Del Mar Highlands Town Center

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12925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, Del Mar, CA 12925
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Open:
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily
With boutique stores, community events, and its own restaurant hot-spot, Del Mar Highlands Town Center elevates the open-air mall concept to all new heights.
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.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center
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Highlights

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Tips
Shopping
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Parking
Tips

Mall Meets Community Hub at Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Kids Water Fountain at the Del Mar Highlands Town CenterHuckleberry Doughnuts at Sidecar Doughnuts in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Del Mar is a coastal neighborhood in San Diego. Its beautiful beaches, including Del Mar City Beach, the shores of Torrey Pines State Park, and even the pet-friendly Del Mar Dog Beach are popular with both tourists and locals. However, visitors who are also seeking a shopper’s paradise won’t be disappointed with Del Mar!

The first stop for anyone looking to shop in this area should be Del Mar Highlands Town Center just east of Del Mar in Carmel Valley. This open-air collection of stores, eateries, and entertainment venues is just as much of a mall as it is a community center, with many features that make it stand out from its competitors.

Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Boutique Stores & More

With boutique, one-of-a-kind stores right alongside all your favorite brands, at this mall you can discover your next favorite outfit or buy some handcrafted souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else in California. Even if you’re just looking to window shop, with over 100 storefronts, there’s more than enough to hold anyone’s attention no matter what kinds of goods they’re looking for.

As an outdoor complex, Highlands Town Center lets guests enjoy the sunny San Diego weather and warm temperatures while having access to a wide variety of outlets. Seasonal events are commonly held on the grounds, many of which include food vendors and live music.

Del Mar Highlands Town Center is also the best place to catch the newest blockbuster movies or animated films at its movie theater, the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Del Mar. The mall is popular with families, especially in the summer when the outdoor splash pad is active.

For those looking to sample incredible food and get a stunning view of the city at the same time, the Sky Deck is the place to be. Highlands Town Center’s Sky Deck, a rooftop patio with over a dozen restaurants and breweries is its most unique feature, and certainly its most beloved. The mall is well worth a visit just to experience the beauty of the Sky Deck at night!

Del Mar Highlands Town Center is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though some stores have their own hours. Check the mall’s official website for more detailed information on specific retailers.

By the way, if your're done with shopping and looking for an option to stay close to the action, check out Fairmont Grand Del Mar. This resort caters to guests who expect the best from their accommodations. Also, this hotel is listed as one of our top picks for the Best Family-friendly Hotels in San Diego.

Net Great Deals and a Picturesque Atmosphere

Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

From the moment you arrive at Highlands Town Center, it’s clear you’ll have a shopping experience like no other. This isn’t just thanks to the stores, but also the way the mall operates.

Guests can feel good about shopping at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, as the mall gives back to the community through charitable work. It has made donations to organizations supporting various causes including environmental protection, local firefighters and law enforcement, youth education at multiple San Diego schools, and food pantries.

Del Mar Highlands also provides services such as free WiFi throughout the mall and free on-site parking with EV charging stations to ensure guests have a stress-free time during their visit.

Inside, find an assortment of retailers selling all kinds of goods. While many of San Diego’s most notable malls are outlet malls with mostly chain stores, Del Mar Highlands Town Center is a little different. While you can find some national chains here, many of the storefronts are more boutique. Some businesses are even locally owned, so it’s easy to find clothes, accessories, and enthusiast items you can’t get at other malls.

Additionally, Highlands Town Center has two grocery stores and a pharmacy, so guests can do all their shopping in one place. Health and fitness retailers are located all around the mall, with plenty of fitness clubs, skin treatment centers, workout coaches, and even healthcare clinics.

As evening approaches, head up to the Sky Deck for an unparalleled view of the sunset over Del Mar. Sit back with a drink in hand from the deck’s cocktail bar and soak up the laid-back atmosphere while surrounded by a charming maritime theme. This is an excellent couples activity for date night, and also a fun spot to party with friends while sampling locally-brewed craft beer and kombucha.

From morning to night, there’s nothing quite like a day spent at Highlands Town Center mall.

The 5-star, luxury accommodations of L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa make it the perfect fit for any couples' vacation or upscale getaway. Watch as Todd tours its ocean view pool and soothing spa.

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Dining on the Roof and in the Mall

Seating Inside Mendocino Farms
Seating Inside Mendocino Farms

The Sky Deck is the most popular place to eat a sit-down meal around the mall, or to enjoy a drink or two. It’s home to 10 different eateries, including upscale dining, cuisines from around the world, and a dessert shop.

