Another big urban mall, Fashion Valley (7007 Friars Rd., 619/688-9113, www.simon.com/mall, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.) has plenty of the shopping experience you desire. A bit higher end than Horton Plaza, Fashion Valley focuses more on the home and offers some designer boutiques.

Appropriately, fashions for men, women, and children of all ages abound at Fashion Valley. Kids can grow up here, going from Gymboree to GapKids and on up to The Limited Too. Gentlemen have a number of options for all parts of life, from the casual times at J. Crew and Old Navy to more formal situations in Bernini, Gucci, and After Hours Formal Wear.

Not surprisingly, women have the most clothing options here at the mall. The mature crowd prefers Ann Taylor and Talbots, while the teens and twenties shoppers flock to Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21.

For inexpensive and sporting shoes, run to Footlocker or Shiek Shoes. Fancy sunglasses peek out the windows at Occhiala da Sole and thousands of watches keep the time inside Tourneau.