6 Best Shopping in San Diego, California

At the gift shops within the peninsula's main historic attraction, you can purchase sportswear, designer handbags, jewelry, and antiques. Spreckels Sweets & Treats offers old-time candies, freshly made fudge, and decadent truffles. Monroe has designer fashions and accessories, inspired by its Hollywood namesake, while Brady's for Men, with its shirts and sport coats, caters to well-dressed men. S.R.F. is the spot to hit up for outdoor and action sports accessories. En Route is a haven for travelers, offering a selection of top-quality luggage and leather goods.

With a Mexican villa theme, the Bazaar hosts riotously colorful gift shops such as Ariana, for ethnic and artsy women's fashions; Artes de Mexico, which sells handmade Latin American crafts and Guatemalan weavings; and The Gallery, which carries handmade jewelry, Native American crafts, collectible glass, and original silk-screen prints. The Laurel Burch Gallerita carries the complete collection of its namesake artist's signature jewelry, accessories, and totes.

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.

If you're looking for trinkets and souvenirs, this is the place. This complex of kitschy shops and waterfront restaurants has upped its hip factor with boutiques like San Pasqual wine bar and bamboo clothing–maker Cariloha. While there, keep an eye out for Urban Girl Accessories to find an eclectic mix of clothing and gifts from name brands and local artisans, and stop by Village Hat Shop to browse their collection of 50,000 fedoras, bowlers, cowboy, and custom-embroidered hats. In addition to shopping, the village has views of the bay, fresh breezes, and great strolling paths. A hand-carved historic carousel and frequent public entertainment are among the attractions. Seaport Village is within walking distance of hotels, the San Diego Convention Center, and the San Diego Trolley.

This spacious warehouse bears the James Coffee logo on the front and the intoxicating scent of its pour-over brews inside, but the building houses considerably more than just the local coffee roaster. Its tenants include Home Ec, which sells kitchen goods and cookbooks; Specs Optometry; games-and-puzzles boutique Art of Play; and jewelry and housewares at Often Wander.

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.