Stores, Malls or Markets in San Diego

See my "things to do" tip on Pacific Beach. There are so many cool shops to buy clothes. It is lots of fun to go in and out of them, people watching long the way. Saturdays are the best for that, of course.

If you like to wear tee-shirts but want one that has an awesome saying on it that has some San Diego local flair to it, Crazy Shirts in Seaport Village is the place for you. They had really cool shirts that would make great Christmas gifts. The staff was hip and friendly too.

Not as expansive as Wear It Again Sam, Frock You has a good selection of both men's and women's clothing back to the 1940s. The number of high quality pieces is less than what you'll find at Wear It Again Sam but it does have a lot of nice things and the prices are much more down to earth. I found a great 1960s short sleeve shirt with a great red diamond stripe pattern for just $20. The staff are very friendly and accomodating. Definitely worth a stop to see what's in stock.

They're closed on Mon and Tue but you can call to make an appointment any time.

What to buy: Vintage clothes for men and women

What to pay: Varies but bargains can be found here.

A model trains/Railroad enthusiast's dream. In 2001, we visited and I managed to get a Athern loco. The staff were friendly and helpful and if you are not that up to date on the rail scene in the USA these guys can help. It's on my list to visit again in 2006.

What to buy: Model railroad things. From Locos, coaches, wagons to mini people and buildings.

What to pay: from a small amount on one of the little people to a large amount on a loco or whole railroad set.

Wear It Again Sam is not a place where you can expect to find things at a great bargain just because it is used. What you will find are some great vintage pieces in nearly brand new condition from as far back as the 1940s. That's 60 years old! They pay attention to detail and condition and the clothes available here are on the high end of each. And you'll be expected to pay a decent price as well. But when you consider how hard it's getting to find original clothes from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s you'll understand why it's worth it to pay what they're asking. Thus far I've purchase a beautiful 1950s gabardine Ike jacket, a wonderful maroon 1940s sportcoat with raised lapels, and numerous gabardine shirts and pants. The staff are great to talk with about vintage clothing and are very friendly.

This is unarguably the best vintage clothing shop I have ever been to in terms of what they typically have and the quality of their merchandise. A must for any vintage clothing enthusiast!

What to buy: Vintage clothes for men and women.

What to pay: Varies but it won't be cheap

If you are planning to visit Disneyland, California Adventure and many other theme parks in southern california with your family and friends, but you dont want to spend so much $, here is an deal for you. Get a City Pass of Southern California from the site below, save up to $75 US for each adult and $57 for children. So you can use the $ to buy other stuff instead. You can have unlimited admission to Disneyland and California Adventure for 3 days. However, you can just pick one zoo between the San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park.
Local tips: Check out some pepsi soda can in local supermarket for stall for special coupon on the can at six flag magic mountain.

What to buy: City Pass Southern California

Hi! I grew up there! You want to go up Fifth Street to Hillcrest (not far). You will also be close to Balboa Park and the Zoo, which surprisingly has some good shopping in the museums and the House of Nations UNICEF store. Hillcrest has the urban, second-hand, chic, gay, Provencial, and well everything else kind of shopping. Lots of great rare/used bookstores too. It also has real coffee houses, not just Starbucks.

If you have a car, or take the train, up to North County, the string of old beach communities such as Del Mar, Cardiff, Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad and Oceanside, all have pockets of shopping. The old cool beach vibe is fading fast due to overpopulation, but it still has lots of stuff to offer. I don't think anyone should visit San Diego without experiencing North County, since it reflects the San Diego experience (well, not so much anymore; everything changes and fades....)

Ocean Beach (near Sea World) used to be THE musician hangout and many of the big stars lived/vacationed there. Like North County, it ain't what it used to be, but there is still residual hip shopping along Newport Avenue. If you go there, I suggest driving or walking along Sunset Cliffs.

What to buy: Handmade jewelry, glass, pottery. World artifacts - San Diego is filled with people from all over the world, so everyone there has love for international goods. Many San Diegans make a living by traveling and bringing home neat stuff for resale. New Age/Spiritual/Religious Stuff - again, lots of interest locally means lots of cool gear. Some really amazing (scary?) magic shops etc. and wonderful temples and churches of various faiths with cool shops. Plants - San Diego is known for some rare/unusual plant nurseries so if you have interest in that, you can score here. Music - instruments, old records, high end second-hand stereo gear - San Diego is a big-time musicians' town. Sporting goods - well of course, if you surf, get your custom board here. Motorcycles - yes; cars - best to go to L.A. if you are looking for killer classic/exotic cars. Rare books. Estate sales ROCK in San Diego; even garage sales often have stuff that isn't just junk. Some wonderful thrift stores - El Cajon, otherwise nondescript, for some reason has great thrift store shopping. Coronado Island used to as well but unsure if that's still the case.

What to pay: Compared to other places I've been, San Diego is THE best place to get stuff at a bargain price; and it's easier to find quality stuff too. Even food shopping is the best and reasonable - you have no problem whatever type of diet you follow. Restaurants are usually at least okay, many are great, and that includes the dirt-cheap ones. Roberto's drive-through Mexican stands are legendary among locals and you pay practically nothing for a lot of great, healthy food. There are many awesome Vietnamese restaurants too, again very cheap, very healthy, home-cooked style food. Seafood is cheap, plentiful and wonderful - Pt. Loma Seafoods is the place to go.

Kobys Swap Meet (flea market) is located in the San Diego Sports Arena parking lot.
It's held on Fri/Sat/Sun. The best days being Sat/Sun.
The prices here are cheaper on most things than in Tijuana, Mexico.

If you do shop in Tijuana, figure to pay half of the stated price that's first asked for.
Just a rule of thumb, as most things can be bought anywhere in TJ
And, buy things on the way out, so you don't have to carry it with you all day while having fun.