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.
15 Best Shopping in San Diego, California
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for San Diego right now.
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.
CJ Charles
La Jolla
An exquisitely appointed shop selling designer and estate jewelry, CJ Charles specializes in Bulgari watches, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, along with stunning fine jewelry, Baccarat crystal, and gift items.
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.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Geppetto’s Toys
La Jolla
This family-run toy shop has been in business for more than 40 years. With nine locations throughout San Diego, the store offers classic toys and games as well as the newest must-haves. It's a great place to wander with kids or pick up something to take home.
La Jolla Cove Gifts
La Jolla
Located one block from the ocean, this gift shop sells T-shirts, souvenirs, seashells, jewelry, and nautical items.
La Jolla Open Aire Market
La Jolla
With a county-fair atmosphere and proceeds benefiting La Jolla Elementary, this large market features not only fresh produce and flowers, but also paintings from local artists, handmade clothing and jewelry, and a tempting food court serving everything from crepes and tacos to gyros and roasted corn on the cob. The market is open Sunday 9–1 pm.
La Jolla Surf Systems
La Jolla
One block from La Jolla Shores beach, this local institution stocks hip beach and resort wear, plus top-brand surfboards, bodyboards, and wet suits. The shop also rents surf and stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and snorkel gear.
Pomegranate
In La Jolla for nearly 40 years, Pomegranate pairs contemporary and antique jewelry with edgy and artistic fashions by American, European, and Asian designers.
Rangoni Firenze
La Jolla
The shoe shop carries its own house brand of Valentina Rangoni footwear, as well as handbags.
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.
Thumbprint Gallery
La Jolla
This quaint little gallery brings a little edge to otherwise sleepy La Jolla, showing off some of the best lowbrow and street artists in the city. This is a great place to purchase something truly unique for a low price.
Warwick's
La Jolla
This family-owned-and-operated bookstore has been a La Jolla fixture since 1939, and often hosts big-name author signings. They also carry stationery, calendars, and other gifts.
Westfield UTC
This popular outdoor mall on the east side of I–5 has more than 150 shops and 40 eateries, plus an ArcLight Cinemas and a children's play area.
Westfield UTC
La Jolla
This popular outdoor mall on the east side of I–5 has more than 150 shops and 40 eateries, plus an ArcLight Cinemas and a children's play area. Nordstrom and Macy's anchor the center, and specialty stores of note include Madewell ( 858/458–0012) for high-quality basics; Pottery Barn Kids ( 858/824–9079) for children's bedding and accessories; Crate & Barrel ( 858/558–4545) for kitchenware, china, and furniture; and an Apple Store (858/795–6870) for the latest gadgets. One of the country's greenest shopping centers, UTC has lush gardens, open-air plazas, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. Additional eco-friendly cred: Tesla Motors shows off its latest electric vehicles here.
