If you’re new to San Diego and on the hunt for that perfect souvenir, Seaport Village makes for an excellent shopping destination. For over 40 years now Seaport Village has been welcoming visitors to San Diego, providing guests with an assortment of specialty shops, casual restaurants, and scenic bayside dining opportunities. Given its eclectic collection of stores, gorgeous waterfront promenade, and proximity to major San Diego attractions and neighborhoods, Seaport Village makes for a fun part of any San Diego outing.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

Prominently situated on a beautiful strip of land along San Diego Bay that offers great views out across the water toward Coronado and beyond, Seaport Village is a perennial favorite destination of visitors to San Diego from all over the world. Seaport Village was conceived, designed, and constructed during the late 1970s, first opening its doors to the public in 1980. Seaport Village is said by some to have been laid out in such a fashion as to resemble a treasure map, with its dozens of shops and restaurants organized around multiple winding, pedestrian-friendly walkways and paths.

For those individuals wanting to get to know the neighborhood better in advance of their visit—or just hoping to procure a smooth, easy means of transportation to the area—San Diego’s popular Old Town Trolley Tours makes a stop right in the heart of Seaport Village. Seaport Village hosts a number of special events throughout the year, and routinely has live music on weekend evenings.

Popular Seaport Village Shopping Destinations

You can typically find anywhere between 40 and 50 distinctive stores located within Seaport Village, all clustered together across a roughly 15-acre property that’s eminently walkable from one end to the other. The space also contains over a dozen casual dining options, and several more formal, bayside restaurants with well-regarded menus and even better views.

Seaport Village features multiple shops that cater to tourists, which are perfect if you’re loving your time in San Diego but still haven’t unearthed that perfect souvenir—or you need to grab something to take back home with you for that special someone who didn’t get to come along on this adventure. Stores like Best of San Diego, The Bay Company, and Captain’s Cove sell an assortment of gifts, shirts, key chains, hats, memorabilia, and a whole lot more. Likewise, Destination City Gifts is a great place to stop if you forgot to pack toiletries, cosmetics, snacks, or anything else.

If you’ve ever dreamed of shopping at a store where everything for sale—no matter whether it’s bedding, clothing, bathrobes, or hand towels—is made out of luxurious and environmentally friendly bamboo, then you won’t want to miss Cariloha Bamboo. A brick-and-mortar location of the popular bamboo brand is a highlight here in Seaport Village.

Seaport Village is home to several indie boutiques catering to an assortment of products. These boutiques include shops that specialize in jewelry, sandals, women’s clothing, bath products kites, sunglasses, socks, and headwear. You’ll also find specialty shops devoted to cigars, hot sauces, toys, lamps, magnets, and stuffed animals, as well as a Harley-Davidson store and a wind-chime vendor.

If you’ll be visiting Seaport Village with little ones in tow, be sure and leave time for them to ride the site’s historic carousel. This hand-carved carousel dates to 1895, and is available 365 days a year between the hours of 10:00am and 10:00pm.

Other Ways to Enjoy Seaport Village

In addition to its fabulous shopping scene, Seaport Village is a notable San Diego dining destination. It abounds in casual dining options—think tacos, pizzas, burgers, fish markets, and ice cream shops—but it’s also a wonderful place for outdoor dining enthusiasts, especially those in the market for an unforgettable sunset dinner experience. Edgewater Bar & Grill is the biggest name here when it comes to sit-down meals.

Embarcadero Marina Park is located directly adjacent to Seaport Village, too. This picturesque green space is a perfect place to go for a bike ride, take a stroll along the bay, or even enjoy a picnic lunch, if you’re so inclined. Once you’ve enjoyed its many charms, you can head a few blocks northeast to San Diego’s New Children’s Museum, where the kids can cut loose in a safe, interactive environment.

Just a half-mile, ten-minute walk along the waterfront from Seaport Village is the USS Midway Museum. Year in and year out this decommissioned naval aircraft carrier is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. There you’ll be able to explore a variety of exhibits that tell the story of this historic vessel. Particular highlights of the USS Midway Museum experience are the 15-minute “Voices of Midway” film and the approximately 30 historic aircrafts still housed on site in the Aircraft Gallery.

If you’ve enjoyed your day out in Seaport Village and had a blast exploring the USS Midway Museum, but still have energy to burn, then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of Seaport Village’s prominent location along the San Diego waterfront to keep the good times rolling. Some of the city’s finest attractions and most beloved neighborhoods are located only a short distance from Seaport Village. Both the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown San Diego are nearby, while Coronado is but a short ferry ride across the bay.

