Where to go shopping in San Diego

San Diego is well known for its sunny weather, its beautiful beaches, and its laid-back California vibe. It's also home to some great attractions, including the USS Midway Museum, Legoland California, and the San Diego Zoo. Especially good for family fun, San Diego and the larger San Diego County are great places for adults, with excellent food heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine and some fantastic cultural attractions.

Plus, this highly livable city is also a great place to shop.

Packed with art galleries and boutique stores offering vintage clothing, along with bargain-filled outlet centers, San Diego's shopping scene has something for everyone. Whether you want to browse the glitzy boutiques of downtown San Diego or would rather visit specialty shops in the outlying areas to find something unique, San Diego has what you're looking for. After a stroll around the famous Balboa Park, check out some local boutiques or shopping malls to get your retail fix.

As always, Bounce is there for you while you explore. We partner with local businesses to provide convenient short-term San Diego storage spots where you can leave anything behind. Drop off your suitcases or leave your new purchases behind while you enjoy a night out, safe in the knowledge that we will look after them until you are ready to pick them up. And all for an affordable daily rate.

All you need to know when shopping in San Diego

Shopping in San Diego reflects the city’s relaxed yet stylish culture. In this well-heeled town, you can find plenty of stylish boutiques and department stores offering the latest and greatest in international fashion brands. But San Diego also has its own personality, and that is fully on display in the specialty shops and independent retailers throughout the city. Leave your belongings behind with Bounce and enjoy everything that San Diego can give you.

Shopping architecture

San Diego’s shopping areas range from modern malls to charming outdoor markets. And where you shop will in some ways determine what you find. Different areas do different things, so if you want fast fashion or luxury brands, downtown San Diego is a safe bet. Meanwhile, if you want something a little bit trendier and more unique, check out some of the city's neighborhoods to find what you're after. Here are some places to start:

• Fashion Valley Mall: A premier shopping destination featuring luxury brands and high-end retailers. This is true one-stop shopping aimed squarely at the higher end of the market, so if you have the budget for it, this is a perfect place to browse the work of international designers and local creative people to find something genuinely special.
• Gaslamp Quarter: A historic downtown district filled with unique boutiques and trendy shops. It's a charming place to spend some time, so while you browse the stores, don't forget to pop into a café or bar and have a drink or a meal while you soak up the atmosphere. The Gaslamp Artisan Market is a definite highlight here, packed full of unique items including art by local artists.
• Seaport Village: A waterfront shopping area offering specialty stores and coastal-themed gifts.
• Little Italy Mercato: A vibrant outdoor market with artisan goods, fresh produce, and local crafts. This is a great location for foodies, as you'll find some incredible European products on offer here.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in San Diego open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. Outdoor markets like Little Italy Mercato typically open in the mornings and close by mid-afternoon. Seasonal events, such as holiday markets and summer sidewalk sales, bring extended hours and festive shopping opportunities. Opening hours in San Diego tend to be quite generous, but you'll find that the smaller stores usually operate on more restricted hours than the big retail outlets.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are generally fixed in malls and boutiques, but outdoor markets and local vendors may allow for light bargaining. Look for seasonal sales during major holidays like Black Friday and post-holiday clearance events. San Diego is not a cheap city to visit, so it's a good idea to take any opportunity to save money when you can.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as California enforces a single-use plastic bag ban. San Diego is a very eco-conscious city, and you'll notice that most people in town bring their own shopping bags with them. If you don't have any, there are plenty of places where you can buy a cool and unique tote bag that will itself serve as a souvenir.
• Use public transportation or rideshare options to explore San Diego’s spread-out shopping areas.
• Carry cash for local markets and smaller vendors who might not accept cards.

Unique shops to visit in San Diego

San Diego’s unique stores and artisan boutiques are the ideal places to do some shopping. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you'll also be tapping into the city's culture and seeing part of what makes it unique. Check out these stores for something different from the usual shopping mall experience.

Pigment

A lifestyle boutique in North Park offering home decor, gifts, and plants. Known for its vibrant aesthetic and curated selection, it’s a favorite among locals. The colorful items on the shelves are almost too enticing, so be ready to spend some money if you visit here.

Address: 2885 Perry Rd

Warwick’s

The oldest family-owned bookstore in the U.S., Warwick’s in La Jolla features books, stationery, and unique gifts. This store is an icon of San Diego, and the perfect place to pick up a beach read or something by a local offer to remind you of your trip. There is also a branch of Warwick's inside San Diego airport.

Address: 7812 Girard Ave

San Diego Hat Company

Specializing in handcrafted hats and accessories, this shop combines fashion with sun protection. San Diego Hat Company is well known throughout California for the quality of its merchandise, so if you want a hat that will last for years and still look great, this is the place to go. Keep an eye out for their summer parking lot sale, and you may be able to scoop up an incredible bargain, too.

Address: 520 Parkway View Dr

Shopping experiences in San Diego

San Diego’s markets and specialty stores provide a variety of goods, from gourmet foods to handmade crafts. More than just retail outlets, these places offer a true shopping experience that will give you an insight into the character of the city and its local residents.

Little Italy Mercato

This bustling Saturday market features local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and unique gifts. Even if you don't buy anything, this is one of the most fun places to spend a weekend in San Diego. However, given all the delicious food on offer here, it may prove impossible to keep your wallet in your pocket for the whole morning.

Address: W Date St, between Kettner Blvd and Front St

Bazaar del Mundo

Located in Old Town San Diego, this vibrant shopping area offers handcrafted goods, folk art, and souvenirs that celebrate Mexican and Native American cultures. There are some really unique items on offer here, celebrating the cultural diversity of San Diego, so it's definitely worth a visit to see what you can find.

Address: 4133 Taylor St

Liberty Public Market

An artisan market in Liberty Station featuring gourmet foods, craft beers, and locally made products. Another great food destination in San Diego, this is the perfect place to sample creative dishes, craft beers, and California wines.

Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd

Traditional shopping options in San Diego

For a more conventional shopping experience, San Diego offers upscale malls and high-street destinations that can provide everything you may need on your holiday.

Fashion Valley Mall

A luxurious open-air shopping mall featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple, along with fine and casual dining options.

Address: 7007 Friars Rd

Westfield UTC

A family-friendly shopping center in La Jolla offering a mix of high-street and luxury brands, as well as an ice skating rink and outdoor play areas. It's a great place to keep the kids entertained while you shop for whatever you need.

Address: 4545 La Jolla Village Dr

Las Americas Premium Outlets

Located near the Mexican border, this outlet mall offers discounts on major brands like Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. If you like to wear the top brands but aren't too keen on the high price tag, this is the ideal place to go.

Address: 4211 Camino de la Plaza

San Diego has a well-earned reputation as a great place for family fun. But it's also an excellent location for shopping addicts to get their fix. The city has all kinds of shops, from high-end fashion boutiques to shopping mall favorites to more unusual independent retailers, so you can find whatever you need here. Leave your belongings behind with Bounce near the San Diego Port, downtown, or the airport, and enjoy the incredible diversity of San Diego's shopping choices.