Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop is a bright, tiled ice cream parlor that scoops out delights like 'The Earthquake'—an eight-scoop wonder designed to be shared by a lot of people, adorned with bananas, eight different toppings, whipped cream, nuts and cherries. Less vigorous appetites will probably be satisfied with a simple ice cream sundae or a cone. Alongside the parlor there is a small chocolate shop offering all of the favorite Ghirardelli varieties. Sidewalk tables make this a great rest stop on a warm day.
The quaint Girard Avenue offers visitors a chance to experience shopping within small, local businesses. There are a number of art galleries, books stores and craft shops that are not affiliated with any corporation. If you are looking for the most modern and fashionable clothing for women, try Melange. Anyone looking for art should be sure to make a stop at Cosmopolitan Fine Arts. Once you are through shopping and in need of some tasty on-the-go food, try Girard Gourmet.
Otay Ranch Town Center has a great number of stores and restaurants, including Macy's, Panera, Gap, and See's Candies. They set themselves apart by providing a dog park. Man's best friend has 10,000 square feet in which to run and play here. If you visit on a Tuesday, you'll find a farmer's market here. You can pick up fresh produce and locally made products while enjoying live entertainment!
Take a leisurely walk from the Gaslamp Quarter or Horton Plaza and escape the madness of the city for awhile. Stroll down miles of cobblestone paths taking in the greenery, ponds and fountains as you make your way around 54 one-of-a-kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries and four fine-dining restaurants. Unsurpassed views of the bay, its ships and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge surround the park. Complete with a carousel dating from the 1890s, this is a great place to visit for the day. A monthly calender features live blues, jazz, country and swing bands.
This wine shop is located across from the Hillcrest Cinemas in trendy, walkable, vibrant Hillcrest. The intimate, enchanting atmosphere encourages conversation and conviviality. Enjoy a variety of wines, carefully selected for value and quality. Not into wine? Fear not, this shop also offers a selection of micro-brewed beers from small breweries both near and far. The friendly, knowledgeable staff shares their insights into the large selection of variously priced wines while educating you into becoming a repeat customer. The Wine Lover opens daily at 4.30pm.
In the heart of downtown San Diego, this spot offers a variety of vintage gems in several specialty shops. One shop, Big City Woman, hosts antique jewelry, hats and resale clothing. Another option is the Folk Arts Rare Records shop, designed for record collectors. This shop holds a 90,000-hour library that offers custom taping. Customers may enjoy jazz, blues, big bands and vaudeville, as well as selections from old radio shows and movie soundtracks. For anyone with a fondness for vintage products, this is a must-see spot in San Diego. Credit card acceptance varies by vendor.