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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to California

Cool spots

Finding a corner of the mall that feels genuinely interesting makes the whole trip worthwhile.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
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Repurposed old buildings create a historic outdoor plaza with unique shops and family-friendly activities like a model train and playground. The atmosphere stays welcoming and lively, drawing groups for casual dining and hands-on crafts. Plenty of open space and seating support a relaxed, communal vibe.

An outdoor shopping mall with a plaza filled with good restaurants and small specialized shops. It hosts a nice Farmer's Market on certain days and offers some restaurant choices within the center.

A super cool vibe fills the area with old style shops and a spot where kids can run and have fun. The location feels unexpected and lively.

People are saying

"It's a cool unexpected location with an old western vibe."

"This mall has so many good restaurant choices."

Good to know

1

The Starlight Bazaar features live music, face painting, and circus entertainment.

2

On Tuesday mornings, there is a farmers market, rain or shine.

3

Vail Headquarters hosts free events like music and history lectures.

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Open-air design combines multiple mall sections with stunning architecture and scenic ocean views. Atmosphere feels classy and spacious with relaxing koi ponds and plenty of outdoor seating. Family-friendly features include kid playgrounds and accessible amenities.

An upscale open-air mall with a great mix of high-end stores and popular brands. The center offers beautiful ocean views and outdoor escalators in a very clean, spacious setting.

Outdoor layout offers walkable paths and cool sea breezes. Modern, upscale shops sit alongside cool fountains and unique architecture.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful, upscale outdoor mall with a great vibe."

"I found the shopping venue to be really cool and upscale."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky during peak hours; arrive early.

2

Security measures are heightened due to recent incidents.

3

High-end stores feature a variety of luxury brands.

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Outdoor shopping center with park-like design, featuring fountains and tree-lined walkways that create a photogenic atmosphere. The vibe is lively and upbeat, with a neighborhood feel and spaces welcoming to pets and families. Seasonal decorations and amenities like a train ride and water play areas add to the engaging environment.

An outdoor mall with a neighborhood feel and ample parking near the freeway. It stays clean and offers many retail stores and food options in a beautiful setting.

Air-conditioned shops offer relief on hot days, making it easy to cool down indoors. The atmosphere features bubbles and foam that look like snow and a toy train that adds a fun touch.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful outdoor mall with a great mix of stores and restaurants."

"It's a cool mall with lots of stores and places to eat."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect wait times of 45 minutes to an hour for dining during busy periods.

3

Happy hour specials are available at various restaurants.

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Indoor arcade and train rides create a lively, family-friendly environment with play areas for children. The space feels neat and pleasant, attracting families who enjoy combining shopping with entertainment.

A large shopping center with a wide variety of shops including food, clothes, and shoes. It offers free parking and Wi-Fi, plus fun features for kids like a train ride and trampoline area.

Virtual reality and foosball stand out in the game area. Families and kids find the vibe super fun and engaging.

People are saying

"This mall is a great place to bring the kids."

"I found it to be fun and really cool."

Good to know

1

Plaza Americana offers free parking for visitors.

2

The plaza features a variety of family-friendly activities, including arcade games.

3

There are many shops with affordable prices throughout Plaza Americana.

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Open-air mall blends alternative retro vibe with artsy decor and creative installations. Atmosphere stays relaxed and eclectic, inviting diverse crowds to enjoy live music, unique shops, and various eateries. Space encourages lingering with many seating areas and a non-corporate feel.

Outdoor layout features quirky boutiques and innovative eateries that break from traditional malls. Shops offer vintage items, vinyl, and unique clothing alongside art installations.

Unique stores, bars, and eateries give the place a cool vibe. A refillery shop adds an interesting touch, making it a spot with distinctive shopping options.

People are saying

"It's a really neat, unique outdoor mall with quirky shops."

"I found the shops here to be really cool and unique."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours and weekends.

2

The LAB Anti-Mall features a variety of unique shops and eateries.

3

The LAB Anti-Mall has a vegan restaurant option.

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Cobblestone paths and wooden facades mimic traditional Japanese shopping streets, creating an immersive small-town feel. Bright red lanterns and a 50-foot replica fire lookout tower add to the authentic Edo-period design. The plaza buzzes with lively energy, especially on weekends, drawing crowds to its outdoor dining and arcade games.

Offers a clean shopping plaza with a strong focus on Japanese culture through stores and food. Located next to a metro line, it provides easy access and a relaxing atmosphere that feels like a slice of Japan.

