San Diego is so varied, you'd be surprised to learn that one can go on a "Sephora Splurgathon" in La Jolla at the Westfield Mall, while the very next day, travel up to the beautiful mountains of Julian and buy some fresh, rustic apple pie or Famous Dudley's bread (where celebrities are often spotted, according to employees who work there).
San Diego also has beautiful seaside shopping areas, like Seaport Village, conveniently located near famous places to visit like Sea World and Balboa Park. There is superb dining for when you want a bite to eat, The Hard Rock Cafe being one of its most well-known. It doesn't matter what type of fare you're into, as vegetarians can also find restaurants that serve vegetarian dishes. Love Indian food? Try the various ethnic cuisines that can be found near the famous, multilevel Westfield Horton Plaza mall.
A perfect ending to a perfect day of shopping is often the "ultimate experience" for shopaholics, and if you're in the mood for a movie and dinner after a long day of shopping, then the Horton Plaza has much to offer. From The Napa Valley Grille to the Nordstrom's Cafe, there is much to satisfy sophisticated tastes. Brought the kids? Try Hot Dog On A Stick or Superfries.
While you're shopping at the various upscale stores at Horton Plaza (Louis Vuitton anyone?), if you've got the kids in tow, there is a great arcade that they can visit that will keep them busy for hours on end.
Meanwhile, if you're perusing the beautiful area of La Jolla, get those credit cards out because there is much to see and buy. Most of the Westfield malls include favorites like Macy's and Nordstrom's; however, at Westfield University Town Center, one of the favorite places for women to enjoy would also be Sephora. With its racks of wall-to-wall super luxurious cosmetics and skin-care brands, who wouldn't be pleasantly overwhelmed? You can find everything here: Bliss, Fresh, and Juicy Couture are just a few of the more popular upscale brands for which women go crazy!
There is also a L'Occitane store nearby, where you can find an abundance of French goodness that this famous brand has to offer. Some other hard-to-find stores would include Coach, Crate & Barrel, and the Pottery Barn. There is also a World Market in La Jolla, where one can find many eclectic furnishings and imported foods. Speaking of which, when you've become famished again, try the exotic Indian or Vietnamese food in the food court; or if you're in the mood for more standard American fare, there's plenty of burgers and fries as well, especially if you've brought the whole family along. Don't forget the ice rink and the Office Games Arcade for the kiddies if they get bored.
Just 20 minutes down the road is Westfield mall in North County (Escondido). For those who enjoy more rustic adventures or desire to get away from the big city while also finding some new shopping experiences, traveling eastward from Escondido just about 20 minutes more, you will find the quietly nestled towns of Ramona and Julian.
Ramona is a quaint country town that offers many antique stores and curio shops. Try the Ramona Cafe while you're there; it was a favorite of John Wayne and Roy Rogers, too. Just 10 minutes from Ramona you will find the magnificent Barona Casino, an ultra-luxe casino with a spa and gym. Stay there a few nights and have a good time; the food there is also quite delicious!
If you decide to visit Julian, you will not be displeased. This beautiful and magnificent mountain getaway boasts historic buildings in which you can shop for items as varied as Native American jewelry, old-fashioned candy, and sexy items from a parlour or boudoir that will remind you of the Wild West days. For the kids, there is also a gold mine and gold panning, as well as horseback riding. Don't forget the casinos for when the adults get restless. You could even take a carriage ride after a long hard day of shopping. By the way, while you're there, be sure and visit the world famous Dudley's Bakery!
After returning from such rustic settings, if you're still in the mood to shop, Fashion Valley Mall would be another great place to make a stop. Many upscale stores can be found here, including Tiffany's, Burberry and Gucci. There are also some excellent salons and eco-conscious shops like the Aveda Lifestyle Store, Kiehl's and Origins. Still hungry? The California Pizza Kitchen and P.F. Chang's are a few of the more popular dining establishments on tap.
This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Wendy Koenigsmann.