Whether you’re a local looking to add a few new garments to your wardrobe or a traveler looking for the perfect piece to remember your iconic adventures, you can feel confident knowing that San Diego likely has the ideal shopping opportunity for you. The city offers a diverse range of shopping districts ready to satisfy all tastes.
Whether you’re looking for luxury brand-name goods or one-of-a-kind boutique finds, these shopping destinations offer plenty to explore.
1. Fashion Valley Mall
- Location: 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA
- Size: 1,721,000 Square Feet
- Over 200 Specialty Stores
The largest mall in San Diego, Fashion Valley is a stunning upscale and open-air shopping mall and home to a plethora of high-end brands and department stores. Names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada line the mall’s pristine pathways while well-known storefronts such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are intermingled in between the center’s exquisite gardens. Visitors can even book a room at the mall’s exclusive Extended Stay America located just five minutes from the luxury shopping destination.
2. Westfield UTC
- Location: 4545 La Jolla Village Dr. Ste E-25, San Diego, CA
- Size: 1,067,000 Square Feet
- Over 200 Specialty Stores, Restaurants and Entertainment Venues
Located in the heart of the University Town Center, Westfield UTC offers visitors the epitome of upscale shopping. Filled with luxury retailers including Tiffany & Co., Burberry and more, this center is one of the most popular and beloved shopping destinations in the city. Along with trendy boutiques and restaurants, Westfield also offers a state-of-the-art cinema and skating rink, making it a great place to unwind and escape the city’s daily hustle and bustle.
3. Seaport Village
- Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
- Size: 90,000 Square Feet
- 70 Shops, Galleries and Eateries
Shoppers looking for a relaxed experience along the waterfront will fall in love with the charming Seaport Village. Brimming with a captivating collection of specialty shops, glamorous art galleries and delectable dining destinations, the Seaport Village is a one-of-a-kind location that captures the heart and soul of San Diego’s coastal culture. Whether you’re looking for a piece of handcrafted jewelry or a stunning souvenir to remember your time in San Diego, Seaport Village has it all.
4. La Jolla
- Location: La Jolla, San Diego County, CA
- Size: 7 Miles
- Various Distinct Shopping Destinations
Another lovely coastal community just outside of San Diego, La Jolla is a unique shopping destination that perfectly blends luxury and elegance with boutique charm. High-end boutiques, magnificent art galleries and exquisite jewelry stores line the sidewalks of Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, allowing visitors to shop in style while they enjoy the beautiful ocean views found throughout the village.
5. Little Italy Mercato
- Location: 600 W Date St, San Diego, CA
- Size: 6 City Blocks
- 150+ Vendors
If you find yourself in Little Italy on Wednesday or Saturday you absolutely must make your way over to the neighborhood’s weekly Mercato. One of San Diego’s most vibrant and diverse farmer’s markets, the Mercato offers visitors so much more than world-class local produce. The city streets quickly become lined with artisanal food vendors, local artisans and boutique sellers offering everything from handmade jewelry and handcrafted clothes to mouthwatering gourmet goods.
6. Liberty Station
- Location: 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA
- Size: 28 Acres
- Over 200 Shops, Eateries and Galleries
Offering a contemporary twist on the traditional open-air marketplace, Liberty Station in Point Loma is one of the city’s most spectacular shopping centers. With a diverse variety of vendors ranging from craft breweries and gourmet foods to luxury home decor and clothing, Liberty Station is a San Diego spot that has it all.
7. Balboa Park Shops
- Location: 1549 El Prado, San Diego
- Size: 1,200 Acres
- 13+ Museum and Gift Shops
Balboa Park is undoubtedly one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. However, visitors may find themselves surprised to learn it’s also one of the city’s most beloved shopping destinations. Throughout the park's 1,200 acres, several world-class museums and gift shops are brimming with unique items and beautiful pieces to remind guests of their travels throughout this captivating city.
8. Las Americas Premium Outlets
- Location: 4211 Camino De La Plaza, San Diego, CA
- Size: 560,000 Square Feet
- 125 Storefronts
Located just a few short minutes from the United States and Mexico border, Las Americas Premium Outlets is a San Diego shopper's paradise. With over 125 brand-name stores offering unbelievable discounts on everything from high-end fashion to home goods, this is the best place to find a good deal. The outlet’s convenient location makes it one of the city’s most popular places for locals and visitors alike, especially those looking for affordable, premium-quality products.
9. Gaslamp Quarter
- Location: Bounded by RR tracks, Broadway, 4th and 6th Aves., San Diego, CA
- Size: 16 ½ Block Neighborhood
- Over 100 Specialty Shops
While the Gaslamp Quarter may have a reputation as San Diego’s premier party district, it’s also a fabulous place to find exceptional shopping opportunities. A true hidden gem, visitors can wander through the quarter’s winding streets and find a plethora of boutique shops selling high fashion articles and beautiful accessories. Combined with the neighborhood's charming historic atmosphere, this is a shopping destination unlike any other.
No matter what kind of treasure you’re searching for, San Diego’s diverse range of shopping opportunities guarantees an array of options to satisfy every possible desire. Between luxury brand name shops and outlet centers offering the best possible deals, San Diego has something for everyone. Make sure you take the time to indulge in a bit of retail therapy during your stay in this magnificent city.
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