Frommer's Review
The Disneyland of shopping malls, Horton Plaza is the heart of the revitalized city center, bounded by Broadway, First and Fourth avenues, and G Street. Covering 6 1/2 city blocks, the multilevel shopping center has more than 180 specialty shops and kiosks -- there are art galleries, clothing and shoe stores, fun shops for kids, and a bookstore. There's a performing arts venue (the Lyceum Theatre, home to the San Diego Repertory Theatre), a 14-screen cinema, two major department stores, and a variety of restaurants and short-order eateries. It's almost as much an attraction as SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo, transcending its genre with a conglomeration of rambling paths, bridges, towers, piazzas, sculptures, fountains, and live greenery. Designed by the local Jerde Partnership and inspired by European shopping streets and districts like Athens's Plaka and London's Portobello Road, Horton Plaza opened in 1985 to rave reviews and provided an initial catalyst for the Gaslamp Quarter's redevelopment.
Anchor stores are Macy's and Nordstrom, while name outlets like Abercrombie & Fitch, Nine West, and Louis Vuitton are also in the mix. The top-level food court has a good variety of meal options. Parking is free with validation for the first 3 hours (4 hours at sit-down restaurants, the movie theater, and the Lyceum), $2 per 20 minutes thereafter; the lot is open 24 hours. The parking levels are confusing, and temporarily losing your car is part of the Horton Plaza experience. The third floor of Macy's has a Visitor Information Center, open daily 10am to 6pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
