Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Grossmont Area

"Located inside Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art is one of the most popular indoor attractions in San Diego and plays host to a large collection of artwork. For those who enjoy viewing masterpieces created by European, American and Asian artists, the museum offers a broad selection of pieces including work from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as some from today’s most recognizable artists. The San Diego Museum of Art is the oldest and largest art museum in the region and welcomes guests from all over the world throughout the year."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is spread out over two venues, one downtown and one in La Jolla. The museum is dedicated to serving their diverse audience through exhibits of art created since 1950. The downtown location features site-specific...[Learn more]"

"This museum has a few different exhibits rotating throughout the year and they make plenty of appearances on instagram. These exhibits have already left, but see the ones they have now here."

"When asking people for recommendations on what to do during a trip to San Diego, they’ll probably mention Liberty Public Market. It runs all day and every day, and it offers a staggering amount of goods from dozens and dozens of vendors. Whether you’re looking for rare books, artisan cheeses, homemade jewelry or cheesy t-shirts saying “I Heart California,” you can find them here."

"Kids can take their pick from empanadas, bao buns, tacos, or pizza followed by sweet crepes, cookies, and bubble waffles at Liberty Public Market, which also has an astroturf outdoor space with tons of seating. Kid-friendly restaurants Officine Buona Forchetta and Stone Brewing are just a short walk away."

"San Diego’s first food hall is housed in the city’s former naval training center, a 361-acre site in Point Loma that now features a lively business district with wide lawns, a waterfront park, and historic Spanish Revival–style..."

"Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries make this the noontime stop for downtown workers."

"All hands in the water spray at these interactive pop jets in Horton Plaza park. Grab a cup of coffee or have lunch at this nice urban retreat. 900 4th Ave.San Diego, CA 92101Online: hortonplazapark.com"

"Both a full scale mall and an architectural piece of art, Horton Plaza boasts over 130 stores including Louis Vuitton, Arden B., Bebe, Victoria's Secret and BCBG.[Learn more]"

"Ocean Beach has its own unique vibe, and that same spirit can be felt at theOcean Beach Farmers Market!. This funky and hippy-happy beachside community creates a fun atmosphere with tasty meals, homemade arts and crafts, and live music. It’s probably the most unique farmers market I’ve ever been to (and that’s saying something!) So trust me, you won’t be disappointed."

"People come to the Ocean Beach Farmers Market in San Diego for the local music, the handpicked fruits, and the unique beach vibe. Guests will walk the market on their evening stroll, they’ll come from the beach in their bathing suits, and find local honey, flowers, food truck style meals, and more. Parking: There are many affordable parking spaces in the area."

"The second mid-week treat on our list, the Ocean Beach market is another San Diego favorite. Here you can find fresh produce, spreads, baked goods, honey, etc. With many pre-packaged and to-go dishes available, it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat for dinner after picking up your favorite local goods."

"Walk back to Girard Avenue and continue south to Ark Antiques, founded in the 1970s as the dream of two women decided to start a business based on their two passions, antiques, and animals. Today, it’s one of the most lucrative non-profits in La Jolla. This specialty shop sells every kind of consigned item you could want including antique jewelry, silver, china, paintings, lighting, furniture, and more."

"Just a step inside the Old Town Market and you’ll get a sense of what life was like several centuries ago when the city of San Diego was brand new. The market offers visitors a chance to see and hear tales of Old Town, the original inhabitants and how they lived, worked and survived in the early 1800’s. Visit the free museum, watch working artisans, pick up a souvenir or two at one of the shops or enjoy a meal—Old Town Market of San Diego is a charming, nostalgic landmark and attraction that is brimming with history and entertainment."

"The Harney Street Market offers a variety of artisan goods, including jewelry, paintings, photography, hand-blown glass, woodwork, clothing, and accessories. It takes place in Old Town San Diego on Harney Street every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m."

"Join us for free, historic storytelling, shows and entertainment every day of the week. Shop in our 40 unique gift stores, watch working artisans, or enjoy a bite to eat. Learn about the rich history of Old Town San Diego in our free museum."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"If you love animals, you might consider a trip to the San Diego Zoo. It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."

"Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, founder of the Zoological Society of San Diego, was inspired by the exotic animal exhibitions at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Unlike the exposition, however, Dr. Wegeforth was one of the early advocates for cageless exhibits."

"The fittingly, but lazily named, Windansea Beach in La Jolla is a mecca for surfers. This exposed stretch of coast is known for its high-speed winds and rough waters, perfect for those looking for a rush out on the waves. Windansea has appeared in many surf movies and documentaries over the years due to its reputation for huge swells."