Lots of cool shops and Japanese-themed places create a unique vibe. The atmosphere feels very distinctive and lively.

People are saying

"This mall has unique anime shops and creative merchandise you can't find elsewhere."

"I found so many cool little shops and food spots here."

Good to know

1

The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.

2

Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.

3

Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.

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Shopping mall offers striking cityscape views including the Hollywood sign from multiple levels. Atmosphere blends festive energy with refined dining spaces, featuring interactive entertainment like dance performances, photo opportunities, and a large arcade. Central courtyard and open-air park provide relaxed spots amid lively activity.

Multi-story mall blends indoor-outdoor design with shops, restaurants, and a theater. A terrace offers a view of the Hollywood sign and proximity to major attractions adds convenience.

Lots of cool shops and interesting sights make it a great spot to explore. The whole place has a vibrant vibe that keeps things exciting.

People are saying

"This mall has tons of parking, even underground."

"It's a really cool place to hang out and explore."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available at shops and restaurants, reducing fees to $3.

2

Events typically end between 7 and 8 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Impromptu performances and photo opportunities with characters occur during events.

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Small, modern plaza combines upscale boutiques with gourmet food options like ice cream and coffee. Outdoor areas feature clean seating and a mini park under an overpass, creating a cozy, elegant vibe. Atmosphere attracts a young, affluent crowd and welcomes dogs in stores and public spaces.

Outdoor setting offers a pleasant environment with outdoor seating and music playing. Upscale shops and fashionable stores cluster in a modern, compact plaza with various dining options.

Outdoor seating and music create a cool vibe in the plaza. Shops offer a variety of cool stuff to explore, making it a great spot to hang out.

People are saying

"It's a pretty sick outdoor mall with cool shops."

"It's a cool place with great vibes and outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Parking rates have recently increased and are higher than nearby shopping centers.

2

Dogs are allowed in the shopping area, making it pet-friendly.

3

The shopping area features a variety of food options, including ice cream and coffee.

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Outdoor shopping mall offers marina views and lush landscaping with open-air gardens and plenty of outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays relaxed and beachy, making it a chill spot for dining and hanging out. Roller skating rink adds a unique activity alongside diverse shopping and casual restaurants.

Stylishly designed outdoor mall with a relaxed atmosphere and coastal vibes. Offers a good range of stores like Sephora, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters along with convenient services like Chase Bank.

Great vibe comes from cool shops and nice restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating. The outdoor mall and farmers market offer unique finds and a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful outdoor mall perfect for strolling and soaking up coastal vibes."

"It's a cool outdoor mall with great shops and restaurants."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at 2ND & PCH.

2

Expect to pay $10 for parking if you exceed the free time.

3

No stores validate parking, which may lead to higher costs.

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Open-air shopping center features a central quad with a colorful water feature and artificial turf for kids to play. The atmosphere blends cozy coastal charm with a lively, relaxed vibe, supported by shaded outdoor seating and a mix of local shops and restaurants. Evenings bring vibrant lighting and a safe, friendly environment ideal for casual strolls and socializing.

A quaint outdoor mall with a seaside location offers an eclectic mix of shops including coffee shops, bookstores, and a dentist's office. The plaza has a small, charming vibe near the heart of town.

Stunning geodes create a cool vibe throughout the shops. Many little shops and cool companies add to the unique atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a nice little shopping center."

"I found the shop had a cool vibe with stunning geodes."

Good to know

1

Parking at Village Faire can be tough sometimes.

2

Village Faire has a variety of good restaurants, coffee shops, clothing, and gift shops.

3

The water feature and artificial turf create a great area for kids to run around.

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Spacious mall combines modern design with both indoor and outdoor areas featuring mountain views. Atmosphere stays lively but comfortable, with a variety of entertainment options like bowling, theaters, and children's play areas. Food court offers diverse cuisines alongside unique Asian-themed dining spots.

Spacious layout and convenient parking make moving around easy. The mall offers a large selection of shops and a variety of restaurants, creating a vibrant but not overcrowded atmosphere.

Cool stores and lots of cool stuff create a chill vibe. The mall feels like a cool place to hang out, especially on a hot day.

People are saying

"The mall has so many good food options."

"I found so many cool stores, especially the Asian-themed ones."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and afternoons.

2

The mall hosts special events like an Asian festival and light carnival.

3

There is a large play area for children and seasonal photo sessions.

