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Guide to California

Parks in malls

A shopping trip that offers a breath of fresh air rather than just endless fluorescent lights and concrete.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Dos Lagos Park image 1
Dos Lagos Park image 2
Dos Lagos Park image 3
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Scenic lakes and lush greenery surround well-maintained walking paths that invite peaceful strolls. Wildlife like ducks, koi, and turtles add to the relaxing, kid- and pet-friendly atmosphere. Nearby shops, restaurants, and a movie theater create a blend of nature and entertainment.

A small modern outdoor strip mall features upscale shops and a movie theater. The shopping center surrounds a lake, offering a pleasant walking path and many high-end restaurants.

A well maintained playground and a splash pad offer fun for elementary-aged kids. The park blends natural beauty with community events like live concerts, and parking is plentiful.

People are saying

"This mall has nice lakes with ducks and turtles."

"The playground and splash pad are super cute and great for kids."

"The parks' play areas are cute and great for kids."

Good to know

1

Live concerts are held at the park, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Parking at Dos Lagos Park is abundant.

3

The park is surrounded by shopping and restaurants, making it easy to spend an afternoon there.

02
The Collection Riverpark image 1

Outdoor shopping area offers a lively atmosphere with beautiful landscaping and artistic decor that creates a small-town feel. Spacious, walkable layout includes green spaces like turtle ponds and fountains, encouraging socializing and family activities. Entertainment options such as bowling, movies, and live music add to the energetic vibe.

Outdoor layout offers a large, clean space with boutique shops and multiple dining spots. Art and landscaping add a unique touch to this upmarket strip mall.

Several small parks offer spots for kids to play and families to relax. A stage area near the entrance hosts occasional concerts, often featuring tribute bands playing nostalgic music.

People are saying

"This outdoor mall feels like a small town with its art and greenery."

"I found parking available was hard to find, especially on weekends."

"It's a great place for shopping, dining, and entertainment."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and sparse on weekends, expect crowds.

2

Street parking is limited to 2 hours and requires quarters for the meter.

3

The parking meters only accept debit or credit cards, no cash.

03
Victoria Gardens image 1
Shopping mall

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.

Setting feels very park-like with plenty of green space and open areas. The atmosphere encourages relaxing and enjoying nature.

People are saying

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

"It's a fun place to stroll, shop, and people watch."

"It's like walking through a park with the plants so well cared for."

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.

04
The Vineyards at Porter Ranch image 1

Open-air plaza features vineyard-inspired design with waterfall sections and fire pits that create a classy, lively atmosphere. Outdoor seating areas and a small playground encourage socializing and family visits. Evening brings spectacular lighting and jazz music, enhancing the enjoyable vibe.

Outdoor setting offers varied activities like food, shopping, and walking. Features include a waterfall section, a movie theater, an ice cream spot, and a playground for kids.

A small playground sits near a creek, offering a spot for kids to play. The playground is close to a restaurant terrace with tables and alcohol, which gives ill-intentioned people easy access and views of the area.

People are saying

"This outdoor mall has so many great stores and restaurants to explore."

"It's really kid friendly with a nice playground for them to play."

"It's a nice park with a small playground for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is often difficult, especially during evenings and weekends.

2

There are many dining options, including a variety of cuisines.

3

Happy hour specials offer great value at several restaurants.

05
River Park Shopping Center image 1

Large outdoor shopping center with family-friendly atmosphere and live music in the courtyard. It offers a variety of stores and dining options, including a renovated movie theater with state-of-the-art seating. The space feels lively yet safe, with amenities like playgrounds and Tesla chargers.

Outdoor mall offers a wide variety of stores and restaurants, including H&M, Yard House, and Edwards Movie Theater. It hosts farmers markets, food trucks, and music events, creating a lively shopping experience with plenty of parking and a clean, safe environment.

Clean, landscaped paths make walking enjoyable, especially in the evenings. A playground for kids adds family-friendly fun, while plenty of spots to relax or shop create a pleasant afternoon outing.

People are saying

"This outdoor mall is a beautiful, pleasant place to walk around."

"You can catch a great movie and then go to a bar."

"It's a beautiful place to walk around and spend an afternoon."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during weekends, especially in the evening.

2

The farmers market takes place every Saturday with local vendors.

3

Street Eats event occurs on Saturdays featuring food trucks and live music.

06
Downtown Santa Monica image 1

Wide sidewalks lined with palm trees and bright storefronts create a playful, creative space filled with live street performances and ocean views. The atmosphere shifts from lively and vibrant during the day to quiet and peaceful at night. Plenty of benches and outdoor games invite relaxation amid a mix of shoppers and families.

