The stores in San Diego, California, are among the best in the southern United States for shopping, and many of the people who benefit most from this are Tijuana, Rosarito, and Tecate, Mexican cities that border the United States.
Let’s get to know a selection of the best places in San Diego that include clothing stores, shoes, accessories, galleries, jewelry stores, books, gourmet foods and other specialties.
1. Fashion Valley San Diego (it’s a mall)
Fashion Valley San Diego is a 150,000 m 2 shopping center visited annually by millions of people who live or travel in the southern United States, with more than 200 stores and exclusive restaurants. It is both a tourist and retail shopping destination.
Stores and brands present include AX Armani Exchange, Athleta, Apple, 3DHQ, Albercombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Boss, Chanel, Charles Koll Jewellers, Chico’s, Club Monaco, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Coach New York, The Container Store , Cotton On, Disney Store, Balenciaga and Emporio Armani.
As for places to eat and drink, there are places like 59th & Lex Café, Better Buzz Coffee, Café Sócrates, The Cheesecake Factory and eBar at Nordstrom.
His most popular restaurants are Bibigo Kitchen, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, California Pizza Kitchen, NoRTH Italia, PF Chang’s China Bistro, So Sushi, Zodiac Restaurant at Neiman Marcus, and 59th & Lex.
Address: 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108, United States.
2. Spanish Village Art Center
Spanish Village Art Center combines art with shopping and entertainment. It’s in Balboa Park with the studios of over 200 local artists who perform, display and sell their work in the art center.
You will be able to see the creators transforming the oil paintings, canvases, stones, wood, metals, cardboard and other materials, into handicrafts and works of art that they leave for sale.
The Spanish Village Art Center also offers courses in watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, potter’s wheel turning, glazing, Chinese brush painting, totem pole construction, glass blowing, stained glass, paint pouring, and polymer clay working techniques.
In the area there is a city observation tower and a botanical garden.
Address: 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.
3. Seaport Village
More than 50 stores and 13 restaurants endorse this open-air mall facing the Pacific Ocean as one of the most seductive in the Californian city.
Its stores include the best brands in women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories, swimwear and toys, as well as stores selling gastronomic products, wine tasting, art, souvenirs, body care items, seasonal decorations and lights.
Everything in the Harley-Davidson store is original, including jackets, t-shirts, key chains, patches, glasses and photos.
Seaport Village has its historic carousel with horses and other pieces carved by hand at the end of the 19th century. To eat, there are grills, seafood, Mexican cuisine, fast food, pastry shops and ice cream parlors.
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.
4. Buddha For You Gifts & Books
Shop with statues, pieces of art and other items related to Buddhism. It’s a laid-back spot in San Diego with one of the best selections of Asian art and meditation supplies.
The exhibited articles bring together the simplicity, serenity and beauty of the current of art around Buddha and allow the creation of spiritual and relaxing environments in the garden, the home, the office and in the Buddhist temples themselves.
The collection includes fine and ancient statues, Tibetan and Nepalese thangkas, and garden statues with pieces from Nepal, India, Bali, and Thailand.
Address: 1531 Tyler Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States.
5. Warwick’s
Founded in 1896, Warwick’s is America’s oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, selling gifts, jewelry, pens, leather goods, stationery and office supplies in addition to books.
It is one of the few bookstores in the world that has been visited by best-selling writers and literary award winners.
It also maintains a regular program of events with authors such as the Chilean, Isabel Allende, the American, Alice Walker (Pulitzer winner with the novel The Color Purple) and the Malaysian of Chinese origin, Yangsze Choo.
Warwick’s has bestsellers, classics, audiobooks and autographed books, for its more than 150 annual book signing events, in addition to the autographs stamped by authors on their casual visits to the bookstore.
The gift department has a wide selection of gifts made by local and branded artists and artisans.
Address: 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
6. Seven Stitches Jewelry
Jewelry in San Diego with handmade pieces such as bracelets, Pacha Mama bags, statement pieces, chokers and limited edition bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
One of its purposes is the empowerment of women, which is why the store donates 10% of its income to this.
Men’s products include faceted onyx, faceted Dalmatian jasper, labradorite, turquoise and onyx, amazonite and onyx, commercial pearls, labradorite and silver, ebony and bone wood, onyx and pearls, ebony and pearls, and pearls knotted with silver fittings. .
The successful line of Pacha Mama bags includes pieces with pearls, tassels and with fringes and charms.
In the series of women’s bracelets there are large pearl bracelets with skulls, large bracelets with dark pearls, onyx, faceted Dalmatian jasper, pearls and vintage chain, light blue quartz and leather, jade and leather and ebony wood and opal.
Address: 2690 Historic Decatur Rd #203, San Diego, CA 92106, United States.
