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Shopping

You'll never lack for a place to dole out your dollars here – San Diego has shopping aplenty. You'll find stores similar to those in any other part of the country, but in true San Diego form, even the "mall" is an open-air plaza. Tijuana is a haven for bargain hunters, but if you want designer duds and don't mind paying retail, head straight for the upscale shops in La Jolla.

Horton Plaza (324 Horton Plaza) is San Diego's downtown open-air mall, and its 196 stores are the type you're likely to see in Any Mall, USA. Still, shopping here is a reliable and pleasant experience, and does feature a few upscale stores like Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton. Seaport Village (near the Gaslamp Quarter) is the place to go for San Diego-themed knickknacks like t-shirts, Christmas tree ornaments, and beach gear.

For everything high-end – from art to shoes – La Jolla is the place to go. Girard and Prospect Streets are two of the best for strolling and window shopping, or, if your pockets are deep enough, buying. Fans of African art must pop into Africa and Beyond (1250 Prospect St.; 858/454-9983) where wooden sculptures, ceremonial masks, and other treasures take center stage. Clothes horses will see all the names that comfort them – Banana Republic, the Gap, A/X Armani Exchange – but the tinier boutique shops many hold the duds that'll have everyone asking "Where'd you get that?" when you get home. Check out Elizabeth's Closet (1261 Prospect St.; 858/459-4673) for hip and casual urban clothes like t-shirts and jeans – if you're a big, athletically built guy, you will love this place, as the owner caters specifically to these body types. Guys and gals alike love Jep (7501 La Jolla Blvd.; 858/551-0600; www.jepboutique.com) which carries all the latest and forever-changing styles fashionistas crave.

Tijuana is known for selling inexpensive silver, leather goods, and cigars, but you better have a sharp eye if you are planning any major purchases – these goods are often fake (especially the cigars) or of poor quality. But if you are in the market for a sombrero, beach blanket, or some other inexpensive item, shop away. And while we don't advocate this, many people find that they can buy their prescription drugs for much cheaper than in the U.S. Avenida Revolucion is an eight-block long shopping district filled with vendors, underground mini-malls, and shops selling everything from Mexican tiles to clothes to perfume. There are also many places to stop for a taco or cerveza along the way.

See San Diego Travel Guide