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My 13 Favorite Malls in Southern California (By a Local)
There are more malls in Southern California than in any other American state. To say that locals love shopping would be an understatement.
As a Southern California local, I grew up going to some of these famous malls. Shopping is one of the best things to do in California after all, so get your reusable bags ready and break out your comfortable shoes — let’s explore the SoCal malls you don’t want to miss.
Want to jump around?
13 Best Malls In Southern California
Rodeo Drive
A luxury outdoor mall for high-end shoppers in Beverly Hills.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Rodeo Drive is a quintessential Beverly Hills icon and one of the best things to do in LA.
High-end luxury stores line either side of the two-mile-long street. Among them, you will find Jimmy Choo, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and other designer stores.
The European-style architecture of this outdoor mall adds to the upscale atmosphere. Stay for a while to shop and grab a latte or a green juice for a pick-me-up. Keep an eye out for celebrities who frequent the area.
The Glendale Galleria & The Americana at Brand
Two popular malls with hundreds of shops and fun events and entertainment.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Glendale Galleria is an indoor mall that’s 3-stories tall with hundreds of stores. Right across the street, you’ll find The Americana, an outdoor mall with even more shops, a trolley, great dining spots, a movie theater, and a gorgeous public fountain.
Both are wonderful places to spend an afternoon. They’re also both popular spots for locals — expect crowds!
I recommend getting started at the Galleria and hitting up shops like Lush Cosmetics and the LEGO Store. After, head to The Americana to wind down and have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants with outdoor patios. The Americana is a perfect place to people-watch and you can end your outting with a leisurely ride on the trolley!
👉 Pro Tip: Visit during the holiday season and head to The Americana for a chance to take a photo with Santa and try holiday-inspired beverages around the mall.
Ovation Hollywood
An outdoor mall in the heart of Hollywood.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Ovation Hollywood is a bustling shopping center right on Hollywood Boulevard. Shop at places like Sephora and Hot Topic, grab a meal at Johnny Rockets, play games at Dave and Buster’s, and snag some souvenirs from several gift shops.
Come here to get some shopping done and see some of LA’s top attractions because Ovation is also perfect for entertainment. It’s home to the TCL Chinese Theater and the Dolby Theater.
You’ll find the Hollywood Walk of Fame right in front and the El Capitan Theater is across the street. Bonus: this is also a good place for some of those coveted views of the Hollywood Sign.
South Coast Plaza
This Costa Mesa mall is the biggest in California.
📍 Google Maps | Website
South Coast Plaza is massive — it’s the largest mall in the state after all and has over 250 shops and restaurants.
South Coast Plaza features an indoor carousel and goes all out with decor during the holidays. You’ll find luxury brand names like Gucci, Chanel, and Maison Margiela. But there are also retailers like J. Crew, H&M, and Anthropologie for those who aren’t looking to splurge.
Even if you don’t buy anything here, window shopping is entertaining enough at this huge mall. And there are plenty of places to eat, from quick bites to fine dining restaurants.
Fashion Island
A breezy beach town mall with upscale restaurants and shops.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Fashion Island is one of Orange County’s best malls. Hit the waves in the morning then head to the department stores in this popular spot to shop throughout the late afternoon.
Fashion Island is located in Newport Beach. It has a multitude of stores and dining options. Shop at places like All Saints, Urban Outfitters, and Neiman Marcus. My favorite place to eat at Fashion Island is the Cheesecake Factory.
Be sure to stop by The Lot to catch the latest blockbuster film on the big screen when your feet need a break from shopping!
A discount mall just outside of LA.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Thank goodness one of the most expensive states in America has outlet malls. You’ll plenty of locals at the Camarillo Premium Outlets on the weekends.
This open-air mall is 45 minutes from Downtown LA. Come here to save money on clothes and shoes from recognizable brands like American Eagle, lululemon, and New Balance. With over 165 stores to choose from, Camarillo Premium Outlets is sure to have a shop you’ll love.
3rd Street Promenade
A mall right near the beach and Santa Monica’s other great attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Website
3rd Street Promenade is the main shopping center in Santa Monica, situated several blocks from the beach.
This mall is a hotspot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Shop at places like Zara or Patagonia, catch a movie at the AMC Theater or watch stand-up at the Westside Comedy Theater. Later, grab dinner at Elephante.
One of my favorite times to visit the 3rd Street Promenade is as soon as the sun sets when picturesque string lights illuminate the shopping district. The famous Santa Monica Pier is also nearby. Head there after your shopping spree for an ice cream or a funnel cake for dessert.
Del Amo Fashion Center
This huge mall in Torrance is just ten minutes from the beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Del Amo Fashion Center is the sixth-largest shopping center in the United States. It’s made appearances in TV shows and movies like Euphoria and Jackie Brown and is beloved by locals.
With the beach only a short drive away, this is one of the best malls on this list. Spend your day shopping for the hottest trends, followed by a late lunch at the beach.
Ontario Mills
One of the best outlet shopping malls in the Inland Empire.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Ontario Mills is one of the biggest outlet malls in SoCal and is a top San Bernardino activity. It’s the perfect mall to spend an afternoon with the family.
Enjoy the many discount stores at Ontario Mills, eat at one of its many food court restaurants, or catch a movie at either the AMC or Edwards Theater at the mall. This mall also features a super convenient foreign currency exchange.
Irvine Spectrum
This shopping center is an Orange County gem with a huge Ferris wheel.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Irvine Spectrum is one of the best things to do in Orange County, especially on a low-key weekend. This clean outdoor retail space attracts many families and college students.
There are delicious eateries at the Irvine Spectrum like The Veggie Grill and a ton of entertainment opportunities. The giant lawn Ferris wheel, carousel, seasonal ice rink, and movie theater are the big draws for people looking to go beyond shopping.
Fashion Valley
A chic and coastal San Diego mall.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Fashion Valley is an upscale, open-air mall and it’s one of the most popular San Diego activities. Come here to shop at places like Versace, Nordstrom, and Williams-Sonoma. Fashion Valley’s chic coastal aesthetic means it has great photo opportunities around every corner. So come here to shop and to take some cute photos.
Victoria Gardens
An outdoor hangout spot with trending department stores near San Bernardino.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Victoria Gardens is my favorite mall because it’s close to home. The entire Rancho Cucamonga mall is outdoors. It’s a popular attraction in the Inland Empire so you will find many area locals here on the weekends.
Enjoy the huge Bass Pro Shop store, the AMC movie theater, Friday night farmers markets, and upscale bars and restaurants at Victoria Gardens. There is even an escape room inside the mall for even more fun.
Paseo Nuevo
A Spanish-style, cliffside boutique mall in Santa Barbara.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Paseo Nuevo is an open-air mall in Santa Barbara. You will find chain retailers at this shopping center as well as fine dining options and movie theaters.
Take a photo on the Spanish-style tile steps at the mall before heading in to explore. Enjoy a late lunch or early dinner after your shopping spree at California Pizza Kitchen or Eureka! Burger. And don’t forget to try some vegan ice cream at Pressed for dessert.
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Thanks for reading! Have fun shopping and be sure to check out my guide to the best coffee shops in LA for that extra boost while shopping.
(Featured Image Credit: ESB Professional / Shutterstock)
Missed the best socal mall of all, Century City.
I think you’re confusing Glendale Galleria with Americana. They’re both across from one another. Galleria is the indoor mall and Americana is outdoors with the fountain.