7. Chuck Jones Gallery
These galleries have represented the art of American pop culture since they were founded in 1977 by Linda Jones, daughter of the famous American cartoonist, screenwriter, animator, producer and director, Chuck Jones (1912-2002).
Its mission is to find works of art wherever they are and bring them to collectors and interested people.
His first location was Corona del Mar, where Chuck Jones lived. Currently there are locations in Santa Fe (New Mexico), Orange, Costa Mesa and the Gaslamp District, San Diego (California).
The galleries represent numerous artists and studios. They offer unique works of art to thousands of collectors from California, the United States and the world.
Chuck Jones was a multifaceted artist who helped create popular cartoon characters like Coyote and the Roadrunner, Marvin the Martian and Pepe Le Pew during his successful work at the Warner Brothers animation studios.
He won an Oscar in 1965 for the animated short film, The Dot and the Line, and another honorary one in 1996 for his career as a whole.
Address: 1980 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.
8. Catalina Offshore Products
Company with more than 40 years offering the best fish products in San Diego.
The adventure began in 1977 when its owner, diver Dave Rudie, began selling sea urchins from the seaweed beds off the coast of California from his boat.
Rudie set up a small processing site for local deliveries and then began exporting his products to Japan.
Catalina Offshore Products is one of the largest suppliers of seafood in San Diego, as well as one of the largest buyers of seafood.
The list of products includes tuna (Maguro and Toro), yellowtail, caviar, roe, lobster, prawns, shrimp, crab, salmon, sea urchins, premium fish fillets, sushi and sashimi grade fish, sauces and special kitchen supplies. such as oyster knives, shrimp cleaners, premium sushi rice, seaweed sushi sheets and cedar planks.
Address: 5202 Lovelock Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United States.
9. Nordstrom Rack La Jolla
These stores are good for saving on clothes, shoes, bags, beauty products, accessories and decoration items. They have both the latest fashion trends and everyday products.
Some of the global brands are Calvin Klein, Adidas, Nike and Joe’s Jeans. Others also available are Zella, Madewell, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Max Studio, Vince Camuto and Tommy Bahama.
In the women’s clothing line there is a wide assortment of dresses, loungewear, blouses, blazers, tops, pants, coats, shorts and mini shorts.
In the footwear department there are classic sneakers, trendy sneakers, platform shoes, sandals and many other models.
The men’s clothing sector exhibits pants, jeans, shirts, t-shirts, t-shirts, ties, jackets, blazers, scarves and socks.
The sunglasses department has seasonal designs and shades from the most prestigious brands.
Address: 8875 Villa La Jolla Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
10. The Cave Store
Among the stores in San Diego, The Cave Store is the only one where you can buy a souvenir and at the same time enter an authentic old smuggler’s cave.
From La Jolla’s waterfront, marine-themed gift shop you can enter one of San Diego’s coolest attractions: Sunny Jim’s Cave.
It is accessed through a dark tunnel and is the only Californian sea cave with an entrance through land.
The tunnel was dug between 1902-1904 at the initiative of the German engineer, Gustav Schulz, while the name Sunny Jim was coined by the writer, Lyman Frank Baum, author of the famous children’s novel, The Wizard of Oz.
Admission is $5 and $3 for adults and children, respectively. Access is handled by the store itself and prices for souvenirs are good.
Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
11.Moment Bicycles
San Diego’s bike nirvana is Moment Bicycles. Nowhere else in the city will you find a wider variety of road bikes, mountain bikes, triathlon bikes, family bikes, cyclocross bikes, electric bikes and kids’ bikes.
Replacement parts include wheels, hubs, rims, spokes, tubes, rod ends, brackets, brakes, levers, pads, freewheels, pumps, seats, security locks, and tools for repairs and maintenance.
The store also dresses the cyclist whatever their specialty, offering triathlon clothing, gloves, jerseys, tops, shirts, pants, shorts, cycling shoes, socks, goggles and helmets for adults and children.
The variety of road bikes includes endurance, track, race, gravel, and city styles.
Moment Bicycles honors history with the best bike brands for the strenuous sport of swimming, pedaling and running, including Cervelo, BMC, Felt, Specialized, Liv, Giant and Parlee.
Address: The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, San Diego, CA, United States.
12. Racine & Laramie Tobacconists
Founded in 1869, Racine & Laramie Tobacconist is one of the oldest stores in the United States for tobacco enthusiasts and the most famous in the city.
Its original headquarters was part of the group of 6 oldest buildings in San Diego, but a fire destroyed it in 1872. Fortunately, it was faithfully rebuilt and furnished with the help of historical and photographic research.
The store remains a family owned and operated business with unique products not found elsewhere in San Diego.
Racine & Laramie Tobacconist is also the only downtown San Diego tobacco store fully endorsed by Tobacconist University, an organization that certifies tobacconists. It is also one of only 80 stores in the world recognized by the American Tobacco Association.