Most famous for its beautiful beachfront, scenic boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife, Pacific Beach offers visitors plenty of places to shop, too. Garnet Avenue, perhaps Pacific Beach’s most prominent thoroughfare, runs straight out from historic Crystal Pier for roughly one-and-a-half miles, with all manner of trendy boutiques, surf shops, and charming local businesses lining it along the way. Numerous other beach-themed spots, clothing stores, and souvenir stands populate Pacific Beach’s boardwalk and nearby Mission Boulevard.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

Pacific Beach is located due south of La Jolla, just north of Mission Beach, and slightly northwest of Mission Valley. The neighborhood is defined by an approximately one-and-a-half mile stretch of coastline (twice that length if you include Mission Beach in your measurement) anchored by sandy beaches, historic piers, surf parks, and boardwalk. Pacific Beach has long been known as one of the San Diego area’s foremost places to party, and the area’s reputation makes it very popular with college kids, young adults, and those individuals seeking out a happening nightlife scene. However, in recent years Pacific Beach has seen an uptick in young families calling the area home, and this demographic shift has made this beach hotspot an even more eclectic place to visit.

Popular Pacific Beach Shopping Destinations

Pacific Beach’s reputation as one of San Diego’s liveliest neighborhoods isn’t just on account of its bars, restaurants, and famed nightlife. Pacific Beach is also home to a significant number of local retailers well worth your time. In short, the Pacific Beach shopping scene revolves around two primary shopping destinations: Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard, the neighborhood’s main drags.

Garnet Avenue, an east-west road running inland from Pacific Beach’s beloved boardwalk, headlines any list of the district’s can’t-miss shopping opportunities. This bustling street is lined with an array of shops specializing in clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and gifts. Standout establishments located on Garnet Avenue include Pangaea Outpost, where you’ll find quirky home décor items, distinctive craft jewelry, clothing, art, kitchen goods, and more, all sourced from local vendors and artisans; Bouluci Boutique, a trend-forward women’s clothing store featuring both casual and formal wear brands from the United States, Brazil, and Italy; and Mermaids Cove, a charming shop with a wide selection of “sea-inspired” gifts, jewelry, furniture, art, and apparel.

Pacific Beach’s other notable shopping street is Mission Boulevard, which runs parallel to the boardwalk just steps from the ocean. Along Mission Boulevard you’ll encounter a nice assortment of local surf shops and big-name brands. Favorite Mission Boulevard spots are Cassea, proudly self-identifying as a sustainable, eco-friendly swimwear company; Brandy Melville, the Italian fast-fashion clothing and accessories line; and Urban Outfitters.

As you stroll down Mission Boulevard enjoying the sights, sounds, and shops, you’ll especially want to check out The Promenade at Pacific Beach. This approximately 80,000-square-foot shopping center contains over a dozen businesses, many of them beachwear brands like swimwear store Beachworks and the national chain Billabong.

Other Ways to Enjoy Pacific Beach

Dedicated shoppers will no doubt have themselves a terrific time exploring all Pacific Beach has to offer, but there’s no escaping the fact that the primary draw remains the area’s fabulous waterfront. You absolutely cannot make the trip to Pacific Beach without penciling some time to soak up the sun on its boardwalk, beach, or any one of its scenic seaside restaurants.

Other popular activities in the Pacific Beach neighborhood are very much geared toward its splendid natural beauty and unbeatable setting, too. The area is renowned for the quality of its surfing—you can even take lessons here—and Crystal Pier is a go-to for dedicated anglers. Biking and picnicking near the Ocean Front Walk are classic standbys, and you can never go wrong sipping a drink on a nearby rooftop bar.

Visitors who’ve traveled as far north of downtown San Diego as Pacific Beach will most definitely want to plan on extending their excursion just a couple more extra miles north to the unforgettable village of La Jolla. La Jolla possesses world-famous beaches that aren’t to be missed, as well as its very own acclaimed upscale shopping scene. Other attractions in nearby La Jolla worth the effort are Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla Playhouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

With its proximity to popular attractions like Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park, the Old Town neighborhood is one of San Diego’s prime shopping destinations. Here you’ll find over 100 distinctive shops clustered together in an eminently walkable setting, with plenty of dining and entertainment options available nearby, too. Given how many different businesses call the neighborhood home, you can find all types of unique shopping opportunities here, but many visitors gravitate toward Old Town’s quirky boutiques, fashionable shops, and renowned arts-and-crafts stores.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

As its name suggests, Old Town is where the Spanish first established a settlement upon their arrival in the area during the second half of the eighteenth century. The first formal Spanish structure in the neighborhood we know today as Old Town was the Presidio, built in 1769 by missionaries. Though this building has long since been destroyed, its former location can be found in what is now Presidio Park, where visitors can learn more about the early history of San Diego at Junipero Serra Museum (which takes its name from the priest instrumental in colonizing the region).

