. Its not just shopping its an experience...

He
Review №37

Lots of good stuff there...jewelry. incense. Posters. Clothing.....

H.
Review №38

Wicked awesome store! One of my main reasons I visit Ocean Beach! Great t-shirts, books, & memorabilia!

Bo
Review №39

This is such a cool shop! Its all things San Diego and more. They have everything a head shop has, but more. Really cool clothes, souvenirs and novelties. I have to call it a groovy little shop in OB (Its not a small shop - its actually pretty big)

Th
Review №40

The Black is Awesome and Parker is going to help me get a sticker I once had on my VW bus that I havent seen since the 90s!

Ra
Review №41

Great store good service

Ro
Review №42

Purchased Snoop Dogs Cookbook.

Eu
Review №43

Best headshop hands down. Cool staff and lots of everything

Ha
Review №44

Legends Of Hippyness

Ma
Review №45

Super cool store! Had a little bit of everything and the place to go for original OB merch. Make it a point to spend a little coin here if visiting Ocean Beach!

Ji
Review №46

Great customer service, the cashier was helpful and friendly.

Ro
Review №47

Id give this place no stars if it was an option!!! Walked in with a face covering not of the owners liking and he said i had to buy one from him for a dollar or leave ! Garbage products and horrible owner!!! Dont give your money to this guy he doesnt deserve it!!!

Ky
Review №48

Cool place, lots of vintage rock memorabilia. Definitely worth checking out if your in the area

Cr
Review №49

One of my favorite places to visit in OB. When I lived there I bought a shampoo for a drug test. It worked excellent! Lol Great souvenirs, incense, and other magical things. Definitely pick up a bumper sticker.

un
Review №50

All the funky miscellaneous music and pop culture related items you didnt even know you needed! Soaked in incense and choice rock n roll tunes. Helpful staff.

Do
Review №51

Wicked-cool place for unique & alternative gifts. Huge selection of new age, rock & roll, hippie, wicca, smoking accessories, posters, books, incense, home decor & other items. Nice staff. Will definitely visit again.

Er
Review №52

Best head shop plus! If your anywhere near Ocean Beach its worth a drop in if just to look at the neat treasures within, betcha wont leave empty handed! I never do!!

Jo
Review №53

If youre looking for a tourist attraction that holds authenticity to classic ocean beach, this store is an absolute all encompassing unit. Its cultural peace and rebellion all in one spot. They sell everything from The Satanic Bible to statues of Buddah, Band merch that Hot Topic wouldnt have the balls to sell, guitars, candles, and stuff to smoke weed out of. The people who sell it to you are pretty tight too, theyve got some good funny stories and history to share .

Pa
Review №54

Ive loved this place for a long time. I always find something super cool

St
Review №55

A must for SD tourists

Ch
Review №56

This place is a staple for a visit to Ocean Beach. I think its a consignment store because they seem to have a large variety of different products. Books, crystals, incense, band T-shirts, jewelry, smoke supplies. Its hippie heaven.

Ma
Review №57

This its one of the most famous head shops in US. Great fun. Great goofy stuff. Wonderful books. Clothing. And of course lots of mj accessories. Great place!

Br
Review №58

Been going to The Black for a long long time!! Its such an icon for OB! Their are so many cool things their from incense,candles,T-shirts, sunglasses its also a smoke shop,cards...something for everyone! Staff crew are laid back and friendly! !

Tr
Review №59

Awesome in every way! A local treasure as well a must see place to stop and shop for anyone who visits Ocean Beach.

Ka
Review №60

Smells great, helpful staff, fun inventory. Love it. Bought the tee shirt.

Se
Review №61

I love this place they have great books, clothes , and much much more. the area is chill and great to wonder around before or after your visit at the black. definate 5 stars in my opinion

Da
Review №62

Historic, and... one of the last remaining Hippie Head Shops.

Ch
Review №63

Really cool and eclectic ocean beach mainstay. They sell all kinds of gifts. There ia a head shop within as well as a jewelry section, book section and music secrion

Ev
Review №64

How does this place have so many positive reviews...? Every single time I have dared to come back to this shop, we are treated the same way. The first time I came in, it was about 10 minutes before closing. There was a girl behind the counter watching my friend and I’s Every move like a hawk. Not even asking if she could help us. She came out and approached us and said “you need to check out NOW. We are closing.” And we left.This time, we entered the shop from the left entrance with the clothing and was greeted (glared at) by an older woman wearing too much eyeliner and smoking a cigarette in the doorway. She wouldn’t move out of the way for us to enter. The lady behind the jewelry counter talking to her ignored us. My boyfriend and I went to the posters and books where I had my first negative experience. No one helped us, we were watched like a hawk, and within the first millisecond my boyfriend raised his phone to take a picture of me (our mistake, we didn’t see the “no photography sign), the man behind the counter came out and aggressively approached my boyfriend saying, “HEY. YOUNG MAN.” We left immediately again.Typical cheap but overpriced dime a dozen items and unflattering clothes. Overall terrible atmosphere and will not return. No concept of customer service and they all appear to hate their job and seem to be on every drug possible.