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Open-air design with wide open space and open sky creates a cool, relaxed atmosphere. The plaza hosts Japanese-themed shops and restaurants, including a specialty anime shop and a popular ramen noodle spot. Music and entertainment add to the social vibe, making it a charming place for food and shopping.

A cute Japanese plaza with several interesting stores and good food options. The shopping center feels safe with visible security and offers a charming spot for shopping and people watching.

Shopping plaza offers a cool atmosphere with a charming vibe. It combines food and shopping in one spot.

People are saying

"This cute Japanese mall is a charming spot with lots to see."

"It's a cool place for food and shopping."

Good to know

1

The Japanese market downstairs offers a variety of unique products.

2

Expect fair prices for high-quality items at the shopping center.

3

Paid parking underneath the plaza may have unpleasant odors.

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Outdoor mall with WWII-themed decor and an open-air layout creates a hip, modern vibe. Lush greenery and live music add to a friendly, vibrant atmosphere suited for families and couples. Crowded spaces blend diverse shops and international food options with indoor and outdoor seating.

Open air layout feels like a small campus with a huge variety of restaurants and shops. The mix includes big and small businesses, but the layout can be confusing.

A cool hangout with popup shops on weekends, dining corners, and a pub bar serving a variety of ramen and Asian dishes. Many unique food options and vendors create a lively spot for eating and hanging out.

People are saying

"I liked this outdoor mall for its huge variety of restaurants and shops."

"It's a cool place with a great atmosphere and lots of shops."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy weekends.

2

There is limited indoor seating, but plenty of outdoor seating is available.

3

Expect a variety of international cuisines to choose from.

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Outdoor mall offers unbeatable ocean views with fire pits and seating that face the beach. Atmosphere blends coastal charm with modern luxury, creating a relaxing yet lively vibe. Crowds gather for live music and family-friendly amenities, making it a popular spot near the pier.

Open-air layout offers amazing ocean views from the mall and several restaurants. It features a diverse range of high-end boutiques and specialty shops alongside mature landscaping and ample parking.

A surfer vibe fills the air with a cool water breeze and ocean scent. Shops and restaurants attract teenagers who enjoy the art installations and lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"This open-air mall has gorgeous ocean views and great shopping."

"It's a really cool place with a fun, trendy vibe and lots of shops."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available for discounts at Pacific City.

2

Expect high parking costs even with validation.

3

Pacific City hosts regular events and entertainment for families.

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Outdoor mall with unique boutique shops and high-end furniture stores creates a laid-back, eclectic vibe. Seating inside and outside supports a relaxed atmosphere for eating and hanging out. Many electric vehicle charging stations add a modern convenience.

Outdoor shopping areas feature landscaping and outdoor seating, creating a spacious and clean environment. Many trendy stores fill the mini mall, offering a variety of shops in a relaxed setting.

Outdoor areas feature trendy stores and a modern, spacious vibe. Shops and restaurants create a relaxing spot to hang out and explore.

People are saying

"I found the shops and stores here to be cool and cute."

"I found many cool, trendy stores in this mini mall."

Good to know

1

The farmers market operates on Saturday mornings, offering fresh produce.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible at SoCo.

3

The QC Car Show happens monthly, attracting car enthusiasts.

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Large multilevel shopping mall offers ample free parking and easy access through multiple entrances. Atmosphere feels calm and authentic, with a mix of diverse shops and dining options including a cozy movie theater and various services like a post office and pharmacy.

Located by the Marina, the mall offers ample parking and a variety of stores and services including banks, salons, restaurants, and a bookstore. The shopping center stays clean and well maintained, making it a calm spot to shop or relax before heading to the beach.

Various options and cool little stores create a cool and authentic vibe. Staff are friendly and cool.

People are saying

"This mall is right by the Marina, making it convenient for a walk."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and available in a large, well-lit structure.

2

The shopping center has a variety of restaurants, shops, and a 24-hour pharmacy.

3

The AMC theater offers comfortable seating and a clean environment.

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Large plaza offers wide selection of stores and restaurants with a comfortable atmosphere. Parking varies from plenty of spaces to congestion, and some areas lack sidewalks, affecting walkability. An arcade adds entertainment beyond shopping and dining.

A huge shopping center with plenty of stores and restaurants offers a one-stop spot for all shopping needs. It is easy to access and well organized, making errands convenient and efficient.

Various merchants offer cool options to explore. The shopping center stays empty during the week, creating a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"This mall is so conveniently located near the airport."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect long lines during busy shopping times.

3

Some areas lack sidewalks, making walking between stores tricky.

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