San Diego Shopping Tips by travelgirl3

Horton Plaza: Interesting Place to Browse! Horton Plaza Review

Horton Plaza is a fascinating place to shop. It has all the usual (and some unusual) stores, but what makes in so interesting is the architecture. There seem to be shops tucked away in corners, with various interesting views all around.

As we were up early, we actually arrived an hour before the stores opened, but we spent our time wandering around, taking lots of photos and video, and tasting free samples from the restaurants in the food court! (The Indian butter chicken was the best!)

What to buy: You can find just about anything at Horton Plaza. From Nordstrom to Mervyns, from Hot Topic to Hot Licks, its all there.

Address: 324 Horton Plaza

Directions: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown.

Phone: (619) 239-8180

Theme: Other

Fashion Valley / Mission Valley: This place is huge!! Fashion Valley / Mission Valley Review

I couldn't get over the size of this place! When I looked a the map, I thought it was strange, as it seemed to take up several blocks, but it really is big. The anchor stores are Macy's, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Robinsons-May and Saks Fifth Avenue, and in total, there are more than 200 stores and restaurants.

Everything is outdoors, since the weather is perfect year-round.

The parking lot is large, but it can take about 5 minutes if you're trying to turn left. Try approaching from the West, so you can turn right - it will be much faster.

Address: 7007 Friars Road

Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Hotel Circle exit to Fashion Valley Road or Highway 163 to Friars Road West exit

Phone: 619-688-9113

Theme: Department Store

Speciality Shops: Seaport Village Speciality Shops Review

Seaport Village is a very pretty place to shop. It's a collection of more than 65 shops, with everything from The Magnet Store, where everything was 4 for $10, to the Wyland Gallery, where you won't find any price tags.

Located near the Gaslamp District, across from the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay hotel, its a great central location. As we were staying at the Embassy Suites, I visited twice. The second time was early in the morning while my husband attended his conference, and I went armed with a caramel coffee concoction, my video camera, and my digital. I couldn't have been happier! When I arrived the shops hadn't opened yet, so I wandered around, enjoying the quiet and solitude, and took lots of photos. By the time the stores opened, I was ready for some bargains, and found several things to bring home.

There is a take out food area, as well as several nice restaurants overlooking San Diego Bay. They also have different musicians, magicians, and other items of interest.

Another interesting attraction is a fully restored Looff Carousel, originally built in 1895 in Fairbank Texas. After 9 or 10 subsequent homes, it was moved to San Diego in 2004, where kids of all ages can ride.

What to buy: You name it, you'll find it at Seaport. Even if you don't you will definitely enjoy just walking around, taking in the Village atmosphere.

What to pay: Depends if you're in the Magnet store, or the Wyland Gallery!!

Address: 849 W. Harbour Drive, San Diego

Directions: 5 minutes from the Gaslamp District, on W. Harbour drive, just south of Pacific Highway

Phone: 619-235-4014

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.seaportvillage.com