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Mervyn’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom department stores serve as anchors to this festive shopping experience, a destination in its own right. Designed as an amusement park for shoppers, ramps lead past staggered shopping levels that hold 130 specialty shops, a few restaurants, and movie theaters. The Plaza’s landmark is the 1907 Jessop’s Clock, a 21-ft (6.4-m) high timepiece with 20 dials that display the time in all parts of the world (see Horton Plaza).

Holding an almost cult-like status among shopping fanatics, “Nordies” remains as popular as ever for its vast clothing selection and impressive shoe department. Belying the plush surroundings and live pianist who serenades shoppers with classical selections and show tunes, this department store can be quite affordable. Of course, there is always the personal shopper who will help you out in the designer section.

Since 1976, travelers Bill and Joan Keller have directed their passion for the road into a one-stop travel shop that offers anything a traveler might desire: Eagle Creek and Swiss Army luggage and backpacks, an array of packing organizers and travel accessories, and a good assortment of maps and guidebooks.

For nearly 50 years, the Loma Movie Theater presented Hollywood’s greatest epics. In 1990, the theater was transformed into a grand bookstore. Well-stocked shelves sit on various levels as the floor steps down toward the former screen; the original ceiling still exists; and the carpet was specially milled to match the original.

A regular clientele of wine connoisseurs frequent this intimate Gaslamp business. Hundreds of offerings from California and Europe are found in several catacomb-like rooms. Charts of special vintages, wine magazines, and the expertise of the owner will help in your selection. Call for the latest wine tasting schedule.

To participate in San Diego’s outdoor life, you might need some sports equipment or active sportswear. This store, well-located near Mission Bay, offers everything possible, including rentals of camping equipment, kayaks, waterskis, and tennis racquets, as well as a full-service bike shop. You can also take scuba lessons or book a dive charter boat.

If you’re looking for souvenirs or that unusual knick-knack for the shelf, this is the right place. You’ll find kites, magnets, gifts for left-handed people, and T-shirts galore. The Village’s superb location along San Diego’s waterfront will keep you occupied.

These intersecting streets in La Jolla are synonymous with upscale shopping and high-end art galleries. If you’re seeking an expensive look, chic clothing boutiques and Italian shoe stores will happily oblige. The gorgeous displays in the home decor shops will give you great ideas to take home. In the breezy arcades, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind shops and beachwear boutiques.

This ritzy shopping center contains six major department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom, as well as 200 specialty boutiques that carry just about everything. Tiffany & Co., MAC cosmetics, and Apple are among 40 stores found nowhere else in the area. The San Diego Trolley conveniently stops in the parking lot.

Loehmann’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy’s Home & Furniture are just a few of the stores that carry items seen at higher-priced department stores. Budget shoppers flock to Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and more than 100 other stores. Don’t confine your shopping to the center: across the street is Saks Off Fifth Avenue’s outlet store.