Many clothing stores like Uniqlo, Nordstrom, and adidas fill the mall. It offers a mix of shops and restaurants with a nice look and a lively street vibe including live music.

Historic pier features a Pacific Park amusement park with an iconic Ferris wheel and aquarium. Palisades Park offers ocean views and trails for walking or jogging. Tongva Park provides a modern urban oasis with art installations, water features, and playgrounds.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful, wide, and sandy."

"I loved walking through the parks with ocean views and art installations."

"This mall has all the brands and shops I was looking for."

Good to know

1

Public Parking Structure 6 offers 99 minutes of free parking.

2

Parking is often difficult to find in Downtown Santa Monica.

3

The area is generally safe and cheerful for visitors.

07
The Shops at Dos Lagos image 1

Upscale outdoor mall with two lakes and a huge water fountain creates a modern yet rustic atmosphere. The space feels family-friendly and relaxed, offering playgrounds, a theater, and seasonal entertainment. Visitors enjoy walking paths, outdoor seating, and a calm but lively vibe suitable for all ages.

Outdoor mall features a lakeside view and a clean plaza. It offers a mix of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a fitness club with regular community events.

Two lakes and a children's playground create a nice walking park setting. Nearby, a new kids play area adds more options for families.

People are saying

"It's a relaxing outdoor space with a nice lakeside view."

"I loved strolling around this outdoor mall with its nice pond."

"I loved the playground and fire pits open until late."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and never an issue at The Shops at Dos Lagos.

2

The mall features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

3

Parents must pay to accompany children in the snow play area.

08
One Paseo image 1
Shopping mall

Mixed-use shopping center blends modern design with green outdoor spaces featuring seating, a fish pond, and play areas for kids. Atmosphere stays lively yet relaxed, welcoming families and dog owners alike. Offers a variety of dining options alongside specialty boutiques in a walkable, wheelchair-accessible layout.

Outdoor shopping center blends elegance with relaxation through green spaces and high-end shops. It suits casual and upscale leisure with a trendy vibe and a clean, intimate setting.

Green spaces fill the plaza with spots for dogs to relieve themselves. A park exists for kids to play but lacks a small playground area.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly, with open areas for them to run around and play."

"This mall is a cute and charming place to hang out."

"It's a cozy spot with plenty of seats around the greenery."

Good to know

1

One Paseo is wheelchair-accessible with roll-in showers and spacious apartments.

2

The complex offers a variety of dining options, from fast casual to full service.

3

Parking can be difficult, especially on busy days, but free parking is available.

09
THE PLAYGROUND image 1
Indoor playground

Indoor playground offers spacious, thoughtfully designed areas with separate zones for different ages and a variety of new equipment like ball pits and obstacle courses. Atmosphere feels safe, clean, and welcoming, with comfortable seating for adults to watch children play. Staff maintain cleanliness continuously, supporting a family-friendly environment.

A mall with a play area located to the left of Target inside the building. The play area allows free reentry and offers a safe spot for kids while parents shop.

The playground offers a clean, safe, and well-maintained space filled with fun activities for kids of all ages. It features a thoughtfully designed, inviting environment where children can explore, imagine, and make friends.

People are saying

"The staff here is so kind and really engages with the kids."

"The staff at these parks are so friendly and great with children."

"The mall's playground is a wonderful, safe place for kids to play."

Good to know

1

No shoes are allowed in the play areas.

2

Older children should not enter the 4 and under area.

3

I was able to bring outside food and have lunch there.

10
Metreon image 1
Shopping mall

Shopping mall combines massive IMAX screens and Dolby Cinema sound with reclining leather seats for a comfortable movie experience. Outdoor spaces include a rooftop terrace and park area, offering spots to relax or picnic. Food options are limited but include notable choices like Mexican and Thai cuisine.

A shopping center with a theater and a Target accessible without entering the mall. It offers a decent selection of food options and maintains a strong security presence.

A nice little park sits near the entertainment center, offering easy access to a playground and merry-go-round. The area hosts public concerts and provides space to walk with kids and dogs.

People are saying

"The IMAX Theater has reclining seats that lay completely flat."

"You can walk in the park with kids and dogs."

"This mall has a great movie theater."

Good to know

1

The IMAX theater at Metreon is the biggest in California.

2

Parking at the Metreon is convenient but can be pricey.

3

The food court has limited options for dining.

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