For better or for worse, shopping malls have become the town squares of American society. Entertainment, along with shopping, is the name of the game for malls these days. So, a trip to the mall means a little shopping, something to eat, then catch a movie. And some malls do the entertainment thing better than others (Westfield Shoppingtowns notwithstanding). Here's my subjective take on the malls around San Diego County. I won't include "big box" centers, only your traditional shopping malls.
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall. Where else will you find a Tiffany store? Good restaurants and an AMC multiplex make this a place to go beyond shopping. Burberry, Lily Pulitzer, Gucci, Ruehl, Apple and Sony Style store reflect the mall's cool factor.
Tidbit: Parking is easiest and plentiful in the south-side parking structures.OK, Otay Ranch Town Center just opened in fall 2006. So what makes it so special? Well, it's the first regional mall to open in 20 years. And it's not your traditional mall, but a "lifestyle" mall. Think: a neighborhood business district, only with upscale shops and department stores.
Tidbit: The "main street" allows parking in front of many stores. It's pedestrian friendly, with a dog park, too. For entertainment, an AMC theatre (soon) and lots of dining.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.
Tidbit: The parking structures can be confusing for first-timers. They are designated by vegetables and fruits. Make sure you validate your parking ticket (with any purchase) for 3 free hours (4 hours with movie or restaurant purchase).Located in the South County area, Plaza Bonita is the Westfield indoor, two-level counterpart to Plaza Camino Real. In the past, other than the more ethnically diverse makeup of the Chula Vista, National City area shoppers (Hispanic, Filipino), you wouldn't know if you were in Plaza Camino, North County or Plaza Bonita. But the mall underwent an extensive makeover, adding a Target, Borders Books, H&M fashions, and 14-screen AMC Cinema, expansive food court and sit down restaurants. Now, the mall has a new, sleek, upscale sheen - nice.
Tidbit: Plaza Bonita has been upgraded and boasts an H&M fashion retail store.One of the many Westfield Shoppingtown entities, UTC is a pleasant outdoor mall. Located in the Golden Triangle area (and slated for a refurbishing), it caters to the yuppie/soccer mom crowd. The much-used ice skating rink distinguishes the mall from others of Westfield's homogenous stable. Nordstrom, Sears, and Macy's are the majors.
Tidbit: The ice rink and food court is the place to stay cool on hot days - a fun place to chill and people watch.This quaint mall in La Mesa is the shopping center that time forgot. It's a cozy, well-maintained outdoor mall in La Mesa that is lacking in pizazz and choices - in fact, it's a bit dull. But in the world of mega-malls, sometimes dull is OK. Anchored by a two-story Target, a smallish Macy's, Grossmont also has a nice Pacific Cinema, and a two-level Wal-Mart.
Tidbit: There's a surprsingly good choice of sitdown restaurants, including the new Casa de Pico and Shakey's Pizza for families. Yet another Westfield mall, Parkway Plaza is the regional mall serving East County. This indoor, single level mall is a necessity in scorching El Cajon. Malls tend to reflect their clientele, and Parkway serves the unpretentious, middle America of East County. Young adult shops, a Regal Cinema and a food court make this the area's teen hangout. A two-story Wal-Mart is the newest tenant.
Tidbit: A Family Lounge is located in the Food Court as a respite for those with little ones, and the mall is a WiFi hotspot.Chula Vista Center is one of the smaller malls in the region, and often gets lost in the shuffle between nearby Plaza Bonita and the new Otay Ranch Towne Center. An older mall located in downtown Chula Vista, it has the only Sears store in the South Bay are. It's also anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Mervyn's, and an ULTRAStar Cinema.
Tidbit: If you want to hit the mall in the South Bay, and don't like indoor malls, or aren't swayed by the higher end shops, Chula Vista Center is a perfect fit.Another generic, indoor Westfield mall, Plaza Camino Real serves the North County Coastal area (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside). Two-level, with the usual assortment of over 170 stores, Plaza Camino is as undistinguished as North County Fair, except they have a MovieMax Theatre Plaza. A new Steve & Barry's University Sportswear and Bella Furniture are open.
Tidbit: Mall walkers fitness program meets on Tuesdays at 8:30 am.Yet another Westfield shopping mall, North County (Fair) serves the North County bedroom communities of Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, etc. This large, two-level indoor mall is of mid-1980s vintage with your usual allotment of department stores and shops (JC Penney, Sears, Nordstrom). Before Westfield took it over, it was known as North County Fair, and people still refer to it as that.
Tidbit: Parking is plentiful, but the food court is small, and the sit-down restaurant food choices are limited, given the area demographics. Pretty ho-hum.Westfield's Mission Valley Center is kind of a mess. Its layout is a mess (a remnant of the '60s) and it's the most downscale of the are shopping malls. The selection of shops and the gigantic AMC multiplex suggest a catering to the teen and young adult crowd. But it does have a two-level Target (always good to have), two Macy's stores and Nordstrom Rack, and a 24-Hour Fitness gym.
Tidbit: Hot home furnishing store West Elm is in the mall's West Annex, along with Gordon Biersch, Border's, Old Navy and DSW Shoes. New restaurants are being built adjacent to Target will be opening in Fall 2007.
