The Shoppes at Carlsbad

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2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008, Carlsbad, CA 2525
|
Open:
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Thursday )
11 a.m. to 9 p.m (Friday & Saturday)
11 a.m. to 6 p.m (Sunday)
Located in sunny Carlsbad San Diego, The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a favorite shopping destination for both vacationers and locals heading to the mall.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
The Shoppes at Carlsbad
A Must-visit Mall
Smart and Sustainable
Bundle & Save
The Best Spots to Eat
Perfect for Kids
How to Get There
Helpful Tips
Stay Nearby

Highlights

Shopping
Restaurants
Parking
Tips
Shopping
Restaurants
Parking
Tips

Get Ready to Shop at The Shoppes at Carlsbad

The Shoppes at CarlsbadBeautiful Palms at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

As a coastal city, Carlsbad San Diego is the place to go for sunny shores, popular surf spots, and beachy vibes all around town!

While many visitors plan to spend their San Diego vacations lounging on one of Carlsbad’s famous beaches, that’s not the only thing to do in this picturesque city. There are plenty of other fun attractions that allow visitors to sightsee, dine, and of course, shop.

Whether you’re looking to pick up a few new outfits to wear around town or you simply want a change of pace, The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a must-visit mall for those who love to shop. It’s the perfect place to stock up on any clothes, entertainment items, or supplies you may have forgotten to pack, and you’re sure to find something new and unexpected too!

JC Pennys Across the Courtyard at the Shoppes at Carlsbad
JC Pennys Across the Courtyard at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

A Large Indoor Shopping Mall

The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a large indoor shopping mall with 2 full floors of stores. Its size and variety of businesses make it the definitive shopping experience in Carlsbad, and also earn this mall a spot on our picks for the best malls in San Diego.

The Shoppes has all the hallmarks of a typical mall experience, including a variety of stores and plenty of spots to eat at its food court. One thing that makes this mall stand out is its pet-friendly policy. Unlike many other shopping centers, on-leash dogs are allowed inside the mall’s common areas, and many of the stores too!

The address for The Shoppes is 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008. It’s located right alongside the intersection of Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 78 (CA-78), near Oceanside.

Mall hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Smart and Sustainable Shopping Awaits

Originally constructed in 1969 as Plaza Camino Real, The Shoppes at Carlsbad has undergone many renovations and updates in the years since. Previous names for The Shoppes include Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza Camino Real, Westfield Plaza Camino Real, and Westfield Carlsbad prior to its most recent change of ownership and rebranding in 2016.

Expansions and makeovers in 1979 and 1989 turned the mall from 500,000 square feet of retail space to a complex double the size, with nearly 100 different storefronts. In addition to shopping and dining, a Regal Cinema movie theater and a 24 Hour Fitness gym are attached to the mall.

Sephora at the Shoppes at Carlsbad
Sephora at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

Inside The Shoppes at Carlsbad

Inside, you’ll find a variety of products and services to choose from. Multi-floor department stores, cosmetics and perfume retailers, and quick-service salons and spas can all be found within The Shoppes. There are also stores where guests can purchase jewelry, sunglasses, tech products, shoes, sporting goods, and of course, clothing for men, women, and children.

In addition to its stores, restaurants, and snack stands, The Shoppes is connected to its own movie theater. Catch a new release with the whole family at Regal Carlsbad, and kick back with some popcorn and soda in the cinema’s comfy reclining seats.

Surfboard Decorations at the Shoppes at Carlsbad
Surfboard Decorations at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

Locals Love The Shoppes at Carlsbad

Locals love visiting The Shoppes because they can be sure that the mall’s parent company, Brookfield Properties, is giving back to the community and practicing environmentally-conscious operations. The Shoppes prides itself on offering a top-tier shopping experience without compromising on its sustainability initiatives.

Principles of environmental consciousness and social inclusivity are key to the mall’s mission statement. These principles are embodied by community outreach programs and charitable meal donations.

Eco-friendly practices include on-site solar panels generating half of the mall’s electricity and reduced consumption of water. The Shoppes is also working to lower its production of greenhouse gasses, with a goal of net zero carbon emissions. While these changes may not be visible to the average guest, they help to reinforce ideals of green tourism in San Diego, all without sacrificing guest comfort.

Convenient Guest Services

Take advantage of the many convenient guest services on site, including free WiFi and phone charging stations located throughout the mall. On the first floor, there is an ATM and a lost and found in the Security Office, where guests with mobility issues can also borrow wheelchairs.

