As you would expect of any great city along the ancient Silk Road, the main street of Port of Entry is lined with shops and bazaars filled with traders offering trinkets and treasures from near and far. Most of these emporia have one or more entrances opening onto the street but be aware that they form one continuous space inside, so they offer a cool and convenient refuge from the broiling sun or driving rain to those entering or leaving the park.

Islands of Adventure Trading Company is the largest of the shops in Port of Entry and it occupies most of the left-hand side of the street as you walk towards the Great Inland Sea. As the name suggests, you will find here a broad selection of souvenirs representing all the islands in the park. It’s the usual array of logo-ed t-shirts and trinkets, everything from key chains, to mugs, to jackets and sweaters (in season), most with IOA logos.

Past the Islands of Adventure Trading Company is Ocean Trader Market, a bazaar reminiscent of a Middle Eastern souk, its sides open to the street and shaded with tent-like canopies. Inside is a selection of offbeat handicrafts from around the globe. There is some attractive wooden folk sculpture as well as crafts from around the world, most of it reasonably priced. You should be able to find the kind of unusual decorative objects that make a nice addition to your living room or a gift for a friend back home. Also on offer here are various items of lightweight, brightly colored summer clothing for the ladies and a few shirts for the guys.

Across the street is a string of shops that open one onto the other. The nearest to the park entrance is DeFoto’s Expedition Photography, the place to stop for film supplies and a variety of disposable cameras. You can even replace the camera you brought with you if the spirit moves you and pick up some nice photo albums and frames while you’re at it. De Foto’s also offers sunscreen and suntan lotion, just in case you forgot to bring some along. This is where you can view and purchase any photos of you and your family taken by those strolling photographers in the park.

Island Market and Export is a sweets shop selling overpriced candy, while at the Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe it’s Christmas in July, or any other month for that matter, at this small shop selling tasteful ornaments for the tree and the yuletide hearth.

Near the park exit sits Port Provisions. This tiny open-air shop straddles the exit and provides a last chance to pick up something small. It also offers a limited selection of sale merchandise that’s worth checking out by those in search of a bargain.

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