J D Hobbies is a unique and beloved hobby shop filled with a massive selection of items, described as both a treasure chest and a bit of organized chaos. It is widely considered the best hobby store in both LA and Orange County. The store has a dusty, old, and cluttered feel, which adds to the fun of exploring and digging through boxes. Models are its forte, with tons of kits and items rarely seen elsewhere, including an extensive model section upstairs. The store also features a game section, a fantastic book library, and a notable trains section. The owners and staff are consistently noted as super nice, friendly, and fun to chat with, offering fantastic customer service. They are known for giving tours and allowing customers to see special collections. While some prices, especially on model train items and books, can be aggressive or quite high compared to online, other finds can be cheaper than alternatives like eBay. The experience is an adventure in itself—an E-Ticket ride where you never know what you might find, making the drive to San Pedro absolutely worth it. It is a place where enthusiasts could happily spend a whole afternoon and never be disappointed.
This dusty place has everything. I've found things at JD hobbies that I've been looking for for over 10 years. The couple who own the business are super nice and fun to chat with.
September 2024
I love this hobby shop...its basically a bit of chaos as well as a huge treasure chest. You'll never know what you'll find, and that is part of the fun of coming here. It's a bit messy but that adds to the fun of exploring what's inside the store.
April 2024
A great local business with lots of stuff and experience. Great variety.