Address: 2737 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, United States.
13.Harvest International Market
This store sells the best groceries from various parts of the world, thanks to its relationships with prestigious companies from Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Iran.
Harvest International Market has 2 stores in San Diego County, one in Balboa San Diego and one in El Cajon. The first of these is more oriented towards Persian and Eastern European cuisine, while the second is designed for Middle Eastern cuisine. Both venues offer products and food from Mediterranean cuisine.
In each store there is a kitchen that prepares daily dishes of their gastronomic specialties, dishes such as koobideh kabab, beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, chicken kabab, salmon kabab, beef tikka, chicken tikka, and biryani rice.
Address (Balboa): 4220 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92117, United States.
Address (El Cajon): 733 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States.
14. We Olive
We Olive heads the shops in San Diego for the best California extra-virgin olive oil and one of the most welcoming wine bars.
These stores are meeting places for producers, chefs and visitors, to experience and learn about olive oil made in California, living an educational and culinary experience.
These oils offer an impressive range of flavors with fruity, herbaceous, spicy (especially those made from early harvest olives) and bitter notes.
Personalized bottles with labels are priced based on their size (from 2 to 25.36 fl oz).
In addition to olive oil, We Olive stores offer aged balsamic vinegar, gourmet foods (olives, almonds, artichokes, sauces), beautifully engraved bottles, cookbooks, bar and kitchen accessories, and gifts.
Address: 1158 Prospect St, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States.
15.Back to the Roots
It was born as a project of 2 university students who decided to grow mushrooms in the form of urban agriculture, evolving towards a concept of organic gardening with a series of kits to develop this activity in indoor environments and small spaces.
The organic mushroom kit makes it easy to grow 3 varieties of mushrooms and harvest them in just 10 days. They are also a great gift to give to people with an organic and healthy lifestyle.
The package includes organic soil, a spray bottle, growing and harvesting instructions, and a recipe book.
Another product of the store is the Water Garden, an aquaponic aquarium where fish waste fertilizes the plants above.
Back to the Roots’ product list also includes vegetables, herbs, planters, microgreen grow kits and lavender planters.
Address: 3318 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States.
What are the best shopping malls in San Diego?
Las Américas Premium Outlets or San Diego Factory Outlet Center is one of the most popular shopping centers in San Diego, with 125 stores that offer exclusive brands and where it is possible to have savings every day of up to 65%, compared to the regular price.
Victoria’s Secret Plaza Las Américas San Ysidro is one of the stores in the mall.
Plaza Las Americas San Ysidro hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Outlet Stores in San Diego
The La Jolla San Diego Costa Verde Center outlet boasts more than 30 locations including luxury supermarket chain Bristol Farms, prestigious mattress brand Mattress Firm, boutique My Sister’s Closet, menswear retailer Men’s Wearhouse and Robere’s Jewelry.
For specialty foods and dining, Costa Verde Center has Chipotle, Apollonia Greek Bistro, California Keto, and Ki Sushi & Sake Bar.
Outlet near San Diego California United States
The best outlet stores in Tijuana are near San Diego. Among these is Factory Outlet 99, on Avenida Revolución, Colonia Centro, Tijuana.
This outlet is very easily accessible since it is on Tijuana’s most important avenue, with a wide variety of clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women of good quality, within fashion trends and at very convenient prices.
Resellers get good unit costs by buying in bulk at Factory Outlet 99.
Stores in San Diego: Clothing Sporting Goods
Fila store in San Diego: the well-known Korean brand Fila is present with the best offers in Bait (5th Avenue 92092101 San Diego) and in the main KOHL’S Department Stores (College Avenue 3450, 92115 San Diego; Balboa Avenue 5505, 92111 San Diego ; and Mira Mesa Boulevard 8140, 92126 San Diego).
Other prestigious brands of clothing and sporting goods available in San Diego shopping malls at good prices are Nike, Adidas, Asics, Puma, Under Armour, Reebok, Columbia and Athleta.
What to do in San Diego besides shopping?
If you are wondering what to do in San Diego apart from shopping, you should know that this warm and hospitable Californian city has attractions such as Balboa Park, the largest urban park in the United States; the fascinating zoo (located in Balboa Park), the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum that works on an aircraft carrier.
Other attractions in San Diego are the Cabrillo National Monument, La Jolla Cove, and the Old Town neighborhood, where you can appreciate what the San Diegan lifestyle was like in the 19th century.
Would you include other malls and stores on this list? Share the information with your friends on the networks and invite them to a shopping tour of the best stores in San Diego.
See also:
- Read our guide to the top 20 things to do and see in San Diego
- Meet the 27 best beaches in the United States that you have to know
- Click here to know the 12 best cheap places to travel in the United States that are beautiful