Hit the world-class malls in San Diego, or browse the county’s charming shopping districts tucked into quaint neighborhoods
Any vacation in San Diego should include beach days and visits to big attractions, but you should set aside some quality time for finding treasures to take home. Shopping options around San Diego County include neighborhood commercial districts, large malls, bargain-filled outlet centers, and unique boutiques. Not only can you find plenty of global luxury brands in San Diego, but you can also shop for the names and looks that California is famous for, including beachy chic and surf fashion.
Open-air shopping destinations in San Diego also offer one local specialty: near-perfect weather. Start your San Diego shopping list by exploring these areas, listed north to south.
Westfield UTC
For Families and Foodies
Located in the area just east of La Jolla and the University of California, San Diego, the open-air Westfield UTC (which stands for University Town Center) is home to more than 165 stores. Choose from classic brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, and Macy’s, as well as luxury brands including Hermes and Tiffany. It’s easy to spend the whole day here, with plenty of outdoor papasan-style seating, firepits, and kid-friendly diversions such as a playground and a LEGO store. Dining options include branches of small chains Din Tai Fung and Great Maple as well as local favorite sandwich shop Board & Brew.
La Jolla Village
For a shopper who wants to make a day of it
The tony community of La Jolla feels like its own bubble in San Diego: The enclave juts off the coastline just north of the city and has its own beaches and a charming walkable downtown. Locals refer to the “downtown” area of La Jolla as the Village or the Cove, since it’s next to a beach cove known for barking sea lions and sweeping ocean views. Start by browsing the shops on Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, where you’ll find luxury brands such as Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Bahama, as well as independent boutiques such as the Ascot Shop, Warwick’s Books, and H. Moradi Fine Jewelers. There are surprises, too, like a Goodwill store known for its high-end hand-me-downs, and the Legends Gallery, which has prints of lesser-known drawings by former La Jolla local Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. You can dine all day too: Enjoy breakfast or a snack at Sugar and Scribe, and finish the day with cocktails and an ocean view at George’s at the Cove.
Fashion Valley
For Trendsetters and Luxury Shoppers
Home to more than 200 stores and 30 eateries, Fashion Valley is the largest shopping mall in San Diego. Shop luxury fashion brands such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Gucci and upgrade your wardrobe with the trendiest new looks. This outdoor mall is also anchored by two classic department stores: Bloomingdale’s and Neiman-Marcus. The mall excels at cuisine too. Beyond the familiar food court options, you can enjoy sit-down dinners at Blanco Cocina + Cantina, North Italia, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and a branch of acclaimed San Diego coffee roaster Better Buzz.
Flower Hill
For Fans of Small Businesses
Located in Del Mar, Flower Hill offers a unique shopping experience, blending global brands with a curated collection of local boutiques. Geppetto’s Toys, Sweetpea Children’s Shop, and Lavender Home & Garden are among the locally owned retailers that call Flower Hill home. Luxury brands like Patrick James (men’s apparel) and Van De Vort (highly curated fashion for women) bring a bit of glamour to the mall. Shoppers can also grab a bite at New York–style deli Milton’s, try the healthful cuisine at Flower Child, or enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Richard Walker’s Pancake House.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets
For Brand-Name Savings and Nearby Attractions
You’ll find 85 designer and brand-name stores at North San Diego County’s Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Adidas, Nike, Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Tory Burch are just a few of the shopping center’s national brands, but you can also cultivate your California look at Vans, Johnny Was, and O’Neill. The mall has excellent neighbors, too: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is next door (which blooms with ranunculus flowers in spring), and just beyond that are both LEGOLAND California and the beaches and campgrounds of South Carlsbad.
The Forum Carlsbad
For a Quick Luxury Fix
Explore the high-end retail stores and modern eateries at this compact shopping center that packs in a lot of big names. The Forum Carlsbad has an Anthropologie, Lululemon, and a big Sur La Table, as well as few day-spa options. Don’t miss eating at Casa de Bandini, the North County cousin of a beloved restaurant in Old Town San Diego.
Cedros Avenue Design District
For Home Decor and Foodie Fun
Fashion boutiques, fine jewelry, art galleries, and outdoor cafes are among the 85 distinctive shops and retailers that call the Cedros Avenue Design District home. Located just a couple blocks from the ocean, Cedros Avenue is the walkable downtown area of Solana Beach. Stop in furniture and design shops such as SoLo, pick up olive oils at Temecula Olive Oil Co., and linger over a latte at Lofty Coffee. Extend your stay through the evening by getting dinner at steakhouse Rare Society or by catching a show at local favorite venue Belly Up. Come on Sunday afternoon to pick up produce, flowers, and goodies at the weekly farmers’ market.
North Park
For Eclectic Gifts
The North Park neighborhood has long been a hotbed for up-and-coming restaurants and its shopping district shares that same creative energy. Browse the vintage clothing at Day to Day, the Mexico-made treasures at Artelexia, and the used and rare tomes at Verbatim Books. While you’re shopping, don’t miss the independent and locally owned art galleries such as Visual. Get more tips on where to eat and hang out in this curated itinerary.
Gaslamp Quarter
For Browsing Before a Night Out
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is mostly known for its bars and restaurants, but it offers plenty of shopping too. Check out eclectic shops, from Goorin Bros. Bold Hatmakers to It’Sugar Candy Store to a branch of Quiksilver. Make an evening of it by exploring these dining and nightlife options in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Seaport Village
For Shopping with Scenery
Soak up the harbor scenery while shopping for little treasures at Seaport Village, set on 14 acres between downtown and the Embarcadero. The 50-plus shops include the fashions of the Influencer Boutique, Native art and jewelry at Indian Trails Gallery, and local wines at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Stay for dinner and choose from bayside restaurants such as Malibu Farm and Edgewater Grill and a long list of casual eateries including San Diego Burger Company and Mike Hess Brewing.
Balboa Park
For Artsy and Cultural Souvenirs
Located just northeast of downtown, Balboa Park acts as San Diego’s cultural nerve center. The 1,200-acre, green space–filled park is home to more than 20 museums and cultural institutions, such as the Fleet Science Center, The Museum of Us, and the Model Railroad Museum. The museums offer a wealth of great gift shops too, which you can often browse even if you’re not exploring the museum. Start with the San Diego Museum of Art store, the San Diego History Centerstore, and the shop at the Comic-Con Museum. Be sure to pay a visit to the Spanish Village Arts Center to see the handiwork of more than 200 local artisans.
Las Americas Premium Outlets
For Big Savings on Luxury Brands
With more than 125 stores, Las Americas Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in the area, located halfway between downtown San Diego and Tijuana. It’s lined with courtyards, fountains, and statues. Take your pick of brand names and enjoy savings of up to 65 percent at stores including Adidas, Forever 21, Armani, J. Crew, and Nike. Choose from dining options such as the Achiote, a traditional Mexican restaurant whose menu includes a great pre-shopping breakfast.
Plan Your Trip
For more shopping-trip ideas, check out this Shopping Spree road trip that covers more retail-therapy hubs across Southern California. Or focus your energy on California’s best outlet malls, or niches like great surf shops and even record stores. It’s also rewarding to shop around California’s cultural districts, since these areas offer an entry point into an area’s vibrant culture, including local artists, and small businesses.
