shopping guide

shopping centers

Carlsbad Premium Outlets 
5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad 888-790-SHOP; 760-804-9000. I-5 to Palomar Rd. exit about 35 minutes from downtown San Diego. Ninety outlet favorites, including Crate and Barrel, DKNY,  Barney’s, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Reebok, Waterford Wedgwood, Swarovski, Godiva and other staples in clothing, shoes, luggage, jewelry and specialty items. plus unique specialty shops make this a go-to outlet destination. The grounds are nicely landscaped and encourage strolling. Lots of places to dine. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm (til 7 on Sun). Online VIP shoppers club: https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/

Coronado Ferry Landing
1201 First St. at B Ave., Coronado. Just a short scenic ferry ride from San Diego Harbor Excursion’s dock at Broadway Pier, this charming bayfront specialty center features unique shops and galleries, bike and surrey rentals, fine dining at Peohe’s and Il Fornaio, and casual dining at Bay Beach Cafe. Magnificent views of San Diego’s skyline complete the experience. Free parking. 619-435-8895 www.sdhe.com

Las Americas Premium Outlets
4211 Camino de la Plaza. 619-934-8400. www.premiumoutlets.com Get great outlet prices on designer fashions, children’s clothes and toys, shoes, luggage, home furnishings and gifts. 125 stores ranging from Neiman Marcus to Lauren, Hilfiger, Lane Bryant, Old Navy, Coach, Zale’s, Nike and Sunglass Hut help you save on items you want most. Dine here, too. Mon.-Sat. 10am-9pm (7pm on Sun). About 20 minutes south of downtown San Diego. From I-5 south, exit at Diary Mart Rd.; from I-805, exit on Camino de la Plaza. From Mexico, take I-805 north and exit on San Ysidro Blvd

specialty stores

Distinctions
Grossmont Center. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. www.distinctions.com. One of the largest stores of its kind with an intriguing assortment of merchandise, perhaps the best selection in the entire Western United States. Distinctions specializes in the latest plus-size women’s fashions (12 and up). Look for designer labels like Eileen Fisher, Vikki Vi, Citron, Tianello and Liz and Jane. Find career and leisure separates, daytime and special occasion dressing, swimsuits, exercise wear and a unique presentation of accessories and jewelry. Call for directions. 619-464-6686. www.distinctionsplus.com