Bayside residents may enjoy the vast blue waters of Port Phillip Bay — but there are a lot of gems on land, too.
Some are instantly recognisable — like Luna Park and the Brighton beach boxes — but the real finds fly under the radar. They’re found away from the beach in the quieter streets of St Kilda and the shopping villages of Brighton and Elwood.
To help you locate them for yourself, American Express has helped us put together a guide to the local businesses that make the bayside area great. They all accept American Express Card, so you can shop small here — whether you’re a local, a visitor or have just come off the beach.

A number of trams will take you down to St Kilda Beach, otherwise trains travelling down the Sandringham line make stops at Balaclava, Brighton and Hampton along the way. It’s also worth hopping in the car for a scenic drive along the Esplanade and Beach Road, which extends down to Mordialloc.

There are so many things to see and do in the bayside suburbs, so be sure to explore the heritage-registered St Kilda Botanic Gardens and play a game on the giant chess board, and then cycle the Bay Trail down to Black Rock for dinner at Cerberus Beach House overlooking Half Moon Bay.

You’re sure to make some good finds in the shopping strips at Elwood Village and Glen Eira Road in Ripponlea, while Brighton is sprinkled with stores on Martin, Bay and Church streets. Make a day of it in St Kilda, exploring Fitzroy, Acland and Carlisle streets, and watching the sun set from St Kilda Pier.

Two words: the beach. You can’t go past Elwood’s Point Ormond, which, before European settlement, was site for social gatherings of the traditional owners of the land, the Boonwurrung people. Now it’s used by locals for bike rides and sunset picnics with a feed from Ormond Road.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkSt Kilda
Babu Ji
This is your place for modern Indian curries, thalis and street snacks.
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Design & StyleSt Kilda
Storehouse
A treasure trove of clothes, accessories and art from local designers.
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Design & StyleSt Kilda
Scout House
Scout no more — this St Kilda shop has all the furniture and homewares you need.
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Food & DrinkElwood
The Leaf Store
Feel good about your weekly shop and eat better with fresh produce from this Elwood grocer.
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Design & StyleRipponlea
Camelia
This Ripponlea boutique offers a luxury shopping experience for bayside locals looking for a killer new outfit.
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Design & StyleElsternwick
Step Ahead Shoes
This Elsternwick shoe shop has a loyal customer base and, with more than three decades of experience, it's easy to see why.
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Design & StyleElsternwick
Mercantile Home
This bayside gem will ensure you never go without timeless design pieces for your home.
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Design & StyleElwood
Obdressed
This Elwood boutique is your go-to shop for your next feel-good outfit.
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Design & StyleRipponlea
Muku
A Ripponlea boutique selling natural, organic homewares, gifts, toys and fashion for all ages.
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Design & StyleElsternwick
Stoned Crystals
A fresh and modern Elsternwick boutique for crystals, homewares and jewellery.
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Food & DrinkRipponlea
The Staple Store
This Ripponlea beauty is packed with health foods and organic products carefully selected by a naturopath.
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Design & StyleBrighton
Hoss
These pieces champion the notion of quality over quantity, rejecting fast fashion.
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Design & StyleBrighton
Pash Flowers & Homewares
A modern florist and gift shop conveniently located on Bay Street.
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Arts & EntertainmentBrighton
Top Titles
This friendly neighbourhood bookseller is truly part of the Brighton community.
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Design & StyleBrighton
Hamish & Grace
Fashion, homewares and stuff for kids from Australian designers and creatives.
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Design & StyleHampton
Frankie + Coco Lifestyle
This bayside store has you covered for quirky art, homewares and coastal vibes.
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Design & StyleBrighton
Bungalow Trading Co.
This Brighton store will warm you up and cosy up your home.
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Food & DrinkSt Kilda
Milk the Cow St Kilda
This Fitzroy Street fromagerie is the where you go when you want cheese for dinner.
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Food & DrinkSt Kilda
Staple Providore & Cafe
A sunny St Kilda spot with streetside seating suitable for dogs.
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Food & DrinkSt Kilda West
Frankie's Top Shop
A St Kilda West corner store perfect for sit-in brunches and take-home dinners.