Ascot Shop
La Jolla
The classic Ivy League look is king in this traditional haberdashery that sells menswear by Saxx, Hagen, and Peter Miller. In-house same-day tailoring is available.
11 Best Shopping in San Diego, California
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San Diego’s retail landscape has changed radically in recent years with the opening of several new shopping centers—some in historic buildings—that are focused more on locally owned boutiques than national retailers. Where once the Gaslamp was the place to go for urban apparel and unique home decor, many independently owned boutiques have decided to set up shop in the charming neighborhoods east of Balboa Park known as North Park and South Park. Although Downtown is still thriving, any shopping trip to San Diego should include venturing out to the city’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Not far from Downtown, Little Italy is the place to find contemporary art, modern furniture, and home accessories.
Old Town is a must for pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and handcrafted baskets. Uptown is known for its mélange of funky bookstores, offbeat gift shops, and nostalgic collectibles and vintage stores. The beach towns offer the best swimwear and sandals. La Jolla’s chic boutiques offer a more intimate shopping experience, along with some of the classiest clothes, jewelry, and shoes in the county. The new La Plaza La Jolla is an open-air shopping center with boutiques and galleries in a Spanish-style building overlooking the cove. Point Loma’s Liberty Station shopping area in the former Naval Training Center has art galleries, restaurants, and home stores. Trendsetters will have no trouble finding must-have handbags and designer apparel at the world-class Fashion Valley mall in Mission Valley, a haven for luxury brands such as Hermès, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo.
Enjoy near-perfect weather year-round as you explore shops along the scenic waterfront. The Headquarters at Seaport is a new open-air shopping and dining center in the city’s former Police Headquarters building. Here there are some big names, but mostly locally owned boutiques selling everything from gourmet cheese to coastal-inspired home accessories. Just next door, Seaport Village is still the place to go for trinkets and souvenirs. If you don’t discover what you’re looking for in the boutiques, head to Westfield Horton Plaza, the Downtown mall with more than 120 stores. The sprawling mall completed a major restoration project in 2016 to include a new public plaza, amphitheater, and fountains.
Most malls have free parking in a lot or garage, and parking is not usually a problem. Westfield Horton Plaza and some of the shops in the Gaslamp Quarter offer validated parking or valet parking.
Casa Artelexia
Little Italy
This colorful shop specializing in Mexican gifts and art started as a booth at a farmers' market by a father-daughter team, but has since evolved into a large retail space with its own art gallery and event space. Products—handpicked and imported from different parts of Mexico—include hand-blown glassware, Sacred Heart wall hangings, books and paintings depicting Frida Kahlo, and Dia de Los Muertos-themed items. Casa Artelexia also offers weekly art classes, and has a second store located in North Park.
Dolcetti Boutique
Gaslamp Quarter
With everything from flirty dresses to casual daytime outfits and a full-service hair salon on-site, this Gaslamp Quarter boutique is a one-stop shop for getting ready for a night on the town. The lofty space with exposed brick walls is owned by style-savvy sisters, and also carries accessories, jewelry, menswear, and children's clothing.
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Emerald City Surf Shop
For more than 30 years, Emerald City has provided Orange Avenue shoppers with a broad selection of swimwear, clothing, sunglasses, and hats from beachy brands like Billabong, Roxy, Vans, and O'Neill. The shop also offers surfboard, bodyboard, and swim fin rentals.
Fresh Produce
La Jolla
Sunny and spirited Fresh Produce sells beach-inspired clothing made with comfy fabrics. The boutique's easy-to-wear pieces are perfect for vacations and weekend getaways.
Gaslamp Garage
Gaslamp Quarter
Crammed floor to ceiling with merchandise and decorated to look like a 1950s auto repair shop, the city's largest souvenir shop is the place to head for Padre's gear and San Diego mementos. The store also stocks a wide variety of sportswear and sandals from brands like Reef, Roxy, and Volcom, and the Kidz Garage has toys, electronics, and apparel from infant to size 12.
Moniker General
Liberty Station
Grab your hipster plaid flannels, cleverly named candles, linen jumpsuits, plant-dyed bandanas, and canvas backpacks at this Instagram-worthy shop where you can stock up on clothing, home goods, and accessories, all while sipping on a craft cocktail or coffee.
Overload
North Park
Get the latest brands of footwear, streetwear, skateboards, and accessories at this edgy skate shop.
Sauvage Swimwear
La Jolla
This luxurious boutique sells sexy and sophisticated swimsuits, beachwear, jewelry, and accessories for women, as well as swim trunks, surf shorts, and workout gear for men.
Sigi's Boutique
Women seeking high-end European designer fashions and accessories love this shop's fine cashmere from Scotland, stylish classics from Italy and France, and sportswear from Herno.
Thread and Seed
South Park
This indie boutique in South Park’s historic 30th & Fern building is filled with quirky art, jewelry, gifts, and clothing from emerging designers and artists using recycled or repurposed materials. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs if you’re into supporting local: 75% of the designers are from California.
