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East Village | Books/Stationery
One of the highlights of San Diego's new nine-story Central Library in the East Village neighborhood is the well-curated gift shop, which carries gourmet cookbooks, jewelry, home accessories, and children's items. Mementos like shirts, totes, magnets, and note cards make great souvenirs. The shop, which is open daily, supports San Diego- or California-based vendors whenever possible.
330 Park Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
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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.
1135 Prospect St., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
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A staggering view of San Diego's Downtown skyline across the bay and a dozen boutiques make this a delightful place to shop while waiting for a ferry. La Camisa ( 619/319--5826) is a fun place to pick up kitschy souvenirs, T-shirts, fleece jackets, and postcards. Lisa's Boutique ( 619/550--7366) specializes in comfy women's shoes and affordable casual wear. Vom Fass ( 619/534--5034) is a shop and tasting room full of olive oils, vinegars, spices, and other foodie essentials. There's a farmers' market every Tuesday 2:30–6, and some restaurants offer a daily late-afternoon happy hour.
1201 1st St., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
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The walls are lined, front to back, with countless flavors of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, from more standard fare to creative infusions. Some of the varied choices include lemon and lime, chilies, currants, garlic, harissa (hot chili pepper paste), chipotle, and herbes de Provence, all of which are available to sample with bread inside the shop.
954 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
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Old Town
Sample homemade fudge and taffy that's been cooked, stretched, and wrapped on-site at this old-fashioned confectionery shop. The old-time candies in nostalgic tins make thoughtful gifts.
2711 San Diego Ave., San Diego, California, 92110, USA
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Jewelry & Watches
Stepping into D Forsythe is like taking a quick spin around the world. The one-of-a-kind jewelry sold here features sapphires, emeralds, moonstones, and baroque pearls from such faraway places as Denmark, Cambodia, Turkey, Bali, India, England, and Thailand.
1136 Loma Ave., Coronado, California, 92118, USA
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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Gaslamp Quarter | Clothing
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.
635 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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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.
1118 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
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This all-vinyl record shop features a wide selection, from curated new releases to budget used records, that crosses a wide spectrum of genres: rock, pop, dance, punk, metal, R&B, and hip-hop.
909 E St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
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A sleek new boutique on Orange Avenue, Française offers a selection of housewares in a modern industrial motif with a touch of class imported from France itself. The shop is stocked with attractive items for every room in the house, including cookware and serving utensils, posters and stationery, and even a variety of kids' toys. Before departing, make sure to peruse the backroom, which is stocked with edible treats like honey, hot sauce, chocolate bars, and floral salts.
1037 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
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La Jolla | Clothing
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.
1147 Prospect St., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
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Gaslamp Quarter | Clothing
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.
301 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
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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.
7850 Girard Ave., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
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Mission Beach
This store can be a bit overwhelming with thousands of pieces of swimwear lining the walls from floor to ceiling. To make shopping a bit easier, swimsuits have been arranged by color. Browse through mix-and-match pieces from the most fashion-forward swimwear designers like Luli Fama and Indah. It's worth taking the time to peruse what is simply San Diego's best swimwear selection.
3785 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
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Established in Pittsburgh in 1895, this company has helped make hats hip again with its stylish takes on fedoras, bowlers, and Panama hats. The San Diego location occupies the first floor of the historic Yuma building, a former brothel in the red light district.
631 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
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Before taking a brisk dip into the Pacific Ocean, swing by this local swimwear boutique where all the suits are designed in-house. A wide variety of styles are available from one-piece wonders to string bikinis for every body type. And in case of occasional clouds, peruse their selection of sweatshirts and shorts as well. The shop is open every weekend, but they also do shopping by appointment throughout the week as well.
2159 Logan Ave., San Diego, California, 92113, USA
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekdays
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La Jolla | Souvenirs
Located one block from the ocean, this gift shop sells T-shirts, souvenirs, seashells, jewelry, and nautical items.
8008 Girard Ave., No. 120, San Diego, California, 92037, USA
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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.
7335 Girard St., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
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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.
2132 Av. de la Playa, San Diego, California, 92037, USA
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Surfboards $9/hr; kayaks $70 for 2 hrs
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Point Loma | Shopping Centers/Malls
San Diego's former Naval Training Center is now a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. With its large grassy areas and Spanish colonial revival–style architecture, it's a great place to take a stroll. The section on Truxton Road between Womble and Roosevelt includes a Trader Joe's, Vons, and restaurants like Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria. To the north are more locally owned businesses lining the arcades in the area known as the Arts District. Moniker General sells homewares, custom furniture, and craft beer and coffee; and Banyan Kitchen carries handmade Chi Chocolates and truffles. New in 2016, Liberty Public Market is San Diego's only food hall, open daily with over 30 eclectic vendors selling artisanal goods. If you're in town on the first Friday of the month, check out Liberty Station's Friday Night Liberty (5 to 9 pm), a free art walk featuring refreshments and entertainment.
2640 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA