10 Nostalgic Candy Shops In California That Instantly Make You Feel Like A Kid

Remember the magic of stepping into a candy store as a child? The colorful displays, sweet aromas, and endless possibilities could make any day special.

California is home to some truly magical candy shops that transport visitors of all ages back to simpler times.

These ten nostalgic candy havens across the Golden State offer everything from handmade taffy to rare vintage treats.

1. Balboa Candy (Newport Beach)

Balboa Candy (Newport Beach)
© Mindtrip

Nestled in the vibrant Balboa Fun Zone near Newport Beach’s waterfront, Balboa Candy is a family-run gem that’s been delighting visitors for over 16 years.

Barrels overflow with one of the world’s largest selections of saltwater taffy, alongside nostalgic candies like Zotz, wax bottles, and Charleston Chews. The shop’s bright, beachy vibe, with checkered floors and colorful displays, feels like a step back to carefree summer days.

Grab a bag of taffy in flavors like huckleberry or root beer and enjoy the nearby Ferris wheel for a true retro adventure.

2. Dewar’s Candy Shop (Bakersfield)

Dewar’s Candy Shop (Bakersfield)
© Visit Bakersfield

Walking into Dewar’s in Bakersfield feels like stepping through a time portal to 1909. The gleaming marble counters and antique fixtures have witnessed generations of candy lovers enjoying their famous peanut butter chews and hand-dipped chocolates.

Not many candy shops can boast about serving Hollywood royalty, but Dewar’s treats have made appearances at the Academy Awards! Their recipe hasn’t changed in over a century, proving that some sweet traditions are simply perfect as they are.

3. The Candy Store (San Francisco)

The Candy Store (San Francisco)
© The Candy Store

My first visit to this San Francisco gem left me speechless—wall-to-wall jars of colorful candies from around the world transported me straight back to childhood fantasies. The owners curate an incredible selection that balances nostalgic American classics with international treats you won’t find elsewhere.

I still remember the thrill of discovering Swedish fish in every color imaginable! Their signature mix bags let you create your own rainbow of flavors, making it impossible to leave without a personalized stash of sweet memories.

4. Celine’s Sweets (Novato)

Celine’s Sweets (Novato)
© Celine’s Sweets

Bubble gum cigarettes, wax bottles, and Necco wafers—Celine’s Sweets in Novato stocks the kind of candy that makes parents exclaim, “I haven’t seen these since I was a kid!” The shop’s cheerful pink-and-white striped walls create the perfect backdrop for their nostalgic offerings.

Beyond the classics, their gourmet chocolate selection satisfies sophisticated sweet tooths. Since opening in 2006, they’ve become a birthday party staple for local kids, creating a new generation of candy memories.

5. The Village Sweet Shoppe (Big Bear Lake)

The Village Sweet Shoppe (Big Bear Lake)
© Tripadvisor

Tucked in the heart of Big Bear Lake’s village, The Village Sweet Shoppe has been a sweet haven since 1987, drawing skiers and locals with its rustic mountain charm. Colorful hand-shaped seats greet visitors, while barrels brim with retro treats like Lemonheads, Pop Rocks, and homemade fudge.

The shop’s cozy wooden interior and vintage signs create a warm, nostalgic escape, perfect for savoring bacon cotton candy or black cherry soda after a day on the slopes. It’s a photo-worthy stop that feels like a childhood dream.

6. Galco’s Soda Pop Stop (Los Angeles)

Galco’s Soda Pop Stop (Los Angeles)
© California By Choice

Hiding in LA’s Highland Park neighborhood, Galco’s isn’t just about candy. It’s a full-blown time machine. The family-owned shop stocks over 750 rare sodas alongside hard-to-find candy bars that disappeared from mainstream stores decades ago.

My grandfather nearly teared up finding his childhood favorite, Valomilk cups, which he hadn’t tasted since the 1940s!

Owner John Nese’s passion for preserving food history makes this more than a store; it’s a living museum where everything on display can be enjoyed one sweet bite at a time.

7. Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain (South Pasadena)

Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain (South Pasadena)
© Fair Oaks Pharmacy!

Since 1915, Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena has been a nostalgic treasure, blending a vintage soda fountain with a candy counter brimming with old-school sweets.

Rows of glass jars hold Charleston Chews, Sugar Daddies, and bubble gum cigars, while the checkered floors and antique fixtures transport you to the 1950s.

Sip a root beer float and browse retro candies for a true time-capsule experience, beloved by locals and visitors seeking a taste of old LA.

8. Candified (Long Beach)

Candified (Long Beach)
© Longbeachize

In Belmont Shore, Long Beach, Candified is a modern yet nostalgic candy haven co-founded by TV’s “Candy Queen” Jackie Sorkin. Its vibrant, Instagram-friendly design pairs with retro candies like wax lips, Zotz, and saltwater taffy.

The shop’s interactive vibe, with bulk bins and old-timey sodas, feels like a playful nod to childhood, while custom piñatas and candy-themed merchandise add a contemporary twist.

It’s a sweet spot for kids and social media enthusiasts alike.

9. Rocket Fizz (Multiple SoCal Locations)

Rocket Fizz (Multiple SoCal Locations)
© Towne Post Network –

Stepping into any Rocket Fizz location feels like entering a carnival for your taste buds. Their deliberately over-the-top approach pairs nostalgic candy with outrageous novelty items and wacky flavor combinations that would make Willy Wonka proud.

Beyond the expected classics, they specialize in the bizarre—bacon-flavored candy canes, anyone? Their walls covered in vintage tin signs and retro advertisements, create an immersive atmosphere that’s equal parts museum and playground.

With multiple SoCal locations, they’ve made nostalgic candy accessible to candy lovers throughout the region.

10. Sockerbit (West Hollywood)

Sockerbit (West Hollywood)
© Yelp

Tucked in West Hollywood, Sockerbit brings Scandinavian nostalgia to LA with a sleek, modern shop stocked with retro and imported candies.

Since 2010, it’s been a go-to for Swedish godis like cola pacifiers, sour foam eggs, and licorice squares, alongside American classics like candy necklaces. The minimalist white decor and organized candy bins evoke a clean, nostalgic charm, perfect for reliving childhood or discovering new treats.

The staff’s knowledge of candy origins adds an educational twist.