Year in and year out, Old Town is one of San Diego’s most popular destinations for visitors from all over the world. The neighborhood’s special mix of fascinating historic sites, interactive museums, eclectic shopping, and numerous restaurants make it one of the city’s can’t-miss experiences.

Popular Old Town Shopping Destinations

Old Town’s shopping scene is best known for its diverse assortment of independently owned shops, quirky boutiques, and Latin American gift shops, as well as the remarkable number of galleries in the area that sell handmade jewelry, crafts, and folk art. Old Town is a great place to go for a truly distinctive San Diego souvenir.

Old Town Market is part-historic site, part-shopping mall, and when taken all together, is a quintessential stop for any shopper exploring Old Town’s charming streets. The building containing Old Town Market today has in its rich past served at various times as a community center, convent, and seminary. Restored some 20 years ago, you’ll now encounter roughly 40 shops within the structure, where vendors sell everything from Mexican textiles to Peruvian gourds to Day of the Dead dolls and so much more.

A perennial favorite of Old Town shoppers is Bazaar Del Mundo. Taken from the Spanish for “marketplace of the world,” Bazaar Del Mundo is the type of place a die-hard shopper could spend an entire day browsing. This vibrant, spacious complex houses shops specializing in items from all across Latin America, with a particular emphasis on women’s clothing, jewelry, folk art, and home décor.

Other popular Old Town San Diego shopping destinations include stores like Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop, where customers can create their very own hand-dipped organic soy candles; Johnson House, a vintage clothing store located in a historic building in the state park; and Cousin’s Candy Shop, a local institution known for its taffy treats.

Other Ways to Enjoy Old Town

A significant part of Old Town’s charm is the fact that it’s home to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. One of California’s most acclaimed state parks, this major landmark lets visitors experience a taste of what life might have been like for inhabitants of San Diego between the years of 1821 and 1872. Consisting of a combination of restored original historic buildings and newer construction designed to resemble nineteenth-century structures, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park contains an array of shops, restaurants, and museums the whole family will love.

The Whaley House Museum is another prominent San Diego attraction located within the Old Town neighborhood. Whaley House dates to the 1850s, making it one of the oldest brick structures still standing in the area. At one time or another during its colorful history, Whaley House served as a private residence, courthouse, general store, and theater. However, its primary claim to fame today is as a haunted home, and many thrill seekers delight in going on a guided tour of the spooky site.

No matter whether you’re devoting your time in Old Town to shopping or sightseeing—or you’re enjoying a healthy amount of both—you’re liable to work up quite the appetite. Fortunately, Old Town’s dining scene is varied and extensive. Many Old Town shoppers choose to partake in the neighborhood’s fabulous Mexican cuisine, but the area also features sushi restaurants and seafood joints. Regardless of what style food you opt for here, though, you’ll want to take advantage of the neighborhood’s plentiful outdoor dining spots.

If you’re a discerning shopper seeking the sort of San Diego shopping experience that caters to unique tastes, goes heavy on distinctive styles, and features items that won’t be found elsewhere in the area, then you should head straight to Ocean Beach. Situated on the coast just north of Point Loma, Ocean Beach is a small neighborhood packed with antique stores, thrift shops, and surf shops—with not a big-name brand or chain outlet to be found anywhere in the vicinity.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

The Ocean Beach community is famous for its laid-back, bohemian vibes. Though located in the midst of a major American city, many visitors are quite taken with the somewhat small-town feel of Ocean Beach’s streets. Almost no national franchises call Ocean Beach home, which lends the neighborhood a vintage air.

A centerpiece of the local scene is Ocean Beach Pier, which dates to 1966. This concrete structure, nearly 2,000-feet-long, is one of the largest piers found anywhere in California. Fishing is popular here—you don’t need a license—and it’s a terrific spot to watch the sun set or keep your eyes out for sea lions. Significant storms in recent years have damaged the pier, but plans are in motion to revitalize the attraction for generations to come.

Popular Ocean Beach Shopping Destinations

Much of Ocean Beach’s shopping scene is situated along Newport Avenue, which runs straight through the heart of the neighborhood before ending near Ocean Beach Pier and the area’s spectacular waterfront. Antiques are big in Ocean Beach, and the Ocean Beach Antique Mall, in particular, has a little bit of something for everyone, with impressive inventory in pottery, jewelry, and sports memorabilia. If you don’t find something that strikes your fancy at any of the local antique stores, though, head straight to Maek Ceramics, an artists’ collective that handcrafts elegant mugs, cups, pots, bottles, vases, and more.

