The San Diego shopping scene suits all tastes and budgets, from the fashionable boutiques of La Jolla to the thriving antique district in Ocean Beach.
San Diego Shopping Guide
The Gaslamp Quarter serves up some of the best shopping in the downtown district—along with a serving of Victorian charm. If you’re seeking something more modern, the San Diego area also has a number of large shopping malls.
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Seaport Village
Open 365 days a year, Seaport Village is located right on the waterfront and features more than 50 shops selling everything from soaps and sunglasses to kites and Native American handicrafts.
La Jolla
Luxe La Jolla has some of the best shopping in San Diego for jewelry, art, and upscale clothing. If you’re in town on a Sunday, stop by the Open Aire Market, which sells artisan foods and crafts to benefit a local elementary school.
Westfield UTC
The recently revitalized Westfield UTC is home to more than 200 shops and eateries, including department stores Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Liberty Station
Once a U.S. Navy training base, Liberty Station has been transformed into a cozy collection of art galleries, boutiques, parks and gardens. It’s located on the waterfront in Point Loma.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is sprinkled with big-name brands like Urban Outfitters and Skechers, but there are a few quirky, independent boutiques here as well.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest, home to San Diego’s LGBT community, is also home to some of the city’s hippest urban boutiques. Used books, retro clothes, and unique housewares are among the specialties here.
Fashion Valley
Fashion Valley is an upscale San Diego mall featuring luxe local and international brands like Armani and Fendi, along with major department stores such as Bloomingdale’s. The open-air design lets you bask in the San Diego sunshine as you’re window shopping.
Bazaar del Mundo
Pick up colorful handicrafts, folk art, home decor, fair-trade merchandise, and gifts at Bazaar del Mundo, a unique Mexican-style market in Old Town San Diego.
Las Americas Premium Outlets
Just south of San Diego, in the U.S. but next to the Mexican border, you’ll find Las Americas Premium Outlets. This San Diego outlet mall has more than 100 shops and stores, many with deep discounts on name brands.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets
Another option for shoppers seeking deals, Carlsbad Premium Outlets serves up discounts on brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Merrell, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Sophisticated Snakeskin for Shopping in San Diego
More from SmarterTravel:
- San Diego Travel Guide
- 10 Fun Things to Do in San Diego
- 10 Must-See San Diego Attractions
- 10 Best Beaches in San Diego
- 10 Best Hotels in San Diego
- 10 Best Cheap Hotels in San Diego
- The Top 10 San Diego Hotels on the Beach
- The 9 Best Cheap Eats in San Diego
- The 10 Best San Diego Restaurants
- Where to Find the Best Tacos in San Diego
- What to Wear in San Diego
- What to Pack for San Diego
Editor’s Note: Some information on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about San Diego shopping. This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated with the latest information.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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