Shopping in La Jolla
La Jolla is a hidden gem for shopping in San Diego. It’s got everything – from cute, trendy boutiques to high-end fashion and even a few men’s custom suit stores, there is no shortage of great ways to spend a day out on the town. So whether you need the latest Club De Nuit Intense fragrance, or the freshest pair of Gucci shoes, shopping in La Jolla will manifest everything you need.
Downtown La Jolla Village has the best collection of stores, most of which are located along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, making it the ideal place to discover where to shop in La Jolla.
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Girard Avenue: La Jolla’s Premier Shopping Street
Downtown La Jolla, also known as La Jolla Village, is a delightful place to spend time exploring on foot. The area is filled with trendy boutiques, high-end fashion stores, and men’s custom suit shops. After a bit of shopping, you can take a break at one of the many coffee shops in La Jolla San Diego. Or, stop by one of our juice bars, or restaurants for a delightful interlude. Some spots, like Duke’s and Trilogy Sanctuary, offer rooftop seating with spectacular views.
Prospect Street and Girard Avenue are the most popular shopping streets in La Jolla, and they actually intersect, which makes them some of the best spots to shop from in La Jolla. Strolling down Girard Avenue is like taking a trip down memory lane, with shops and restaurants reminiscent of Main Street in small-town America.
Unlike many places, Girard Avenue overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean and enjoys La Jolla’s mild climate year-round. Whether you’re shopping for the latest fashion at The Ascot Shop or athletic wear at Lululemon, Girard Avenue has a diverse range of stores to explore.
Must-Visit Shops in La Jolla
If you’re wondering where to shop in La Jolla, we’ve got answers. To start, consider the Main Street aesthetic of downtown La Jolla, and stop into Warwick’s, the oldest continuously operated family-owned independent bookstore in America. Visiting this bookstore is a treat, with friendly staff ready to help you find just the right book.
Warwick’s also hosts various events, such as book signings and community gatherings. They are known for their extensive collections in genres like fiction, travel, and children’s books, as well as their nostalgic window displays that can make you look forward to the winter holidays even in the middle of spring.
Another iconic shopping destination in La Jolla is Mitch’s Surf Shop, located a few blocks over on Pearl Street. Known for its simple yet recognizable logo, Mitch’s is a quiet and unassuming shop but highly respected in the surfing community. The shop stocks popular brands like Billabong, Rip Curl, and Salty Crew, but its own merchandise is what truly stands out.
Shopping Malls in La Jolla
Some of the best shopping in La Jolla takes place at the mall scene, which caters to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. One of the most popular destinations is the Westfield UTC, a premier outdoor shopping mall that offers an array of high-end retailers, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
Another notable shopping mall is La Jolla Village Square, which combines the convenience of a traditional shopping center with the upscale flair of La Jolla. This mall features a variety of stores, including Trader Joe’s, DSW, and Ross Dress for Less. For a more relaxed and local shopping experience, head to The Shops at La Jolla Village. This shopping mall in La Jolla offers a mix of essential services, retail stores, and eateries, providing a convenient shopping experience without the hustle and bustle of larger malls.
Art Galleries in Downtown La Jolla
One thing that may surprise visitors is the prominence of art galleries in La Jolla. You might go out for a walk down Prospect St. in La Jolla to shop for a souvenir and end up negotiating the shipping of a giant art piece for your living room wall back home.
Notable art galleries include the La Jolla Art Association Gallery, known for showcasing local artists, and the National Geographic Fine Art Galleries, featuring stunning photographic works.
The Quint Gallery on Girard Avenue is renowned for contemporary art, often hosting exhibitions by prominent artists. Meanwhile, Legends Gallery on Prospect Street features a mix of contemporary and classic art, including works by the famed Dr. Seuss.
Pamper Yourself: Beauty & Skincare in La Jolla
La Jolla is full of beautiful people who seem to care strongly about healthy lifestyle choices, good fashion, and beautiful skin. There are a handful of juice bars in La Jolla Village, along with plenty of restaurants that offer healthy options. For skincare, you might be able to find what you need, too.
If you’re traveling to La Jolla to visit, you might bring your collagen stem cell serum from home, but if you forget it or run out, there’s always Cos Bar, a beauty supply store on Girard.
But this doesn’t even cover all of the skin care studios and clinics in the village, with services ranging from spa-like luxuries to dermatologists in La Jolla who provide anti-aging treatments.
The Ultimate Shopping Experience in La Jolla
Sometimes it’s stressful to go shopping in San Diego. There’s freeway traffic, cramped parking lots, the hassles of street parking, and so on. Perhaps that’s part of why people love shopping in La Jolla Village so much. Sure, you may have to drive around for a little while to find your parking spot, but once you’ve found it, you can wander around and enjoy yourself.
For a comprehensive La Jolla shopping guide, be sure to explore all the local options.
If you find you need a diversion from all that shopping, there are plenty of coffee shops in La Jolla San Diego, juice bars, and restaurants waiting to offer you a seat and refreshment. Happy shopping!
FAQs About Shopping in La Jolla
Here are some frequently asked questions about shopping in La Jolla:
Shopping in La Jolla offers a variety of retail therapy experiences, from high-end boutiques to unique local shops. Popular spots include Girard Avenue, Prospect Street, and La Jolla Village. Highlights include Warwick’s bookstore, Mitch’s Surf Shop, and upscale boutiques like Gracie & Co., Vuori Clothing, and Blue Apparel.
You bet! La Jolla is home to several shopping malls. Westfield UTC is one of the largest, offering a mix of lux retailers, top-notch dining options, and entertainment facilities. La Jolla Village Square is another great destination. It gives off a chill vibe, providing a more intimate shopping experience with a variety of shops and eateries.
For unique gifts and souvenirs, head to Geppetto’s Toys for a wide selection of toys and games, or explore local boutiques like Sigi’s Boutique for European and American fashion, and We Olive for gourmet food items.
La Jolla features numerous clothing stores catering to various styles and preferences. Popular choices include Lululemon for athletic wear, Aviator Nation for retro California style, Charleston Shoe Co. for comfortable footwear, and Laura Gambucci for high-end designer fashion.
We’ve got plenty of them! La Jolla has a mighty reputation for its switched-on art scene and we have numerous galleries. Prospect Street and its surrounding areas are dotted with galleries – each showcasing both local and international artists. This makes it a perfect place to find unique art pieces.
Shopping in downtown La Jolla, often referred to as “The Village,” offers a blend of luxury boutiques, charming local stores, and beautiful ocean views. The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore shops, art galleries, and restaurants at a leisurely pace.
Are there ever! La Jolla hosts a variety of specialty shops. For example, Cos Bar offers luxury skincare and beauty products, while Rangoni Shoes specializes in high-quality Italian footwear. Havaianas is a go-to for colorful and durable sandals.