The charming vibe that characterizes so much of the Ocean Beach neighborhood is evidenced in its most popular shopping destinations, too, as many of the area’s top names have a fresh, funky, and playful air. Local favorites include Creations Boutique, a women’s clothing store with roots in Arizona that specializes in bohemian-chic styles; OB Thrift Store, perennially rated one of San Diego’s best secondhand shops; and the understatedly named Closet, which has been selling budget-friendly women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, and lingerie for a quarter-century.

As is the case anywhere you go in the greater San Diego region, thoughts of sand, sun, and water are never far from the mind. Accordingly, Ocean Beach contains a number of shopping destinations catering to the oceangoing crowd. Prominent among these establishments are stores like Better Surf than Sorry, where you’ll find wall-to-wall surfing gear and accessories, and can even rent equipment; South Coast Wahines, a veteran establishment dealing in custom surfboards, apparel, and wetsuits; and Pride Surf & Skate, which has manufactured surfboards here since 1989.

If you know you’ll happen to be visiting Ocean Beach on a Wednesday, be sure and check out the Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market. Beloved by locals, this farmers’ market takes place every Wednesday evening between the hours of 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Located on Newport Avenue between Bacon and Cable Streets, the Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, ready-made meals, arts, crafts, and more.

Other Ways to Enjoy Ocean Beach

Like so many of the vibrant communities located in the area immediately surrounding downtown San Diego, much of life here in Ocean Beach revolves around ocean-related activities. Which means, simply, that if you’re headed to Ocean Beach, you’ll want to do more than just shop—fun as that’ll be, no doubt—you’ll want to make time to enjoy the great outdoors in all its glory.

Popular pastimes here in Ocean Beach are swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and biking. Ocean Beach is well known for being an especially dog-friendly place, so those individuals traveling with their furry friends will want to take advantage of Dog Beach. This leash-free zone occupies the northern edge of Ocean Beach near the Mission Bay Harbor Channel, and here pets are permitted to swim, frolic, and play as they please.

Located just south of Ocean Beach is the roughly 70-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, where you can explore the wonders of Sunset Cliffs Beach and Sunset Cliff Cave. These attractions are acclaimed for their scenic views and remarkable coastal wildlife, and even draw the occasional professional cliff diver. The sunsets on display here are worth the trip alone.

Occupying prime real estate at the geographic heart of San Diego, Mission Valley has long been a heavily residential area populated by apartment complexes, major highways, and large shopping centers. The most famous of these large shopping centers are Fashion Valley and Mission Valley Center, both of which are open-air shopping malls known for their wide selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment amenities. Mission Valley is located just east of Old Town San Diego, and slightly north of the bustling Hillcrest neighborhood and iconic Balboa Park.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

Mission Valley takes its name from the presence of the nearby Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, one of the first Spanish settlements in the area and a historic structure still standing today. From the time Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá was constructed in 1769 to the end of World War II in 1945, Mission Valley was a relatively quiet, rural, and undeveloped region at the fringes of San Diego, a stretch of land defined by dairy farms and rock quarries. In the 1950s, though, what we know today as United States Interstate 8 was built, and this major highway running right through the river valley opened up the neighborhood for significant development.

The 1960s were a boom period for Mission Valley. Mission Valley Center opened its doors in 1961, San Diego Stadium (which over the years went by many names and has now since been demolished) was built in 1967, and Fashion Valley followed in 1969. Today Mission Valley is entering a new phase of its existence, with several massive redevelopment projects planned for the area in the next few years alone. Shopping options will probably increase dramatically as these projects come to life.

Popular Mission Valley Shopping Destinations

If you’re in the market for a retail district characterized by flashy big-name designers, reliable chain brands, and respected department stores with sturdy legacies, then Mission Valley is the perfect San Diego shopping destination for you. Here you’ll find multiple traditional shopping complexes and frontage-road strip malls surrounded by an assortment of major hotels, movie theaters, restaurants, and more.

Fashion Valley is considered by many locals to be San Diego’s nicest mall, and with nearly two-million square feet of stores to choose from, it’s easy to see why. This upscale, open-air property is one of the largest shopping centers in all of California. It’s home to approximately 200 distinctive stores and brands such as Anthropologie, Dolce & Gabbana, Apple, Fabletics, H&M, Armani Exchange, Kendra Scott, Ann Taylor, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Macy’s, just to name a few. On-site dining options include favorites like California Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express, and Cheesecake Factory. Fashion Valley also features an 18-screen movie theater on its premises.

