Speciality Shops, San Diego

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Swings and Things is such a fun store to visit. Not only is it in an awesome location - the waterfront of downtown San Diego - it is an experience just to try all the different hammocks and swings they have to offer. My family had a blast swinging in a giant hammock all together. The fun shop attendant made us try everything and even took our photo! My favorite spot was the cushioned porch swing they have outside. We must have sat in it for over an hour enjoying the view of the water while we ate our Ben and Jerry's ice cream (which is right around the corner). I will definitely visit this store again and when I am ready to buy a hammock I won't go anywhere else. The staff are super friendly and know all the facts about hammock hanging and styles. Love it!

What to buy: Hand woven hammocks of all sizes and colors. Awesome hanging chairs. Really cool tropical art. Cute tire swings that look like horses and elephants.

What to pay: Most hammocks were around $100. The wall art was really inexpensive.

Landscaping a new home or renovating existing landscaping can be a major chore. Finding the right spot to get good quality plants can be difficult.

Hunter's Nursery, located in the Lemon Grove area of San Diego is an excellent "go to" place to get good quality plants and trees. The've been around since 1919 so they're doing something right.

What to buy: If they don't have the plant, tree, or shrub, just ask and they'll probably have what you want in a matter of days.

What to pay: All depends on what you're buying and the size but their prices are quite reasonable.

Best Buy has several locations around San Diego to choose from but I'll suggest the Mission Valley as it's an easy place for a tourist to get to. There is plenty free parking here but also if you're relying on public transportation there is a SD Trolley Mission Valley station very near this store.

Though not really my first choice to shop at, it is a very popular place with gamers, and all types of computer or electronic aficionados who are interested in getting the newest things on the market.

They advertise that they will "beat other's prices" so this might be the place for you while shopping electronic toys.

What to buy: TV's, Computers and all accessories and software, phones, cameras, gaming equipment and software, home & appliances.

Well, you know what you want to buy. I bought my last camera here and have been satisfied with the price paid but, I was upset to learn that they charge a 10% restock fee for any returned item, whether it is your fault or theirs that you purchased the wrong thing.

Walking around Spanish Village Center I found Studio 34B with the following artists selling their works:
Danielle Deaton -Watercolors
Sally Bly - Watercolors
Amy Sommerville- hand painted and etched glass & mirror

What to buy: Watercolors by Sally Bly if you like it.

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Pop! Boutique is the raddest shop in San Diego! Men & Womens Clothing. DVDs, Records, Sunglasses and more! This little boutique has everything!: jeans, tees, dresses, jewelry, vintage, hats, shoes, hoodies, cameras etc etc! Mike the owner is super sweet and has great taste. He can help you style a great outfit to stand out from the crowd in. NICE STYLES AT NICE PRICES....designer jeans for $60???...it doesn't get any better. They also feature local artists, and hard to find specialty magazines.

What to buy: old polaroid cameras, specialty music dvds, vintage purses, hard to find records, fedoras, original tees, high waisted jeans, skinny jeans, funky shades, unique jewelry

What to pay: not much for ALOT

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I just discovered a treasure chest of a clothing store after getting my everyday cup of coffee. This new boutique in North Park sells exciting new labels such as Cheap Monday, Evil Genius, and Miss Wax. They have rad tees, jeans, dresses, shades, and jewelry for girls AND guys. They also sell shoes, vintage, records, dvds, art, mags and more. Everything looks so original. They aren't even expensive either!....the designer jeans go for about 68?!?!....which is such a steal these days. Another plus is the super friendly staff--Mike the owner is a great guy, and Laura is very sweet as well. They are very friendly and can help you put together a great everyday outfit or something hot for a night on the town! Check it out while it's still a "secret" : 2927 Lincoln Ave (off of 30th), San Diego CA 92104...619-688-1038

What to buy: Funky sunglasses, original jewelry, high-waisted jeans, skinny jeans, vintage purses, unique hard to find magazines, vintage leather jackets, music dvds

What to pay: GREAT PRICES! the most inexpensive: 10 dollars. the most expensive: $98? you can walk away with so much!!

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!!

Seaport Village offers a wide variety of speciality shops and several waterfront restaurants (visit web site for complete list).

Free 2 hour parking with any purchase.

Our personal favorite shop was the Wyland Galleries where you can see some of the most spectacular paintings, sculptures and photography of whales, dolphins, and manatees found anywhere.

I checked a gift shop to see if there were any shot glasses for Daddy. Instead, I found a couple of zoo key chains for Javier. Even if I hadn't found another key chain before I sent his Christmas collection, he would have been set right there.

What to buy: I also bought the sign you see in the warning & danger tip admonishing folks not to mess with the animals.

Right near the entrance way as your coming into the Sea World Park.

What to buy: Teasures: From T-Shirts - keychains - rubber whales & fish...etc. etc. etc...and so on and so on.

What to pay: Lots of plenty $$$$$, or bring of course your VISA