STORES AND SHOPPING CENTERS
1. Nordstrom
Holding an almost cult-like status among shopping fanatics, “Nordies” remains as popular as ever for its vast clothing selection and impressive shoe department. Belying the plush surroundings, this department store can be quite affordable. Of course, there is always the personal shopper who will help you out in the designer section. The Nordstrom Café is popular for lunch, with a menu that includes soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and salads.
2. Westfield Horton Plaza
A destination in its own right, Macy’s and Nordstrom department stores serve as anchors to this festive shopping experience. Designed as an amusement park for shoppers, ramps lead past staggered shopping levels that hold more than 130 specialty shops, a few restaurants, and movie theaters. Westfield Horton Plaza’s landmark is the 1907 Jessop’s Clock, a 21-ft- (6.4-m-) high timepiece with 20 dials that display the time in all parts of the world.
Westfield Horton Plaza
3. Fashion Valley
This ritzy shopping center contains six major department stores, including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as 200 specialty boutiques. Tiffany & Co., MAC cosmetics, and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the stores found here. The San Diego Trolley conveniently stops in the parking lot.
4. Liberty Station
Formerly the Naval Training Center, this waterfront compendium of Spanish Colonial-Revival buildings now welcomes shoppers with its many grocery stores, art galleries, and wine bars. Monthly art walks and live entertainment are free, as is parking.
5. The Wine Bank
A regular clientele of wine connoisseurs frequent this intimate Gaslamp Quarter business. Hundreds of offerings from California and the rest of the world are found on two floors. The expertise of its wine professionals will help in your selection of fine wines in all price ranges. Call for the latest wine tasting schedule.
6. Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
These intersecting streets in La Jolla are synonymous with upscale shopping and high-end art galleries. If you’re seeking an expensive look, chic clothing boutiques and Italian shoe stores will happily oblige. The gorgeous displays in the home decor shops will give you great ideas to take home. In the breezy arcades, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind shops and beachwear boutiques.
7. Seaport Village
If you’re looking for souvenirs or that unusual knick-knack for the shelf, this is the right place. The Village’s superb location along San Diego’s waterfront will keep you occupied. Each summer, the Busker Fest brings street performers here from across the country to entertain.
The waterfront Seaport Village
8. REI
To participate in San Diego’s outdoor life, you might need sports equipment. This store has it all, including rentals of camping gear, snowshoes, and tents, as well as a full-service bike shop. You can also take bike lessons, enjoy lectures, and sign up for photography classes.
9. University and Fifth Avenues
In Uptown, near the intersection of University and Fifth Avenues, the predominately gay and lesbian Hillcrest neighborhood is a haven of fun and enticing shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. Bookshops, resale wear, and vinyl record stores are among the independent businesses.
Secondhand store on Fifth Avenue
10. Newport Avenue
This is not just the main road through town; it is also one big blast into the past before the street hits the beach. You can pick up anything from Arts and Crafts-era pottery to tie-dye T-shirts. Street parking is available.