Just down the road from Fashion Valley is the Mission Valley Center, currently owned by the European-based mall-operating conglomerate Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. Westfield Mission Valley has over 100 unique shops and restaurants spread out across its roughly one-million square feet of retail space. Here you’ll encounter popular stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Champs Sports, Nordstrom Rack, Target, Old Navy, and many more, as well as restaurants such as King’s Fish House, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Panda Express. Mission Valley has a multi-screen movie theater on its grounds, too.

Though Fashion Valley and Westfield Mission Valley take most of the headlines, there are several other prominent shopping centers located within Mission Valley. These include Park Valley Center, with its Best Buy, Saks Off 5^thAvenue, Staples, and Qdoba; Rio Vista Shopping, which contains a Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Jersey Mike’s; and Hazard Center, where you can enjoy a Barnes & Noble, UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Other Ways to Enjoy Mission Valley

Mission Valley is known primarily as a shopping destination and residential neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other notable attractions in its general vicinity. In particular, visitors with an interest in San Diego’s rich history will want to make time to stop at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. This Franciscan mission was founded by the Spanish during the eighteenth century as part of their efforts to colonize southern California. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá remains an active church, but it’s still open to the public for tours.

Mission Valley’s location near the center of the greater San Diego metropolitan area places it within convenient reach of a number of the city’s most popular attractions. Just southwest of Mission Valley is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. With its remarkable mixture of historic buildings, restored structures, art galleries, shops, and restaurants, Old Town makes for a quintessential San Diego experience, one that’s not to be missed.

Other important San Diego attractions located nearby include the Junipero Serra Museum, which houses the impressive collection of the San Diego History Center; Mission Trails Regional Park, at nearly 6,000 acres one of the biggest urban park spaces west of the Mississippi River; and of course, the many wonders of Balboa Park.

Located just a quick 20-minute drive up the Pacific coast from downtown San Diego, the seaside village of La Jolla is one of the area’s true treasures. This scenic community is situated almost entirely along the rocky cliffs and sandy shores lining the ocean, and visitors flock here from all over the world for its renowned beaches, high-end shopping, and fine dining. La Jolla’s most popular shopping destination is Prospect Street in the Village, which is lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops galore, while the University Town Center area draws crowds with its upscale malls, too.

Getting to Know the La Jolla Neighborhood

The origin of the name La Jolla has long been disputed, with some arguing that it’s a Spanish-language rendering of the Native American expression for the area (“Land of Holes”), and yet others believing it to be a misspelling of “la joya,” the Spanish word for “jewel.” Regardless of which story you prefer, there’s no denying that La Jolla is a special place. Since the late nineteenth century it has been heavily developed by a series of real estate executives, wealthy heiresses, and local university officials, with the result being a modern La Jolla full of premium properties, historic sites, popular attractions, and institutes of higher education. Every visitor to San Diego will want to set aside a portion of their trip to experience La Jolla for all its natural beauty and contemporary charms.

Popular La Jolla Shopping Destinations

La Jolla is one of greater San Diego’s premier shopping destinations. Here you’ll find the area’s best selection of upscale shopping opportunities, namely an unbeatable number of high-end boutiques specializing in fashionable clothing and southern-California-meets-European-chic styles. La Jolla also has more than its fair share of open-air shopping centers that host luxury brands and cater to expensive tastes.

There are a couple different shopping districts within La Jolla that you won’t want to miss, first and foremost among them being the upscale shopping area around one of La Jolla’s main drags, Prospect Street. Not only are the businesses located near Prospect Street unique in nature, but a number of them have operated successful storefronts here for decades. Local high-end boutiques that are practically institutions here include Sigi’s Boutique, selling luxury European and American women’s clothing brands since 1968; Amore Boutique, which specializes in imported Italian clothes, shoes, bags, jackets, jeans, and leather goods; and Ascot Shop, since 1950 La Jolla’s beloved spot for traditional men’s tailoring and more.

Other acclaimed brands calling La Jolla home are Gracie & Company, proudly carrying elegant clothes that are designed to suit women anywhere between the ages of 30 and 90; Adelaide’s, a specialty florist shop with over 85 years of local gardening experience; and Alpaca Collections, La Jolla’s go-to boutique for luxury clothes, accessories, and more fashioned from only the finest alpaca-based fabrics and Peruvian-produced textiles.

