2 Best Places to Shop in Del Mar, North County and Around

Developed in 1989 by Del Mar residents Ivan Gayler and David Winkler, this plaza is worth a side trip if you're visiting the racetrack. Along with its collection of high-end shops, the tiered plaza contains outstanding restaurants and fountain courtyards with Pacific views. Some businesses validate parking, which is underground.

At first glance, this open-air shopping center anchored by a Whole Foods Market ( 858/436–9800) might look like your typical upscale SoCal mall, but take a closer look, because there's way more to it than meets the eye. There's not only some great shopping—much of it locally owned and eco-minded—but also some of San Diego's best restaurateurs like Tracy Borkum and Steven Molina have opened restaurants here (CUCINA enoteca and Flower Child, respectively). Sweetpea ( 858/481–0683) stocks children's clothing from brands like Magnetic Me and Petit Bateau. Van de Vort ( 858/925–7676) sells the latest curated fashion from around the world.