Where to Shop in San Diego
If you’re looking for a cute new swimsuit, an outfit for a Padres game, or a dress or suit to wear to one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, you’ll be happy to know that San Diego’s shopping scene is just as impressive as its dining scene. Read on for a guide to five of the city’s fabulous shopping spots, from Liberty Station, a retail destination occupying a converted naval training center, to a bazaar in the historic Old Town.
Liberty Station (3.9 miles from The Dana at Mission Bay)
Liberty Station is one of the city’s most stylish and inventive shopping hubs, offering a slew of boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else. Among them are 7Stitches Jewelry, selling pearls, leather, and upcycled garments; Moniker general, stocking tees and tote bags alongside homewares and custom furnishings; and Montage, mixing well-known designer clothing with those of undiscovered designers. There’s also a wide selection of art, books (including comic books and graphic novels), and crafting materials, such as knitting supplies.
Old Town San Diego (4 miles from The Dana at Mission Bay)
The wares at Old Town San Diego are a little offbeat — think historic reproductions and necklaces that incorporate local gemstones (which can also be individually cut at the on-site jeweler). For those seeking apparel and housewares that pay tribute to specific destinations, many of the Old Town shops also feature setting-inspired twists, such as the Mermaids Cove coastal boutique, a bazaar devoted to Mexico, and the shops at Old Town State Park history center.
Fashion Valley Mall (5 miles from The Dana at Mission Bay)
The nearly 1,000,000-square-foot Fashion Valley Mall is kind of like San Diego’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, at least in terms of its concentration of labels such as Fendi, Chanel, Gucci, and Balenciaga (mixed in with more affordable stores, like Guess and H&M). Also like the Champs-Élysées, the mall has become home to a stunning collection of local flora, so after stocking up on designer duds, take in the living succulent walls and soaring palms.
The Headquarters at Seaport (7.1 miles from The Dana at Mission Bay)
From sunglasses to handbags, swimsuits to hiking gear, The Headquarters at Seaport is a fantastic stop for a more artsy and creative selection of boutiques. For those with a sweet tooth, it’s also great for delicious treats, thanks to venues such as Dallmann Fine Chocolates and the on-site Italian gelateria.
Carlsbad Outlets (29.2 miles) or Las Americas Outlets (22.3 miles from The Dana at Mission Bay)
If you’re someone who loves a good deal, then don’t leave San Diego without visiting Carlsbad and San Ysidro’s malls. The first holds outlets of middle- and high-end labels including Coach, Havaianas, Kate Spade, Samsonite, and Swarovski; the second emphasizes sportswear and outdoor labels such as Billabong, Adidas, Columbia, New Balance, and Nike.
If you need a place to drop your bags after your San Diego shopping spree, consider the lovely accommodations at The Dana on Mission Bay.