North County Mall

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272 East via Rancho Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
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Open:
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday)
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Sunday)
North County Mall is Escondido San Diego’s largest shopping center. This mall has it all, from clothes and accessories to tech and must-have deals.
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.
North County Mall
Family Shopping Trip
What to Expect?
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Satisfy your Cravings
What to Do With Kids
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Take a Family Shopping Trip to the North County Mall

Grabbing a Coffee at Coast Coffee Co at the North County MallThe North County Mall is a Multi Level Indoor Mall

Seeking the perfect spot for a shopping trip during your San Diego vacation? If so, plan a trip to North County Mall previously known as Westfield North County. This shopping plaza features an array of stores, including multinational chains, in an indoor mall.

You will find North County Mall at 272 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025. It is about 30 miles north of Downtown San Diego, and can be accessed via Via Rancho Parkway on Interstate 15. Normal operating hours for the mall are Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday & Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Like any mall, shopping is the main attraction, so anyone hoping to find great deals on a variety of clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, cosmetics, and other products will have plenty of opportunities to do so! Then sit down at a restaurant for a tasty meal, or visit the food court for a quick bite.

North County Mall stands as one of the best malls in San Diego alongside other Westfield shopping centers, such as Westfield Mission Valley and the ever-popular UTC Westfield Mall San Diego. With more than 100 retailers and 3 floors, you can easily spend a full day sorting through sales and having fun exploring each floor with the whole family.

After spending the day shopping and dining at the mall, don’t forget to explore the other attractions in and around Escondido. The best way to do so is with a Go City San Diego pass, as passholders can snag a discount on dozens of local attractions. These include kid-friendly spots like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

What Awaits at Westfield North County Mall

North County Mall was originally constructed in February of 1986, when it went by the name North County Fair. In the years since, it’s undergone remodels that have expanded upon the original mall and added space for dozens of new stores and space for parking.

It was known as Westfield Shoppingtown North County until the early 2000s when it changed its name simply to Westfield North County. In the 2010s the mall underwent its most recent renovations, and in 2023 it changed hands from Westfield to its new owners, Steerpoint Capital and Bridge Group Investments. This is also when it adopted its current name of North County Mall.

Currently, the mall and parking lot span a combined 83 acres, making it a major family-friendly destination in Escondido. Whether you’re planning a full day shopping spree or you’re simply looking to shop for a few basics, you can find them at the North County Mall.

With plenty of renovations in its history, you can be sure that the mall is always on the cutting edge, featuring the best and biggest brands from around the country. Major big box retailers like Target have maintained a longstanding presence as one of the mall’s anchor stores, alongside the department stores Macy’s and JCPenneys.

Clothing stores include options for women, men, and kids of all ages. There are plenty of affordable options, as well as more high-end shopping experiences for those looking to enjoy the finer things in life.

Looking for something special? The mall also houses other retailers like Bath & Body Works, Apple, and LUSH. There’s even a 24 Hour Fitness if walking around the mall isn’t enough of a workout!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head up to the third floor to grab a bite. Some eateries are quick-casual dining, while others offer a more sit-down experience at popular restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, Red Robin, and The Cheesecake Factory.

In addition to its permanent storefronts, the North County Mall also hosts events throughout the year. These include kid-centric performances, themed photography events, seasonal holiday pop-ups, live performers, product showcases, and more. Be sure to check the official website for up-to-date information on upcoming events.

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Chow Down at the North County Mall

One of the best things about the North County Mall is that guests don’t have to leave the mall to refuel during an all-day shopping excursion. While there are plenty of great restaurants all around Escondido, there are also multiple options right inside the mall.

Most of the mall’s restaurants and snack stands are located on the third floor, though there are a few smaller food and drink spots located throughout the mall. Grab a coffee or pretzel in between browsing the latest looks, or head upstairs for a full meal.

Choose from a variety of eateries including mall staples like Panda Express, Sbarro, and sweet treats at Cinnabon. For those looking to eat healthy, there’s also an organic cuisine restaurant and a juice bar. Sit down options include On the Border and Black Angus Steakhouse.

You can even partake in San Diego’s long-standing tradition of excellent craft breweries with a beer at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Choose from seasonal IPAs, porters, lagers, and stouts while also enjoying a delicious meal. Top it all off with one of their famous Pizookies, a combination of a pizza and a cookie that come in a variety of flavors.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s easy to find something to satisfy your cravings right inside the mall.

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What to Do With the Kids at the Mall

The North County Mall seeks to provide guests with a family-friendly shopping experience, from kid-friendly dining options to children’s clothing stores. Popular brands with locations at the mall include Old Navy, Express, and American Eagle, plus shoe stores with sizes for all ages. Shop for toys, games, gifts, and kids’ tech as well.

Note that the mall was previously home to North County Tavern + Bowl, a 10-pin bowling alley on its second floor, but that this attraction is no longer open. In its place, however, you can still find many kid-friendly stores and attractions. Kids and kids at heart are sure to have fun at the comic book and memorabilia store, and there’s also a video game store and even a VR experience.

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Special Events
North County Mall also hosts events throughout the year. These include kid-centric performances, themed photography events, seasonal holiday pop-ups, live performers, product showcases, and more.

The North County Mall is attached to an Audeo Charter School, a unique and free public schooling option for kids K-12. Since classes are held right here, the mall is an excellent spot for both local kids and vacationing families to learn and play, with its own indoor play area. Coin-operated toys and games are located throughout the mall.

There’s always a new upcoming event for families, especially around the holidays. Check the online calendar for information on meet and greets with Santa, the Easter Bunny, and more.

For even more activities to do with kids both inside the mall and around San Diego, be sure to purchase a Go City San Diego pass, and read our picks for the best activities to do in San Diego with kids.

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How to Find the Mall

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North County Mall is located at 272 East via Rancho Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025.

If you’re planning on heading to the mall from the Downtown area, consider taking advantage of San Diego’s many public transportation services, including buses and trams. Some local hotels even offer transportation to many popular locations in San Diego.

Most rideshare services operating in San Diego offer rides to and from the mall. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider taking a bus at the Santa Fe Depot, which drops passengers off at Del Lago Transit Station. From there, it’s only a half-mile walk to the mall.

Otherwise, the North County Mall is still only a quick drive away.

Starting Downtown, follow CA-163 north onto I-15. Once you’ve merged onto I-15, follow the road for another 14.6 miles. Finally, hang a right to take exit 27 which will bring you onto Rancho Parkway and right to the mall.

If you’re staying closer to the coast, the simplest route is to head north or south along I-5, the San Diego Freeway. Then drive east on I-78 or I-56 until the highway connects to I-15 further inland.

Important Tips for Your Visit

Planning to shop in San Diego? Know these tips before you visit Westfield North County!

Does the Mall Have a Theater?

Westfield North County doesn’t have its own movie theater. However, if you’re hoping to catch a show, Escondido has a Regal Cinema just 5 miles away. From the mall, you can reach the theater via I-15 S or Centre City Parkway.

What Happened to the North County Fair Mall?

North County Fair Mall is one of the mall’s previous names. Now known officially as North County Mall, it’s had many name changes in the past, including Westfield North County and Westfield Shoppingtown North County.

Are Dogs Allowed Inside?

While some stores at the mall sell pet supplies and toys, only service animals are allowed inside the building outside of special events.

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