Best Shopping Places in San Diego

With its magnificent beaches, scenery, and weather, San Diego has captured the hearts of visitors. This city offers an abundance of outdoor activities for visitors and locals . However, as you travel about the city, you may come across a specific recollection from this place, such as clothing, books, or jewelry. From the traditional to the contemporary, San Diego has it all.

If you are a local, you will recognize all of the locations listed below, but if you are new to the area, this guide will undoubtedly assist you in locating the ideal place for your shopping needs.

List of Amazing Shopping Places in San Diego to Explore

1. La Jolla

An ideal location where you may enjoy the well-known beaches, history, and latest amenities. The boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and jewelry stores of La Jolla are well-known. La Jolla can be separated into five distinct shopping areas: Prospect Street, Ivanhoe Avenue, Herschel Street, Girard Avenue, and La Jolla Shores.

Visit For: Boutiques, Jewellery, Decoration, and gift items

Popular Shops: Hii Sweetheart (Decoration and gifts), Brilliant Earth $ CJ Charles (Jewellery), Diane’s Beachwear, Amore Boutique (Boutique).

Nearest Restaurant: The Cottage La Jolla, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe, Piatti.

Other places to visit: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla Shores, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Birch Aquarium 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

2. Fashion Valley

Fashion Valley is one of the largest shopping malls in California. Opening in 1969 it has gone through many changes. And now it’s an outdoor shopping mall with over 200 stores and 18 movie theatres. 

Visit For: Clothing, apparel, and accessories.

Popular Shops: Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom

Nearest Restaurant: The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s China Bistro, California Pizza Kitchen, and Stacked Well Built

Other places to visit: AMC movie theatre, Disney Store, Pottery Barn        

Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

3. SeaPort Village

Seaport Village is a 14-acre shopping and dining complex that features over 80 stores. In the summer, the day crowd is enormous. This village will provide you with breathtaking views of San Diego.

Visit For: Clothing, gifts, and souvenirs.

Popular Shops: Eclectique Boutique, Destination City Gifts, Gran Havana, Mosaic Handicraft, Ocean Avenue 

Nearest Restaurant: San Diego Pier Cafe, Seaport Fudge Factory, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store

Other places to visit: Live music, Chula Vista Bayfront, San Diego Bay

Timings: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Westfield UTC (University Town Centre)

It was established in 1972 as an open-air shopping complex. This is an optimal spot for high-quality customer service and luxurious amenities. It is surrounded by almost 200 shops.  It elegantly blends a landscaped plaza, gardens, and fashion boutiques. 

Visit For: Fashion, Bags & Luggage, Health, and Beauty, Jewellery and Watches.

Popular Shops: Billabong, Abercrombie & Fitch, Psycho Bunny,  

Nearest Restaurants: Bazille, De Nunno, Din Tai Fung, Javier’s, Corner Bakery

Other places to visit: Skating, Tiki Tour, USS Midway Museum, 

Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

5. Little Italy

For decades, generations of Italians have made a living from the sea. This is a market centre for the fishing industry. Its streets are filled with Italian cuisine and culture. Little Italy San Diego is also recognized for its spring festival,  Mission Federal Artwalk. 

Visit For: Fashion, Furnishing, and Art.

Popular Shops: Atacama Surf Shop, Irelia Fine Jewellery, 1805 Gallery, JDC Fine Art, D3 Homes, Vitreum.

Nearest Restaurant : Allegro, Barbusa, Ambrogio15, Born and Raised

Other places to visit: Public and dog Parks, Firehouse Museum, Church, Italian Food

Timings: 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM

6. Liberty Public Market

San Diego’s Naval Training Camp was previously located at Liberty Public Market. However, it is presently occupied by a variety of stores and eateries. It is open seven days a week. 

Visit For: Fashion, Jewellery Pottery, and art.

Popular Shops: Rekindle Pottery, Pigment, Sea Hive Station, Bottle Craft

Nearest Restaurants: Papa John’s Pizza, Dave, and Buster, The Presley, C Level Lounge

Other places to visit: Art Districts, The Lot Cinema, Museums 

Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

7. Las Americans Premium Outlets

With 125 shops, its quality outlets can fulfill all of your family’s shopping needs. It is close to the Mexican border. Here, you may save up to 70% on excellent goods. Its exquisite architecture, fountains, and statues make it an open-air mall. 

Visit For: Fashion, Jewellery and footwear, and watches.

Popular Shops: New Balance Factory Store, Cole Haan, Brooks Brothers, Hurley, Time Factory

Nearest Restaurant: Balboa Park, Spiro’s Greek Cafe, El Rincon de los Torres, The Great Steak & Potato Co.

Other places to visit:  Imperial Beach, Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Balboa Park

Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

8. Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a 16-block section in San Diego. It’s an excellent location for experiencing the nightlife. Everything around here is walkable. It features 94 old buildings, many of which are repurposed as restaurants and stores. 

Visit For: Fashion and footwear.

Popular Shops: Foot Locker, The Last Chance Store, O’Neill Clothing, Volcom Waikiki

Nearest Restaurant: Altitude Sky Lounge. Carl’s Jr., Cinnabon, Jamba, Pho Hung Cali

Other places to visit:  Seal Tour, Cruise Dinner party, Gallery of Chuck Jones

Timings: 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM

9. Mission Valley Shops

It is close to Fashion Valley Mall, which has over 100 stores. It strikes the perfect blend between luxury shopping and low-cost discounts. It’s a family-friendly location where you can acquire everything you need in one bucket.

Visit For: Fashion, Toys and gifts, Bags and Luggage

Popular Shops: Bevmo, Bed Baths, and Beyond, Gamestop, Macy’s Home, Cap Land, Hot Topic, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store

Nearest Restaurant: Bayside Kitchen and Bar, Theresa’s Italian Steakhouse, Fig Tree Cafe, Wolf in the Woods, Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen 

Other places to visit:  Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

10. Old Town Market

This place is one of the historic landmarks of San Diego. This place used to be a community centre during World War II. Many artifacts from the past have been excavated here. 

Visit For: Gifts Shops, Home Décor, Books

Popular Shops: Toby’s Candles, El Centro Artesano, Miner’s Gems and Minerals, Kosay Kumeyaay Market

Nearest Restaurant : Casa Guadalajara, Sushi Tadokoro, Cafe Coyote, Tahona Bar

Other places to visit:  Museum, History Parks, Presidio Park, Old Town Theatre

Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Conclusion

With so many options available, you’re sure to find the ideal spot to discover something you adore. So why do you still wait? Start planning your trip to San Diego for shopping today!

Remember, while a day trip offers a taste of San Diego’s charm, there are many  tourist attractions in San Diego  to discover on future visits. So, start planning and let San Diego enchant you again and again.