Ch
Review №65

Great store to buy just about anything to do with getting high!

Cy
Review №66

One of my first jobs at 18yrs loved that place and the employees ,I worked with.

Ga
Review №67

Cool old head shop and gift shop for smoking gear, t-shirts, inspirational, and hippie stuff. Good book section and uncommon greeting cards! They have guitars, bobbleheads, Buddha statues, tapestries, pipes, and posters.

Ma
Review №68

Awesome place to shop and browse. All sorts of cool stuff. Very friendly helpful staff.

Na
Review №69

Great stuff! Loved the collection of fuzzy bones statuettes ❤️

Li
Review №70

We really love this store! Lots of great things to buy!

Ch
Review №71

This is a very unique place and in a fabulous location. They sell very unusual items and its a very interesting place to have a nose around. One small downside was their card machine had problems accepting some of our cards

Ka
Review №72

Love this shop in the heart of OB. Great place to get all your hippie schwag and more. You can spend a lot of time in here if you really look at all they have. Great selection of books, posters, incense, t-shirts, etc. The staff is friendly and it is just a great place to stop while getting your mellow on in OB!

Le
Review №73

There was something to explore every time I turned around in this store. Being so close to the beach, I wish they had more of a selection of beach towels/umbrellas/etc. But overall it was a nice store.We got lost in the book section. The card section was great. Little knick-knacks to get as souvenirs for friends. Would have bought a tapestry if they were on sale. Will definitely go back. :)

fr
Review №74

Okay, Ive never been in this place. Im a manager at High Life In Asheville and just now I heard my THIRD positive comment about The Black. Thats pretty good guys! Respect.

Ra
Review №75

The best head shop in SD! Prices are low and supply is plenty. A staple of OB.

He
Review №76

Best local head shop. A legend since 1960s

Ni
Review №77

As always it was awesome.. It had been awhile so its good to know it hasnt really changed over the years.

Er
Review №78

So many great memories. I love it here. Never had a bad time visiting.

Pa
Review №79

Been shopping here for over 20 years. Always live this place.

ch
Review №80

My go-to place for weird stuff to buy my friends for Christmas.

Jo
Review №81

Best OB gift shop in my humble opinion. Ive been buying gifts here for over 20 years.

Ry
Review №82

Cool store with something for everyone. You could probably spend half the day looking at all the unique items from paraphernalia to musical instruments to apparel to books to oils to posters...and much more!

Wa
Review №83

Just love this place. Its got something for everybody. From kiddie rides to nightclubs

Na
Review №84

Ive been coming here for almost 30 years and I dont even live in Ocean Beach! Very Cool spot.

Za
Review №85

Great prices,great people!!!

We
Review №86

I love this place! The question to ask is what they dont have.I could spend hours in this store looking at their merch

Gi
Review №87

Hippy haven. Great tie-dies, wall hangings, books, essential oils, t-shirts, plus the worlds largest head shop. And check out their bead shop next door.

Ev
Review №88

The best head shop still in existence. You can find things there that you thought were extinct. Once again, old school.

Co
Review №89

Classic OB

CJ
Review №90

Fun Ocean Beach Head Shop, everything from tshirts, incense, books, hippie decorations, guitars and strings to books, jewelry, and of course bongs & pipes. Tobacco and other legal related supplies...BYO weed 😊. Smells great in here...must be the incense.

Ch
Review №91

Awesome as always!

Ji
Review №92

A must see when in Ocean Beach, its a great store

Ra
Review №93

So many interesting and funny things to browse. Definitely has some pretty unique items. :)

Do
Review №94

I love this place I like to bring people here when I come to San Diego visit me

Da
Review №95

Its the coolest place to shop in OB! And the staff are great. And say hello to Monique great friend. 😎

je
Review №96

I need OB decals, and i have some friends who are going to San Diego, so i called THE BLACK for prices. I talked to Kurt (the owner) and had an awesome chat about OB. He was very friendly and helpful, just the way i remember THE BLACK when i lived there back in 1976. Wow 40 years, they must be doing something right.

Ty
Review №97

Great place, Staff is so nice and helpful. Really cool glass work. Ask for Becky.

Ja
Review №98

Great little shop with huge selection of pipes, posters, shirts, candles etc.Bought a killer t-shirt here.

Ri
Review №99

Local icon! You must stop by when youre in OB.

Dw
Review №100

Everyone was very nice and surprisingly willing to drop the price a couple of dollars we will definitely be back!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:5017 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
  • Site:http://theblackoceanbeach.com/
  • Phone:+1 619-222-5498
Categories
  • Department store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–8PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–8PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–8PM
  • Thursday:10AM–8PM
  • Friday:10AM–8PM
  • Saturday:10AM–8PM
  • Sunday:10AM–7PM
Service options
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Similar organizations