For a more conventional shopping experience—albeit one that still skews high-end—you’ll want to head north and inland from the Prospect Street district toward La Jolla’s University Town Center (UTC) area. There you’ll encounter another set of delightful shopping opportunities, highlighted by Westfield UTC, an upscale shopping mall with over 200 stores and restaurants. There you’ll find favorites like Chanel, Crate & Barrel, Free People, Hermès, Kate Spade, and many, many more.

Other Ways to Enjoy La Jolla

As many fantastic places as there are to shop in La Jolla, you’ll be missing out on a lot if you spend all your time here shopping. That’s because La Jolla is one of the crown jewels of the greater San Diego metro area. Whether you’re into fine dining experiences, fun-in-the-sun activities, fantastic art museums, educational opportunities for the whole family, or hope to do a little bit of all of the above, La Jolla is the place to be.

La Jolla is famous all over the world for its scenic cliffs and pristine beaches, so you’ll definitely want to make time for some waterfront fun. La Jolla is a terrific place to rent a bike, go kayaking, attempt surfing, or try snorkeling for the first time, and you can enjoy any one or all of those activities near scenic La Jolla Cove and along La Jolla Shores. Multiple different tour companies offer such services in the area—or, if you’d really rather get your fill of sunshine on the links, acclaimed Torrey Pines Golf Course is located nearby, too.

Just up the cost you’ll encounter Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This remarkable facility houses multiple interactive exhibits that introduce guests to the magnificent world of marine life—all in the midst of an incredible setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Favorite exhibits here include Tide Pool Plaza, Shark Shores, and the Giant Kelp Forest.

If that’s not enough, La Jolla is also home to other popular attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which has its flagship location here; La Jolla Playhouse, whose pedigree dates back to 1947 and features founding figures such as Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire; and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a 2,000-acre coastal stretch of preserved land perfect for hiking, biking, or scenic driving along one of the park’s paved roads.

Located just northwest of Balboa Park and directly south of Mission Valley, Hillcrest has become one of San Diego’s hippest neighborhoods. Famed as the center of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, Hillcrest is a diverse and welcoming neighborhood revolving around the bustling main drags of University Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Discerning shoppers will love the area’s memorable mixture of quirky shops, trendy boutiques, secondhand stores, and one-of-a-kind brands. And when you’ve worn yourself out pounding the pavement in search of that special something, Hillcrest has more than its fair share of great bars, cafés, and restaurants perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening hangout.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

The area we know and love today as Hillcrest was once an undeveloped stretch of countryside at the fringes of greater San Diego. From roughly 1870—when the land was first purchased and developed by various real estate agents and railroad executives—to approximately 1930—by which time the neighborhood was being serviced by a streetcar-system of public transportation, Hillcrest was considered a quiet residential district and suburban shopping destination. During the middle of the twentieth century, as San Diego grew and expanded, Hillcrest’s popularity diminished and some portions of the neighborhood fell on hard times. By the 1970s, though, a significant population of artists, creatives, and members of the LGBTQ+ community had begun to move into Hillcrest, and a striking process of transformation and gentrification was well underway.

Today Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most remarkable neighborhoods: a pedestrian friendly district famous for its shopping, dining, and inviting streetscapes.

Popular Hillcrest Shopping Destinations

The diversity of Hillcrest extends to its shopping scene, too, as visitors will find the neighborhood populated by an eclectic assortment of creative businesses. You’ll encounter a little bit of everything when shopping in Hillcrest, but the area is particularly renowned for its indie boutiques, specialty shops, thrift stores, and distinctive retailers.

Gioia’s Room is a women’s clothing store located on 5^th Avenue in Hillcrest. This hip boutique specializes in vintage styles reworked for today’s fashions, with a wide selection of locally crafted pieces, and carries jewelry and accessories, too. Gioia’s Room is well-known for its helpful, friendly staff, and the establishment proudly offers complimentary alterations on any item it sells.

Just one block up the street from Gioia’s Room is the beloved local bookstore, Bluestocking Books. For almost 25 years now, Bluestocking Books has been an important member of the Hillcrest community. Their passionate booksellers have curated an outstanding selection of books on site, with a vast range of titles available for readers of all backgrounds and interests.

If you’re in the market for a home décor store with an inventory full of items with unique style, retro flair, or that one-in-a-million flourish, then Hood Mod Shop on University Avenue is the place for you. From local artwork to artisan furniture, mid-century modern accessories to beautiful coffee tables, Hood Mod Shop is full of overlooked treasures suitable for consumers possessing all types of taste.

