San Diego Shopping Destinations
We’ve rounded up our favorite San Diego shopping destinations spanning downtown to North County so you can relax, shop, and dine without the stress.
The Headquarters at Seaport
As one of San Diego’s iconic landmarks, The Headquarters was the previous home of the San Diego Police Headquarters, housing administration, courts, jails, crime lab and more (you can still visit the jail cell block next to Kitson and Madison stores). Now the home of nine boutiques and shops and eight dining options, The Headquarters has secured its spot as one of San Diego’s premier shopping destinations. The Mission Revival/Pueblo architectural style gives the center a distinctly San Diego feel and the huge “Giving Tree” occupying the central courtyard during the holiday season leads everyone to start swaying along to the Christmas tunes. Get holiday cards for all your loved ones at Seaside Paper, then fill your bags at Madison, Lolo, Gepetto’s Toys, Kitson and more. Be sure to pick up some specialty chocolates from Dallmann Fine Chocolates to share at the Christmas party (or keep for yourself—we won’t tell!). 789 West Harbor Dr., downtown, 619.235.4013. theheadquarters.com
Fashion Valley
True to its name, Fashion Valley offers a slew of designer shops and with its added holiday amenities, loads of dining options and nine brand new retailers the destination makes jumping between stores to cross off gift lists a breeze. Open in time for the holidays, the mall recently announced the addition of Tesla Motors, Tory Burch, Rigby & Peller, Sunglass Hut, GoWireless, American Girl, Daisy Shoppe, Kitson and Qrew. Take a break from shopping to refuel at one of the site’s many dining options including Stacked, Blue Smoke Sushi Lounge, True Food Kitchen and more. Shoppers will also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a holiday gift wrap station, personal shoppers, valet options, and comfortable lounge seating throughout the property. Saturdays, through December 19 make sure to grab your pals and some props for the Holiday photo booth and don’t forget to bring the kids to visit Santa for a photo op in the Center Court. 7007 Friars Rd., Mission Valley, 619.688.9113. simon.com
North Park
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the cookie cutter shopping center scene, San Diego’s North Park neighborhood is a great spot to secure unique gifts from their many specialty boutiques. The once gritty neighborhood is quickly becoming a hip destination for creatives, culinary experiences and local vendors and boutiques. Find unique and trendy gifts and apparel at Pigment, Simply Local, Geographie, Mimi & Red, Hunt & Gather and other local retailers. For the gardener or the hostess on your list, pick up a house plant from North Park Nursery, then try a specialty coffee beverage at Holsem Coffee. After a day of exploring the neighborhood, settle down for dining at one of the local restaurants to enjoy everything from tacos to sushi, vegan to ramen to American and beyond. explorenorthpark.com
Westfield UTC
Don’t let the construction steer you away from Westfield UTC. While the shopping center undergoes massive growth, new retailers and restaurants are continually jumping on board making it a great destination to find gifts for everyone on the list. New additions to the mall are retailers Zara, Warby Parker, Pandora, Travis Matthew, Vera Bradley, Ivivva Athletica and more. The center also offers complimentary phone chargers throughout the property, valet parking options, a dog park and foreign language assistance. For the person on your list that just has it all, be sure to utilize the guest service ambassadors for gift suggestions. Get the whole family in the spirit for the holidays as Saturdays in December leading up to Christmas, Westfield UTC will host December Nights with live music, snow cascading from rooftops, ice skating and classic Christmas movies playing at ArcLight Cinemas. 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla UTC, 858.546.8858. westfield.com
Flower Hill Promenade
Del Mar’s outdoor shopping playground, the Flower Hill Promenade, boasts an eclectic collection of luxury boutiques, dining, and pampering options. Check out the newly opened AnnMarie D’Ercole for custom, hand made jewelry and wander through The Printed Palette, a shop curated by Carlsbad locals Kurt & Alissa Hummel, who design and print all their goods themselves. Van De Vort is the perfect boutique to find bohemian fashion, clothing and accessories from top designers. Before sitting down to eat at one of the mouth-watering dining stops like Sea & Smoke or Cucina Enoteca, relax and get pampered at Spa Blue Del Mar. Be sure to pick up a bottle of vino from The Wine Connection. Nothing like a glass of cabernet to get you through the holiday stress! 2720 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.481.2904. flowerhill.com
BONUS:
Outlets at San Clemente
While technically just north of San Diego, the brand new Outlets at San Clemente is worth the short trek up the coast. As Orange County’s first and only coastal outlet shopping destination, the retailer boasts ocean views, a VIP lounge, more than 35 stores, resort style luxury and signature events in its center court. Check out our full review here: 101 West Agenda Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com
