San Diego Area Malls
Some people come to San Diego to relax, get sun, eat great food, and enjoy world-class attractions.
And others come to shop.
One of the best things about San Diego is how many choices you have to indulge yourself if you're a shopper. San Diego is filled with unique boutiques, small enclaves of one-of-a-kind stores, and commercial districts where you can spend hours strolling, exploring, and hunting for perfect bargains of every kind.
But if you really want to make a day of it, head for shopping at one of the indoor or outdoor shopping meccas at San Diego area malls.
Here are some of the best…
Westfield UTC Mall is an upscale, open-air shopping complex in San Diego's Golden Triangle, west of La Jolla. Macy's and Nordstrom are anchors, but recent high-end additions like Tiffany & Co, J.Crew, Jo Malone, and others have upped the ante. This is a gorgeous place to spend a day with several sitting areas amidst lush greenery, water fountains, fire pits, sculptures, and chic furniture. Restaurants such as Tender Greens, Shake Shack, Great Maple, Larsen's Steakhouse, Din Tai Fung, and Joe and the Juice have created a prime lifestyle destination.
Flower Hill Promenade is another north county mall destination in Del Mar, highlighted by fashion boutiques for men, women, and children. You’ll also find several unique shops, such as the Dallmann Chocolate Boutique, Venissimo Cheese and Wine Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and the Three Dog Bakery, serving oven-baked treats and pastries for your canine buddy.
Fashion Valley in Mission Valley beckons you to lose yourself for hours among 200+ stores that include well-known stalwarts such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. Then add luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Henri Bendel, and others for an unrivaled San Diego shopping excursion. Amenities include a children’s play area, electric vehicle charging stations, and valet services.
Immediately to the east is the Westfield Mission Valley Mall. Fashion Valley is the more upscale of the two, and Westfield provides a more budget-friendly shopping experience focusing on entertainment, electronics, books, toys, and more to shop and enjoy.
Downtown also has a pair of popular malls. The 14-acre Seaport Village features over 50 specialty shops and galleries. You’ll find interesting handmade soaps, nautical collectibles, jewelry, hot sauces, toys, sportswear, books, hammocks, and more. The target audience is tourists, but it’s an easy walk from downtown hotels and cruise terminals.
Horton Plaza attracts visitors with a colorful five-story outdoor shopping mall and quirky open-air architecture just a stone’s throw from the Gaslamp Quarter. Dozens of major retailers, shops, and restaurants draw downtown workers for shopping, lunch, and dinner.
One of the best family and kid-friendly malls in San Diego is the Grossmont Center Mall, located 20 minutes from downtown. It's home to Chuck E. Cheese and Smart Kids Time, an indoor child-learning play center. The mall is anchored by Target, Sports Authority, Walmart, and dozens of fashion, shoe, health and beauty, and home goods stores.
