San Diego Shopping

Fashion Valley Center
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall. Where else will you find a Tiffany store? Good restaurants and an AMC multiplex make this a place to go beyond shopping. Burberry, Lily Pulitzer, Gucci, Ruehl, Apple and Sony Style store reflect the mall's cool factor. Tidbit: Parking is easiest and plentiful in the south-side parking structures.

Westfield Horton Plaza
Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries make this the noontime stop for downtown workers. Tidbit: The parking structures can be confusing for first-timers. They are designated by vegetables and fruits. Make sure you validate your parking ticket (with any purchase) for 3 free hours (4 hours with movie or restaurant purchase).

Otay Ranch Town Center
OK, Otay Ranch Town Center just opened in fall 2006. So what makes it so special? Well, it's the first regional mall to open in 20 years. And it's not your traditional mall, but a "lifestyle" mall. Think: a neighborhood business district, only with upscale shops and department stores. Tidbit: The "main street" allows parking in front of many stores. It's pedestrian friendly, with a dog park, too. For entertainment, an AMC theatre (soon) and lots of dining.

Westfield University Town Center
One of the many Westfield Shoppingtown entities, UTC is a pleasant outdoor mall. Located in the Golden Triangle area (and slated for a refurbishing), it caters to the yuppie/soccer mom crowd. The much-used ice skating rink distinguishes the mall from others of Westfield's homogenous stable. Nordstrom, Sears, and Macy's are the majors. Tidbit: The ice rink and food court is the place to stay cool on hot days - a fun place to chill and people watch.

Grossmont Center
This quaint mall in La Mesa is the shopping center that time forgot. It's a cozy, well-maintained outdoor mall in La Mesa that is lacking in pizazz and choices - in fact, it's a bit dull. But in the world of mega-malls, sometimes dull is OK. Anchored by a two-story Target, a smallish Macy's, Grossmont also has a nice Pacific Cinema, and a two-level Wal-Mart. Tidbit: There's a surprisingly good choice of sitdown restaurants, including the new Casa de Pico and Shakey's Pizza for families.

Westfield Parkway Plaza
Yet another Westfield mall, Parkway Plaza is the regional mall serving East County. This indoor, single level mall is a necessity in scorching El Cajon. Malls tend to reflect their clientele, and Parkway serves the unpretentious, middle America of East County. Young adult shops, a Regal Cinema and a food court make this the area's teen hangout. A two-story Wal-Mart is the newest tenant. Tidbit: A Family Lounge is located in the Food Court as a respite for those with little ones, and the mall is a WiFi hotspot.

Westfield Plaza Bonita
Located in the South County area, Plaza Bonita is the Westfield indoor, two-level counterpart to Plaza Camino Real. In fact, other than the more ethnically diverse makeup of the Chula Vista, National City area shoppers (Hispanic, Filipino), you wouldn't know if you were in Plaza Camino, North County or Plaza Bonita. But the mall is undergoing and extensive makeover, adding a Target, Borders Books, and 14-screen AMC Cinema by 2008. Tidbit: Plaza Bonita is a Wi-Fi hotspot, and also has a Family Lounge and mall walker program.

Chula Vista Center
Chula Vista Center is one of the smaller malls in the region, and often gets lost in the shuffle between nearby Plaza Bonita and the new Otay Ranch Towne Center. An older mall located in downtown Chula Vista, it has the only Sears store in the South Bay are. It's also anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Mervyn's, and an ULTRAStar Cinema. Tidbit: If you want to hit the mall in the South Bay, and don't like indoor malls, or aren't swayed by the higher end shops, Chula Vista Center is a perfect fit.