Mission Valley Mall

I think one of the best parts of the Mission Valley Mall is its selection of restaurants and places to eat.

However, if you’d rather not eat out, there are multiple places at the mall where you can pick up groceries. The two-story Target has a grocery section, and there is also a Trader Joe’s in the neighboring complex.

But I love to eat out myself so let’s get back to the restaurant options!

Whether you’re looking for something casual or would prefer a sit-down meal, there are lots of options both at and near the mall that I’ve enjoyed. Here are three of my top picks.

Yard House

The Mission Valley Mall has a mix of grab-and-go spots like Starbucks and Wetzel’s Pretzels, plus sit-down restaurants such as Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen and chains like Buffalo Wild Wings.

Of the sit-down spots, my recommendation is Yard House. Like Eureka! which is my favorite place to eat at the Westfield UTC Mall, this is a casual spot where you can get burgers and beers, with more than 130 taps behind the bar.

I like the low-key feel of dining here, with classic rock music playing, but you also get an upscale experience that makes it feel special to dine out.

Puesto Mission Valley

Alongside the eateries that are part of the mall, there are also some restaurants next door. One that I love is Puesto Mission Valley, a Mexican restaurant known for its tacos served Mexico City style.

The menu changes seasonally, which is great if you’re like me and want to try something new each time you go. But you’ll always find staples like enchiladas and tacos, and the restaurant holds special Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour discounts.

I must say that the margaritas are delicious as are some delicious Mexican lagers that pair perfectly with the food.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Like Puesto, the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar isn’t part of the mall itself, but has its own building right across the parking lot. I say it’s worth heading over, especially if you’re a beer enthusiast.

This casual dining chain isn’t all about the alcohol, though - the food is also great, with classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Personally, I love eating out on the patio, but the modern feel of the indoor dining area is great too.

This is a very family-friendly mall, with entertainment for people of all ages!

Family-friendly Movies and Dining

The AMC Theater complex frequently plays movies that are appealing to kids. Showtimes often start in the morning and there are also matinee times perfect for families.

There are many onsite and nearby restaurants that kids will enjoy, such as Dairy Queen, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and more.

Shopping for Kids

The Mission Valley Mall features many shops that cater to families with kids, from Hot Topic to Claire’s. You can also pick up toys, games, and other fun items for kids at Spencer’s, Michael’s, GameStop, and more.

With such a wide variety of shops, the Mission Valley Mall has options for every age group in my family. The mall is even pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends if you want so everyone is part of the fun!

Finding the Mission Valley Mall is quite easy whether you are driving or taking public transportation.

Traffic and Congestion

I said I was going to be honest in this article and that won’t stop now!

I want to warn you that the traffic around the mall can be very heavy, especially on the weekend and during busy shopping times such as around the holidays.

I think what needs to be understood is that there is more in the area than just the mall with big box retailers like Best Buy, West Elm, Marshalls and Staples to name a few in close proximity to the mall. Add in the mall itself into what feels like just a handful of blocks and heavy traffic is to be expected.

If you are looking to take the trolley the Mission Valley Center Station is located just across Camino de la Reina from the mall. This same trolley line stops at the Fashion Valley Mall and the Snapdragon Stadium. So with that said, if you need to shop at peak times, it would be a great idea to come on the trolley!

Getting There by Car

The mall is located right off of Interstate 8, which runs east and west. It is also near Interstate 805 and California Route 163. You can use these highways to get virtually anywhere in the San Diego area quickly.

This mall is around a 15-minute drive from Downtown San Diego. It’s also a 20-minute drive from La Jolla, a popular beach neighborhood complete with shopping in its Downtown area.

Where to Park

The mall has quite a bit of parking, so it should be possible to get a spot regardless of when you visit. They have a large partially covered parking garage as well as another lot that is entirely outdoors. Parking is free, but there is a valet service for an additional fee.

The mall has recently installed electric car charging ports. There is also a designated rideshare pickup area for those who prefer to use Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services offered in San Diego.

Using Public Transportation

If you’d prefer not to drive, there is a designated stop on the San Diego Trolley Green Line at just across the street at the Mission Valley Center.

The green line connects to Downtown San Diego, Old Town San Diego, and Little Italy, so it’s great for getting around the city and its neighborhoods. The broader San Diego Trolley system also connects to other neighborhoods like National City and Chula Vista, and La Jolla.

It’s good to know that there are many bus lines that stop at Mission Valley Mall, which connect to other parts of San Diego county. Riders can use the MTS Pronto app to buy bus or trolley passes on their phone.

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind before heading to the Mission Valley Mall.

Much of the Mall is Outdoors

The Mission Valley Mall is primarily an outdoors mall experience.

Since the weather in San Diego is typically very warm and sunny, this isn’t usually a problem, but you will want to dress according to the weather outside. This may mean wearing sunscreen and bringing sunglasses.

Stay Nearby

You’ve got your pick of hotels near the Mission Valley Mall with Hotel Circle just under 3 miles away. One of your closest options, and my personal pick to stay near the mall is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego - Mission Valley. I love that it’s right near the trolley stop too, so it’s easy to get around.

Whichever hotel you choose to stay at near the mall, there are lots of highways nearby, so we recommend driving or taking a rideshare as it’s not a very walkable area.