3 minute read

SHOPPING

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF

US Formerly the San Diego Museum of Man, this cultural anthropology museum explores cultures from around the world, focusing on the human experience in an effort to inspire human connection and spark meaningful conversations. It’s also home to the landmark California Tower.  1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001 Map O17

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Founded in 1874, it’s the oldest scientific institution in Southern California. Inside you’ll find dinosaur displays, giant-screen films, photography exhibitions and more.  1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821 Map O17

STUART COLLECTION

Scattered across the UC San Diego campus, the outdoor art collection—created in 1981 and comprising more than 20 sculptures— includes talking and singing trees, a “Sun God” and more. Free.  Gilman and La Jolla Village drives, La Jolla, 858.534.2230. Map T20

USS MIDWAY Now a retired aircraft carrier, the world’s largest floating naval-aviation museum is home to more than 30 restored airplanes and interactive exhibits inside; a massive flight deck overlooking San Diego Bay (a perfect spot for family photos); plus military veterans giving personal tours.  910 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.544.9600, Map Q14

Destination Shopping

BAZAAR DEL MUNDO

This colorful collection of shops in Old Town is a local treasure —featuring a dazzling array of

Mexican decor, authentic folk art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, unique artwork, housewares, gifts and much more—all adjacent to the festive Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant.  4133 Taylor St., Old Town, 619.296.3161 Map M14

CARLSBAD PREMIUM OUTLETS Shop among 90 outlet stores (including Barneys New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, Coach, Theory and Michael Kors) in a pleasant outdoor setting.  5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.804.9000 Map U22

DEL MAR HIGHLANDS TOWN CENTER This exclusive pocket of dining, shopping and entertainment comprises 75 stylish shops, restaurants and alfresco patios; plus a Cinépolis movie theater. 12925 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.793.5757 Map X22

DEL MAR PLAZA With more than 20 upscale shops, services and restaurants, this gorgeous tri-level boutique shopping plaza in the heart of town overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Del Mar Villlage’s main drag.  1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.1555 Map X22

DUTY FREE CITY Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, this 14,000-square-foot center offers duty-free shopping: luxury accessories, beauty products, leather goods, confectionary, wine, spirits and tobacco.  601 E. San Ysidro Blvd., San Ysidro, 619.621.2600 Map F3

FASHION VALLEY The largest mall in San Diego, this bilevel, outdoor mall includes 200plus upscale shops (including the exclusive Rolex Boutique,

Fourtané); restaurants such as True Food Kitchen and North Italia; a food court; and an 18-screen movie theater.

7007 Friars Road, Mission Valley, 619.688.9113 Map J10

FLOWER HILL PROMENADE

Del Mar’s continually expanding lifestyle center is home to refined restaurants (including Cucina Enoteca), casual cafes and high-end specialty boutiques.  2720 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.481.7131 Map X22

THE FORUM CARLSBAD

Elegant, tree-lined outdoor center with dozens of shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie and Sur La Table.  1905 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760.479.0166 Map U23

THE HEADQUARTERS AT SEAPORT Open-air center in a historical setting is home to specialty shops, designer boutiques and restaurants.

789 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.235.4014 Map K11

LAS AMERICAS PREMIUM

OUTLETS The Spanish Colonialstyle outlet mall has 125-plus shops, as well as eateries.  4211 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, 619.934.8400 Map F3

ONE PASEO This community hub and lifestyle center with a country-coastal vibe boasts 96,000 square feet of stores and restaurants. Tenants include Salt & Straw, SoulCycle, jeweler Marrow Fine and Shop Good.  3745 Paseo Place, Del Mar, 858.523.2298 Map X22

OTAY RANCH TOWN

CENTER Shops at this airy, stylish South County mall include Apple, Sephora and many fashion boutiques. Enjoy outdoor fire pits, a dog park and a movie theater.  2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, 619.656.9100 Map F3

SEAPORT VILLAGE This picturesque and charming outdoor plaza on the waterfront features 45 one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants.  849 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.235.4014 Map R15

THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD

Indoor shopping center features dozens of retail, dining (incl. The Cheesecake Factory) and entertainment; plus a kid-friendly, water-inspired play area.  2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 760.729.6183 Map U23

WESTFIELD UTC Beautiful outdoor shopping center with more than 150 upmarket chain retailers and shops, department stores, restaurants, a food court and movie theater.  4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Golden Triangle, 858.546.8858 Map T21

Explore

BALBOA PARK Free tours about the 1,200-acre urban cultural park’s history, architecture, horticulture, botanicalgardens and other fun facts. Visitors Center, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0512 Map P17

BIPLANE, AIR COMBAT & WARBIRD ADVENTURES

Fly in gentle or thrilling coastal biplane rides for two, you-fly-it air combat, and loops and rolls in a WWII warbird.  Montgomery Field, 760.930.0903

BOCA ROJA BAJA WINE

ADVENTURES Explore Baja’s top wineries and flourishing wine region via private tours of the Valle de Guadalupe. They also host brewery and food tours in Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada. bocarojawineadventures.com

BREWERY TOURS OF SAN

DIEGO This local company provides transportation to area breweries, beer festivals and beer-related events, plus public and private tours.  619.961.7999, brewerytoursofsd.com

CITY EXPERIENCES BY HORNBLOWER Daily narrated tours of San Diego Bay; plus dinner cruises, yacht charters, whale watching (seasonal) and special events. 970 N. Harbor Drive, Broadway Pier, Embarcadero, 619.686.8715 Map Q14

CITYPASS Discount combo packages for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and California Adventure.  888.330.5008, citypass.com

COASTER Commuter train offers coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight different stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego.  gonctd.com/coaster

COMPASS BALLOONS Take a hot-air balloon tour and soar high above the Del Mar coastline and Rancho Santa Fe, while PAUL