There’s much more to San Diego than just its world famous zoo. Take shopping for instance. I like to flex my shopping muscle in San Diego at the city’s more eclectic stores. I don’t live anywhere near California so when I do visit I want to leave with something I can’t find back here in the Midwest.
That said the following are some of my favorite places to spend money in San Diego:
Little Italy
Located just northwest of the city’s business center, Little Italy is one of San Diego’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. It’s filled with art galleries and incredible Italian restaurants. While your there make sure you pop into the Fir Street Cottage Shops. They are housed in a row of small homes that local artisans banded together to buy and run their business from. If you are looking for a bright piece of unusual art to take home with you this is where you’ll find it.
Dogma Catma
If you are a pet owner Dogma Catma is your mecca. The upscale boutique/pet shop is located in the city’s trendy Hillcrest area. Seriously, this place celebrates dogs and cats like no other. Everything your furry friend could ever dream of owning is in this shop. From stylish collars and miniature mansion dog houses to the softest pet beds and chew toys in the shapes of George Bush and Bill Clinton.
Horton Plaza
Some locals call it the Times Square of San Diego. My mom calls it one of her favorite spots on earth. I’m referring to San Diego’s Horton Plaza. It’s one the city’s most famous attractions (it’s right up there with the Zoo, Balboa Park and SeaWorld) and once you step foot in the place you’ll know why. Horton Plaza is a series of paths, bridges, towers, fountains, and of course, stores, stores, stores. From department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s to national chains like Ann Taylor, Body Shop, Foot Locker, and Victoria’s Secret. There’s a multiplex movie theater, a slew of restaurants and a bunch of hair salons too. But, my favorite shop in the entire plaza is the San Diego City Store. It’s where I pick up all my souvenirs. They’ve got it all; from refrigerator magnets to the San Diego Monopoly game, even seats from the old Jack Murphy Stadium.
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