Things to do - Shopping

San Diego has joined the higher echelons of world-class shopping. The kind of shopping that begs comfortable shoes and may require an extension to your visit. From sprawling discount outlet centers to quaint upscale boutiques, your options are as varied as our weather is predictably sunny.

Most San Diego County shopping malls are easily accessible using public transport.
Popular outlet centers are located throughout San Diego County offering name-brand clothing, housewares, appliances and more at low factory outlet prices. Many prices at these outlets beat run-of-the-mall retail by as much as 40 percent.

San Diego’s Top 10 Shopping Malls

1. Fashion Valley Center
   The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and Robinson's May anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.
2. Horton Plaza
   Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries.
3. Viejas Outlet Center
   Not a shopping mall in the traditional sense, the Viejas Factory Outlet, opposite the Viejas Casino, is actually very pleasant. Not your typical outlet center, Viejas follows a Native American theme, with meandering walkways with water features. Check out the water fountain show.
4. University Town Center
   One of the many Westfield Shoppingtown entities, UTC is your typical outdoor mall. The well-used ice skating rink distinguishes the mall from others of Westfield's homogenous stable. Nordstrom, Sears, Robinson's May and Macy's are the majors.
5. North County Fair
   Another Westfield Shopping Town, North County Fair serves the North County bedroom communities. This large, two-level indoor mall has your usual allotment of department stores and shops.
6. Parkway Plaza
   Yet another Westfield mall, Parkway Plaza is the regional mall serving East County. This indoor, single level mall is a necessity in scorching El Cajon. Malls tend to reflect their clientele, and Parkway serves the unpretentious, middle America of East County.
7. Plaza Camino Real
   Another generic, indoor Westfield mall, Plaza Camino Real serves the North County Coastal area (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside). Two-level, with the usual assortment of stores.
8. Plaza Bonita
   Located in the South County area, Plaza Bonita is the Westfield indoor, two-level counterpart to Plaza Camino Real.
9. Grossmont Center
   This quaint mall in La Mesa is the shopping center that time forgot. It's a cozy, well-maintained outdoor mall in La Mesa that is lacking in pizazz and choices - in fact, it's a bit dull. But in the world of mega-malls, sometimes dull is OK.
10. Mission Valley Shopping Center
    This Westfield center doesn't have the homogenous quality of the others. In fact, large Mission Valley Center is kind of a mess. Its layout is a mess (a remnant of the '60s) and it's the most downscale of the shopping malls. The selection of shops and the gigantic AMC multiplex suggest a catering to the teen and young adult crowd.