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The Best Spots to Eat

Outdoor Sitting Area at the Shoppes at Carlsbad
Outdoor Sitting Area at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

There’s no shortage of excellent restaurants in Carlsbad, but when you’re in the middle of shopping, the last thing anyone wants to do is leave the mall. Luckily, you can enjoy either a quick bite or a sit-down meal right inside The Shoppes.

Sit-down options include Asian cuisine, Mexican food, and all-American burgers. Adults can dine and sample draft beers at Yard House, while The Cheesecake Factory provides a family-friendly setting for dinner and dessert. Alternatively, head to Dave & Buster’s for both food and entertainment with games for the whole family.

If you’d prefer fast casual dining in between shopping, choose from ramen, poke bowls, a Mongolian grill, and Mediterranean food. Coffee, pastries, and lighter fare are also available. Snack and drink spots are located on each floor, serving up mall favorites like fresh-squeezed juice, tea, and pretzels.

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Why Kids Love The Shoppes

Zumies Store at the Shoppes at Carlsbad
Zumies Store at the Shoppes at Carlsbad

The Shoppes is full of family-centric stores selling everything from kids’ clothing to toys and games. Start by picking up a few new outfits at children’s retailers like Junktion 101 Kids and the juniors sections of H&M and Zara. Department stores like JCPenney and Macy’s also have great clothing selections for all ages.

Shop for pop culture toys and games at FYE, or play arcade favorites at Dave & Buster’s. There are also storefronts for a VR experience and an airsoft course.

Busy parents can rent a single or double Kiddie Kruzzer, a car-themed stroller kids are sure to love. Kiddie Kruzzer rental stations are located on both floors of the mall.

Local Tips
Did you Know?
One thing that makes this mall stand out is its pet-friendly policy. Unlike many other shopping centers, on-leash dogs are allowed inside the mall’s common areas, and many of the stores too!

Need a break? Let the kids run around at the indoor playground in the JCPenney Court. Carlsbad Cove features multiple play structures for kids to climb, crawl through, and play on. Its charming marine theme brings the beaches of Carlsbad right inside The Shoppes.

For younger kids, visit the Baby Hop Playground right outside Macy’s. This play center houses ball pits, slides, and plenty of space to run around.

The mall isn’t the only place for kids to play and explore, especially when you have a Go City San Diego pass. With a pass, you’ll score admission to dozens of family-friendly attractions around San Diego. After shopping at the mall, treat the kids to non-stop fun at LEGOLAND California right in Carlsbad, or find other top kid-friendly attractions with our list of the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

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Directions to the Mall

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking

The Shoppes at Carlsbad is just off El Camino Real, the historic road connecting California’s 21 Spanish missions. The main entrance is south of the 78 Freeway.

From Downtown San Diego, The Shoppes is about 37 miles north. Follow I-5 and enjoy the coastal views as you drive along the shore, then take exit 51B to turn right onto CA-78 E. From there, continue to El Camino Real via Exit 2. Turn right at the next fork and you’ll arrive at the mall parking lot.

Other routes from Downtown involve taking either I-15 North all the way to CA-78 West, or following it to exit 7A, then getting on I-805 North until it merges onto I-5. If you’re traveling to the mall from further north, it’s easiest to follow I-5, this time driving south until the road meets CA-78 at exit 51B.

If you’d prefer to take the bus, The Shoppes has a North County Transit District Transit Center adjacent to the lot at the west side of the mall. Travel to and from anywhere on the North County Transit line. Alternatively, take advantage of other public transportation services offered throughout San Diego, or catch a ride with rideshare apps and enjoy a stress-free shopping spree!

Helpful Tips Before You Visit

Inside the Dog Friendly the Shoppes at Carlsbad
Inside the Dog Friendly the Shoppes at Carlsbad

Here are some answers for the most commonly asked questions about The Shoppes.

What Is the Pet Policy at The Shoppes?

The Shoppes is another pet-friendly mall in San Diego. Dogs are allowed inside common areas in the mall so long as they are well-behaved and on a leash at all times. Note, however, that each store in the mall has its own policy for pets, so you may not be able to bring dogs into every store.

Where Can You Park?

The Shoppes at Carlsbad has its own parking lot with over 5,600 spaces, all of which are free for guests. Lots also include designated handicap parking.

Are There Seasonal Events?

The mall holds annual meet and greets and photo events for big holidays like Christmas and Easter. Take the kids to see Santa or the Easter Bunny, and grab a commemorative photo. Check the official site calendar for more information about the dates and times of these events.

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Stay Nearby

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
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3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
from $161 / night
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Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
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Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
from $164 / night
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The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Luxury Hotel
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The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
from $260 / night
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Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad
Near Legoland
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Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad
from $161 / night
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