If you’re in the mood for something quick and easy while on the go, there are plenty of fast-casual favorites at the mall too. These include fast food, sandwiches, breakfast foods, smoothies, and other quick meals.

Many of the restaurants at the mall are pet-friendly, including sit-down options with outdoor seating perfect for people and pooches alike. Choose from breakfast foods and pastries, Mexican, farm-fresh selections, a juice bar, seafood, and Mediterranean food.

Finally, don’t skip out on dessert. Treat the kids - or yourself - to homemade ice cream, cupcakes, doughnuts, or cookies.

Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
Price
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
$135
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Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
$136
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
$349
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L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
$288
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Bring the Whole Family to the Mall

The Water Fountain at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center
The Water Fountain at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Many of the storefronts at Del Mar Highlands Town Center sell clothing for all ages. Take the kids to try on something new at Daisy Blue, or pick up a pair of shoes at Tillys.

Great for Kids!

Many stores encourage kids to develop hobbies and find their passions through specialty goods and classes. CeramiCafe is an art store that’s popular for kids’ birthday parties, while the bookstore DIESEL has plenty of stories for kids to choose from, plus literature of every genre.

If your child is interested in picking up a new skill, consider enrolling them in classes at The Dance Academy Del Mar. Coaching is available for anyone, from toddlers to adults.

No family trip to the mall is complete without stopping into Geppetto’s Toy Store. Geppetto’s sells stuffed animals, educational games, and all kinds of toys, making it a wonderland for kids.

There is also a Kindercare Learning Center at the mall which holds classes for kids between 6 weeks and 5 years old. After class, kids and their parents can shop and play at nearby stores.

Local Tips
Enjoy the Weather!
In spring and summer, kids can run and splash through the pop jet fountain, which is a great way to beat the heat during San Diego’s warmer months.

Watch a Movie

While at the mall, why not catch a movie? Cinépolis Del Mar is located at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, with both a mall entrance and an external entrance.

Have a complete viewing experience with comfy reclining chairs, convenient waiter service right inside the theater, and a full drink and food menu, all while watching a family-friendly new release. This Cinepolis luxury cinema shows both 2D and 3D movies which are sure to delight and amaze moviegoers of all ages.

Seasonal Events

Celebrations open to the whole community are always kicking off around Del Mar Highlands Town Center, especially on the Sky Deck. From seasonally-themed light shows to holiday meet and greets, events occur around the calendar. Check the mall’s official website for more information on current and upcoming events.

In spring and summer, kids can run and splash through the pop jet fountain, which is a great way to beat the heat during San Diego’s warmer months. During the pop jet fountain’s grand opening every June, the mall holds a party with live music, ice cream, family-friendly activities, and commemorative photo opportunities. This is one party you won’t want to miss!

Featured Hotel
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Pool with Ocean View of Del Mar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
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L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa offers guest award-winning 4-star luxury with contemporary design, plush rooms and suites and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Prices Starting at $288
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Getting to the Mall

EV Charging
EV Charging
Lot Parking
Lot Parking

Del Mar Highlands Town Center is situated just a few miles inland of Del Mar’s coastline. Its address is 12925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.

To reach the mall from Del Mar’s beaches, follow Camino Del Mar or South Camino Del Mar to Del Mar Heights Road, then continue East until you reach its intersection with El Camino Real. The mall is accessible from either El Camino Real or Carmel Country Road on the building’s other side.

When traveling to the mall from Downtown San Diego, you have a few options. San Diego’s robust public transport system offers many ways to get to the mall, including via rideshare apps or bus routes. The North County Transit District route services a bus stop at Camino Del Mar & Del Mar Heights Road, which makes it easy to get around Del Mar.

If you’re planning to spend the whole day in Del Mar, why not grab a Go City San Diego pass? This pass offers discounts on admission to attractions and events all around San Diego, plus reduced costs on surfboard and other gear rentals at Del Mar beaches. We even have an exclusive discount for our users, just use the discount code GVSD5OFF to save even more!

Important Info for Visitors

Visiting Highlands Town Center for the first time? Use these tips to get your bearings.

Is Parking Available?

The mall has a large outer parking lot as well as a multi-level parking garage with 4 charging stations for electric vehicles on the first level. There are also multiple 10-minute parking spots around the premises and curbside pickup spots located outside restaurants. Designated motorcycle parking and bicycle racks are also available.

How Do You Access the Sky Deck?

Del Mar Highlands’ culinary center is a rooftop getaway located at the southern end of the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. It’s accessible via a stairway on the exterior of the mall.

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Stay Nearby

DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
from $135 / night
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Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
from $136 / night
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
from $349 / night
View Hotel
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Boutique Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
from $288 / night
View Hotel
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