Las Americas Premium Outlets

Lots of Places to Get Food at Las Americas Premium Outlets

Las Americas Premium Outlets is big enough that you could easily spend the whole day there. If you get hungry during your trip, there’s no need to leave to grab lunch or dinner.

Most restaurants in Las Americas are recognizable chains, so you might not find many places selling fresh locally-sourced seafood or other San Diego staples. However, there are still many options to choose from, with something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re in search of a quick meal, check out the food court for fast food style eats. Alternatively, grab a bite at a pretzel stand or snack stop located at various points around the mall. Coffee shops like Starbucks also make for a good place to refuel with a latte and a pastry.

There are also places to have a nice sit-down meal at Las Americas, including family-friendly choices which includeMexican restaurants, Asian options, and American eateries.

Want some recommendations? Here are my personal favorite spots to eat at and near Las Americas Premium Outlets.

Tacos El Orejas

You can always grab a bite to eat inside the mall, but locals know that you’ll find some of the best places out in the parking lot, in what’s been dubbed “Food Truck Alley.” There’s a lot of variety here, and since Las Americas is within a few miles of the border, Mexican food is a given.

My personal favorite truck when I’m in the mood for Mexican food is Tacos El Orejas. The food is super tasty with bold, authentic flavors that make this an unmissable truck when I’m at Las Americas.

This is a great option for vegetarians as well, as there are lots of meatless tacos on the menu!

Restaurant El Achiote

Food Truck Alley is great, but if you’re looking for somewhere to take a break after being on your feet - especially if you’re out with the whole family - a sit-down restaurant might be a better option. In this case, I’d suggest Restaurant El Achiote.

You’ll find classic dishes like enchiladas and tostadas on their lunch and dinner menu, plus some refreshing drinks and desserts to end the meal on a sweet note. They’ve even got an extensive breakfast menu too, with everything from pancakes and breakfast burritos to traditional chilaquiles, which is perfect if you’re an early bird who wants to get a jump on the day’s sales.

Chick-fil-a Las Américas

Las Americas has its share of chains, even among its food trucks. These include a food truck for Chick-fil-a, which is famous for its classic chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and fries.

This is definitely a fast food option, so it’s not my go-to when I’m looking to try local flavors or for something more health-focused. Still, I’ve got to satisfy that craving sometimes!

Keep in mind that the food truck may have a more limited menu than what you can find at the brick and mortar stores, but the Chick-fil-a staples are always available.

Our founder Todd has two growing kids and says that a daytrip down to Las Americas Premium Outlets makes for a great family outing. There are lots of stores where he can pick up clothes, toys, back to school wear, and other staples for his kids, plus fun activities and play structures.

Some recognizable kids brands that can be found at Las Americas include Abercrombie Kids, J.Crew Factory Crewcuts, and Nautica Kids. Visitors can up some shoes at Crocs or Puma Kids, then shop for accessories at Claire’s. There are even stores selling toys, stuffed animals, board games, and video games.

Inside the Billabong Store at Las Americas Premium Outlets

More Than Stores

If you’re a parent then you surely know how helpful family amenities can be. Luckily, Las Americas Premium Outlets has great amenities for kids and their parents!

The main level of the mall has a child’s play area that serves as a good resting spot in between trips to various stores and restaurants. This activity center is equipped with climbable structures, appealing play equipment, and convenient vending machines with family restrooms right around the corner.

Ernie at Sesame Place San Diego

Turn Your Mall Trip into a Family Day Trip

In addition to child-friendly stores throughout the mall, there are also many attractions in the area that are worth a visit if you’re planning a day out with the whole family.

The mall isn’t far from Sesame Place San Diego and the K1 Speedway, both of which are Chula Vista attractions highlighted in our list of 19 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids. You can also head to the coast for some seaside fun in Imperial Beach and the San Diego Bay area.

You can keep your day trip affordable when you get a Go City San Diego pass using our discount code GVSD5OFF. Save on admission to kid-friendly attractions in the area like the Living Coast Discovery Center and Speed Circuit: Race & Ropes Combo, plus gear rentals for beach activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

Forever 21 at Las Americas Premium Outlets

Holiday Fun at the Outlet Mall

During the holidays, Las Americas Premium Outlets often hosts themed events like photos with the Easter Bunny or meet-and-greets with Santa. Check the official website for more information.

For other fun festive activities that are part of my family’s yearly traditions, see our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego.

Las Americas Premium Outlet is located on Camino De La Plaza in southern San Diego, within view of the Mexican border. There are a number of ways to reach the mall, whether you’re planning on driving or taking advantage of San Diego’s excellent public transportation systems.

Parking Lot at Las Americas Premium Outlets

Driving Directions & Parking

If you’re starting from Downtown San Diego, it’s a short drive south of about 20 minutes to San Ysidro. Take I-5 or I-805 to Camino de la Plaza.

For those starting in Mexico, most people take I-805 north into Southern California, though you can also come into the country via the San Ysidro Port.

The mall has its own free parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about finding street parking.

Conductor Waving at the Balboa Station

Trolley, Bus, and Other Options

Not every San Diego mall has public transit stops nearby, but as someone who likes to leave the car at home when possible, I appreciate how accessible Las Americas Premium Outlets is by other methods.

The San Diego Trolley is a great way to get to the Las Americas Premium Outlets. The San Ysidro Trolley Station is walking distance from the mall. You can take the Blue Line from the many downtown trolley stations and even from the Old Town Trolley station.

If you’d prefer to take the bus, San Diego’s public buses make stops at the mall. The 906/907 Bus leaves from southern San Diego, while those planning a trip from Downtown can take the 929 Bus to the Iris Avenue Trolley Station, which will bring you to the San Ysidro Transit Center. From here, Las Americas Premium Outlets is just a 5 minute walk away.

Other options for travel include local rideshare companies and the tram, which runs from Fifth Avenue Station to San Ysidro Station.

Beachfront Dining at Sea 180 Coastal Tavern at Pier South Resort

Make Travel Easier by Staying Near the Mall

If you’re looking to stay close to Las Americas Premium Outlets, I suggest the Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection.

This Marriott branded property gets high marks from me thanks to great features like ocean view rooms, a terrace pool, rooftop patio, and luxury spa services.

Las Americas is a fairly standard outlet mall experience, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind if you’re planning a trip.

Polo Ralph Lauren at Las Americas Premium Outlets

What Stores are Best for Discounts?

As an outlet mall, Las Americas Premium Outlets offers name-brand goods at discount prices. You can find excellent deals from budget options like Banana Republic to more upscale brands at a discount such as Polo Ralph Lauren.

I personally find that the Nike Factory Outlet and Gap store both offer quality merchandise at prices their standard stores rarely offer.

Avoiding Crowds

The mall can get very crowded around big shopping days like Black Friday as well as on weekends.

I suggest visiting on weekdays during the day for your best bet to beat the rush and get more personalized service at the stores.

Do You Need a Passport?

Las Americas Premium Outlets is located within the United States, so if you’re traveling from Mexico, you will need a passport to cross the border and visit. However, if you’re vacationing in San Diego and want to stop by, you won’t need to pass through any border checkpoints.

Dress for the Weather

All of the space between each store at Las Americas Premium Outlets is outdoors, so check the weather and dress appropriately. Luckily, San Diego typically has my favorite kind of weather: sunny and warm!