San Diego’s Top Malls: A SoCal Shopping Experience

By Angela Genroso

    When you think of San Diego, do you just think of sand and palm trees? Well, it’s time to take a minute and think it through-this sunny city by the sea is not solely a haven for fun in the sun! Besides the beach party atmosphere, fabulous dining, and entertainment, San Diego is one of the greatest places for shopping in all of Southern California.

    Take a moment to browse through some of the most incredible, fun-filled shopping malls in all of San Diego County, and you too will be a believer!

    Take a trip to Fashion Valley Mall, one of San Diego’s greatest meccas for the creative-minded shopper. This beautiful, outdoor, Mission Valley shopping center features over 200 stores and restaurants, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and JC Penney. Looking for a place to grub during your excursion? The mall’s wide selection of eateries includes Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s China Bistro, Crocodile Café, California Pizza Kitchen, Pizzeria Uno and 12 other bistro cafes.

    Yet Fashion Valley’s outdoor adventure doesn’t end there. This exciting outlet offers exclusive shopping options such as Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, A/X Armani Exchange, Max Studio, and many more. Entertainment? You got it! Check out the 18 screen AMC theater. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Fashion Valley.

    University Town Center is La Jolla's outdoor bazaar of fun! With an indoor skating rink, dozens of great eating options, and approximately 150 great stores to choose from for all your shopping needs, you’ll be in shopping heaven. Located conveniently off I-5 at La Jolla Village Drive, UTC is San Diego’s shopping paradise. Choose from department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s or smaller boutiques such as Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Express. From toys to jewelry, to apparel for men, women and children of all ages, UTC is the place for you!

    Everything you could ask for in a downtown shopping center is conveniently located in Horton Plaza, right in the center of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District. With seven levels of shopping exuberance twisted throughout six city blocks and almost 200 stores to choose from, Horton Plaza is definitely a shopper’s fantasy.

    Hungry? Horton Plaza has hundreds of fantastic eateries to choose from, ranging from fast food to great sit-down restaurants. Not finding everything you’re looking for in the mall? Just venture out a few blocks into Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and take a stroll down through the street-level shops. On top of all that, if you’re looking for some fantastic entertainment, you’ll be sure to find it in the mall, or in the exciting downtown city blocks.

    Though it’s definitely not your traditional shopping mall, Viejas Outlet Center certainly strives for perfection. With outlet stores such as Nike and Hilfiger, this southeast San Diego epicenter is the bargain hunter’s dream. The eye-catching Native American theme and mystical fountain show is more than enough reason alone to check out this fun-filled shopping center. Staying later in the evening during the winter season? Don’t miss out on the holiday-themed Legend of the Ice Princess shows nightly at 7:30 p.m.