There are too many terrific places to shop in Hillcrest to name them all here, but other businesses of note within the area would have to include Flashbacks, whose vintage designer clothes promote retro styles from the 1950s to the 1990s; Buffalo Exchange, a national thrift-shop brand with a well-regarded San Diego location where you can buy or sell clothes and accessories; and Taang! Records, a music store that’s a long-running local institution.

Other Ways to Enjoy Hillcrest

If you’ve got some flexibility in your schedule, try and visit Hillcrest on a weekend when its popular Farmers’ Market is taking place. The Hillcrest Farmers’ Market is one of the largest in all of greater San Diego, and it typically runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Sundays. In addition to its extensive produce options, the market features an abundance of arts, crafts, and food vendors well worth checking out.

When you’re on the lookout for something unexpected yet delightful to do after shopping and dining your way through Hillcrest, check out the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Situated just a couple blocks south of Hillcrest in a secluded corner of the residential Bankers Hill neighborhood, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a nearly 400-foot-long pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding canyon scenery.

If you’re searching for attractions slightly farther afield, Hillcrest’s prominent location between Mission Valley and Balboa Park makes it easy to enjoy either or both of these notable spots as part of a day out in the area. Mission Valley has its own notable shopping destinations to choose from, while beautiful Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo and a whole host of museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, and more.

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter—lovingly referred to by many locals as simply “The Gaslamp”—is one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Comprising roughly 16 blocks near the heart of downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is home to a remarkable array of bars, restaurants, clubs, and stores. In particular, shoppers will find the Gaslamp Quarter to be full of chic boutiques, distinctive local brands, and a variety of national chains.

Getting to Know the Neighborhood

The bustling area of San Diego known today as the Gaslamp Quarter dates its modern existence to the late 1860s, when prominent local citizen Alonzo Horton bought up a sizable amount of desirable waterfront property centered around a boat dock at the end of 5^th Avenue and began to develop the neighborhood he dubbed “New Town.” In the next few decades, the city of San Diego would modernize this area by installing gas lamps along its thoroughfares to function as street lights, and residents took to calling the neighborhood “The Gaslamp”—a name which in time would stick permanently.

The Gaslamp Quarter was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and the entire neighborhood is listed as an official United States Historic District. Its iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway Sign—which spans 5^th Avenue near its intersection with L Street—has become one of San Diego’s unofficial symbols, and is a can’t-miss spot for an “I Was There” photograph.

Popular Gaslamp Quarter Shopping Destinations

The Gaslamp is a very walkable area, making it a terrific shopping destination for those individuals looking to browse, window shop, or stop in at every interesting store they come across along the way. The Gaslamp Quarter’s shopping scene is probably best known for its assortment of fashionable independent boutiques and big-name clothing retailers, but it’s home to plenty of unique specialty shops, too.

Located on Market Street just three blocks from Petco Park, Wild Dove Boutique is a standout Gaslamp shop. Wild Dove specializes in chic feminine clothing perfect for everything from a day at the office to a night on the town. Their inventory covers dresses, tops, jeans, skirts, jumpsuits, jackets, and a whole lot more.

Another Gaslamp shopping favorite is Boutique De Marcus. Owned and operated by acclaimed master stylist Marcus Hanish, Boutique De Marcus features a creative and eclectic mixture of vintage clothing, casual stylings, and formal wear suitable for men and women. It also shares a space with Salon De Marcus, so if you’re feeling in the mood to pamper yourself, you can take advantage of the full-service salon and spa options on offer here after you shop.

Other notable Gaslamp Quarter shopping establishments include Gaslamp Garage, where you can find all sorts of beachwear, surfing gear, and San Diego-branded apparel while never having to feel self-conscious about buying a souvenir; It’s Sugar, a quirky candy store that sells novelty apparel and accessories sure to make you smile; and Super7, a fun little shop selling pop culture-related toys, t-shirts, and collectibles bound to leave you nostalgic for your favorite cartoon or comic book.

The Gaslamp Quarter is also where you can shop at a number of big-name retailers. Major brands with brick-and-mortar locations here include Urban Outfitters, Goorin Brothers, Quiksilver, and Skechers, just to name a few.

Other Ways to Enjoy Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its nightlife, so you’ll want to plan your shopping spree to coincide with an evening out in this lively neighborhood. Hundreds of bars, cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues call the approximately 16 blocks of the Gaslamp home, so no matter what type of cuisine you want to sample or bar-vibe you’d like to enjoy, you’ll have your pick of styles here.

The Gaslamp Quarter isn’t just all fun and games, of course, it’s a historic area with a rich past worth acknowledging, and those interested in learning more about this area will enjoy the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. The Davis-Horton House dates to 1850, making it the oldest remaining structure in the area, and today the site is open to the public for self-guided tours. Numerous popular walking tours depart from this attraction, too.

