The city of San Diego in California offers various choices that can suit different tastes – and budgets. Here are some of the places to experience the best shopping in San Diego:
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Best Shopping in San Diego: Districts and Neighborhoods
Gaslamp Quarter
To experience downtown San Diego shopping, proceed to the Gaslamp Quarter. It has 16 blocks of national retailers, charming boutiques, great bars, remarkable restaurants, impressive hotels and responsive professional services.
Gaslamp Quarter sign on 5th Avenue in San Diego – photo by Bernard Gagnon under CC-BY-SA-3.0 and GFDL
Hillcrest
Several boutiques, thrift stores, retail shops, beauty salons, barber shops, gift shops and specialty stores dot the suburban neighborhood of Hillcrest in San Diego.
Hillcrest sign – photo by Rm999 under CC-BY-SA-3.0
La Jolla
La Jolla is best known for luxury shopping. It is a destination for high-end clothing, jewelry and art. Nonetheless, there are also artisan markets in La Jolla if you prefer one-off items at affordable prices.
A shopping center in La Jolla in San Diego – photo by cultivar413 under CC BY 2.0
Liberty Station
One of the mixed-use development sites in San Diego, Liberty Station was once a Naval Training Center. These days, the waterfront neighborhood has become a commercial and retail district with five sections: Fitness Club, Harbor Square, NTC Landing, Ocean Village and The Marketplace.
Vons Supermarket in Liberty Station – photo by Joe Wolf under CC BY-ND 2.0
Little Italy
Visit the colorful and festive district of Little Italy and browse through the numerous shops within the area. There are art galleries, antique dealers, home décor stores, fashion boutiques and specialty shops to choose from.
Little Italy in San Diego – photo by Zachary Sawchuk from Pexels under Pexels License
Best Shopping in San Diego: Flea Markets and Thrift Shops
Auntie Helen’s
Along 30th street, you will find a charity thrift shop that offers second-hand clothing and accessories. You can also find some household and electronic items at the store.
Auntie Helen’s Thrift Shop – photo by Allan Ferguson under CC BY 2.0
Frock You Vintage Clothing
Step inside the boutique and you will find stylish vintage apparel for men and women. There are also vintage jewelry and fashion accessories on display. Check their courtyard and be ready to rummage through the various items included in their “Huge Frocking Sale”.
Frock You’s Huge Frocking Sale – photo by Peyri Herrera under CC BY-ND 2.0
Kobey’s Swap Meet
From Friday to Sunday at the Sports Arena Shopping Center, you will find Kobey’s Swap Meet – an open-air flea market where you can rummage for furniture, toys, jewelry, plants and other items.
Vintage earrings at Kobey’s Swap Meet – photo by Joe Crawford under CC BY 2.0
Best Shopping in San Diego: Gift and Specialty Shops
Bazaar del Mundo
Colorful – that’s one way of describing Bazaar del Mundo. This outdoor collection of stores offers Mexican-themed décor, household items and clothing. The dining options are infused with Mexican culture as well.
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Bazaar del Mundo in San Diego – photo by Eric Steuer under CC BY 2.0
Comickaze Comics Books and More
With two branches in San Diego – one in Madison Square and the other in Liberty Station, this veteran retailer stocks loads of comics, manga, graphic novels, statues, figurines and other collectibles.
Saga’s Lying Cat plushie on display at Comickaze Comics Books and More – photo by Cory Doctorow under CC BY-SA 2.0
Fiesta de Reyes
There is more to this Mexican cantina than just food – it’s also a shopping destination. There are 19 unique specialty shops in the area that offer authentic, unique and historically-themed items.
Fiesta de Reyes patio – photo by cultivar413 under CC BY 2.0
Best Shopping in San Diego: Malls
Fashion Valley
Have a passion for fashion shopping? Fashion Valley in San Diego is one of the places to visit. This large open-air shopping complex in the Mission Valley neighborhood is home to chain department stores, casual eating places and a movie theater.
Fashion Valley in San Diego – photo by Roman Eugeniusz under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Seaport Village
This might not be the usual mall you are accustomed to. Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping, entertainment and dining hub featuring relaxed grounds with ponds and fountains. The complex houses at least 70 shops and dining options in its various freestanding buildings with different styles.
A portion of Seaport Village – photo by Werner Petermann under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Westfield UTC
Westfield UTC is an outdoor shopping mall that features high-end chain retailers. It also has a skating rink and a movie theater.
Westfield UTC Mall – photo by cultivar413 under CC BY 2.0
Best Shopping in San Diego: Outlet Shopping
Las Americas Premium Outlets
Want to shop big brands without breaking your bank? Las Americas Premium Outlets near the border is the place to be.
Las Americas Premium Outlets near the Mexican border – photo by Balintawak under GFDL and CC BY-SA 4.0
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