Given the Gaslamp’s prominent location within the city, many of San Diego’s prime attractions are found within convenient proximity. Neighboring attractions well worth your time include such destinations as Petco Park, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, Coronado, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

Located on a thin peninsula just across San Diego Bay from the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and downtown San Diego, Coronado is famous the world over for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and naval base. Many visitors flock to Coronado for the scenery and outdoor fun—which includes lush gardens, delightful boardwalks, and numerous water-based activities like kayaking, surfing, and more—but end up walking away just as impressed by the area’s plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. No trip to San Diego is complete without spending some time exploring the many charms of this breathtakingly lovely neighborhood.

Getting to Know the Coronado

Coronado is one of greater San Diego’s quintessential areas to visit. Famous for its pristine beaches, scenic views, and bustling waterfront, Coronado has long been a destination for individuals seeking sun, sand, and serenity. Coronado is easily accessible from downtown San Diego via the Coronado Bridge or by taking the Flagship Cruises Coronado Ferry, but regardless of how you arrive you’ll want to make (at least) a day of it. Shopping, dining, sightseeing, recreation—you name it, Coronado has it. There’s even a well-regarded golf course.

If you’re planning on staying overnight in Coronado you won’t be disappointed, as it’s densely populated by an extensive array of hotels suitable for all manner of budgets. While the landmark Hotel del Coronado gets most of the local lodging attention, there are many more options available in the general vicinity.

Popular Coronado Shopping Destinations

Coronado is one of the San Diego area’s most popular shopping districts. Here you’ll have your pick of specialty shops, art galleries, and trendy boutiques in the midst of some of the most beautiful real estate located anywhere in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a stylish new outfit, bespoke piece of jewelry, that one-of-a-kind artwork, or simply want to take home a book, bottle of wine, or San Diego souvenir, you’ll come across it in Coronado.

Coronado Ferry Landing is one of the primary shopping destinations that anchor the peninsula. This distinctive shopping center is home to over two-dozen unique stores, including favorites like vomFASS, a European food market and tasting room known for its olive oils, vinegars, spices, and other culinary treats; miss match, a fashionable women’s clothing boutique; and La Camisa, a popular San Diego souvenir shop that’s been in business for over three decades now. Coronado Ferry Landing also features a wide selection of dining options, so whether you need a snack and some coffee to keep you going as you shop, or you want to celebrate your purchases over a sit-down meal, you’ll be covered.

The heart of Coronado’s diverse shopping scene is located along Orange Avenue. Known to many as “Coronado’s Main Street,” Orange Avenue is lined by approximately 100 different specialty shops, independent businesses, and clothing boutiques. No matter what you’re in the market for, you’ll probably find it along Orange Avenue. Classic local retailers here include Bay Books, an independent bookstore in the neighborhood for nearly 25 years; Emerald City Surf Shop, where you can gear up for all your beach-fun needs; and the Coronado Museum Store, which sells work by local artists and whose inventory is curated by the Coronado Historical Association.

Shops at The Del is another notable Coronado shopping destination. Located within the Hotel del Coronado, Shops at The Del sells a fabulous assortment of products at a variety of price points. You’ll find here a special emphasis on fashionable clothes, with shops devoted to European-inspired men’s clothing, coastal California-style kid’s clothing, and women’s activewear all in one location. Shops at The Del also contains the Hotel del Coronado’s Signature Shop, where you can purchase officially licensed hotel products and souvenirs.

Other Ways to Enjoy Coronado

Coronado is home to a whole lot more than just fantastic shopping, of course, as its natural beauty is remarkable even by San Diego’s lofty standards. Whether you want to go kayaking, rent a bike, hit the surf, walk along the boardwalk, or try and enjoy all of the above, Coronado’s many outdoor pleasures should be at the top of every visitor’s itinerary.

Even if you aren’t staying at the Hotel del Coronado, you’ll want to make some time to stroll its grounds and peruse its public areas. This legendary establishment first opened its doors in 1888, and since then it has hosted American presidents, Hollywood movie stars, international royalty, beloved celebrities, and more visitors from all over the world than it count. This National Historic Landmark is not to be missed.

As you’re shopping along Orange Avenue, stop in for a bit to explore the Coronado Historical Association. There you’ll find an informative museum that routinely hosts special exhibits pertaining to one aspect or another of the area’s rich history. They also organize walking tours, home tours, and house a research center. Best of all, admission to the facility is free for everyone.