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The best shopping malls and shopping centers in San Antonio, Texas

In this guide we will show you the best places to go shopping in San Antonio. Going shopping is an intrinsic part of every vacation. So to make your city trip to San Antonio complete, you do have to go on a shopping spree at least once. But the question remains, where should you go to for the best shops malls in San Antonio and the best atmosphere? So at Meet The Cities we have handpicked the best places to shop in San Antonio, for a lovely day out.

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Rivercenter Mall

Between two of the most famous attractions of San Antonio, which are the Alamo and the famous River Walk, you will find the Rivercenter mall. This charmingly designed and centrally located indoor mall in the heart of San Antonio has more than a 100 shops, including all the familiar fashion shops such as Macy’s, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, but also interesting places for the youth, such as the Disney Stores and Legoland Discovery Center. There is even an IMAX theater, where you can watch the latest movies in pretty much the highest quality available.

We all need to eat, and serving to our needs in that regard is exactly where this mall excels at. At the center of the mall you will find a beautiful little canal, which directly connects the mall to the famous River Walk of San Antonio. Surrounding the water and at the food court you will find bars and restaurants where you can take a break from it all. It doesn’t matter if you feel like sitting down for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, for something fruity at Yogurt Zone or something stronger at Margaritaville. And there are countless of affordable restaurants at the Rivercenter, from multiple steakhouses, to a wok cafe and Mexican restaurants.

People who have to come from far, such as people on a city trip, can even decide to stay at the Marriott Hotel of the Rivercenter mall, so they can be sure to stay at a premium location with a great ambiance in the heart of San Antonio, with plenty of stores and restaurants at your fingertips.

Historic market square (El Mercado)

San Antonio is filled to the bring with culture. For great Mexican food, bright colors, ambiance and of course plenty of shopping you can go to the Historic Market Square of San Antonio. The historic market square is actually the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico itself, so if you are in San Antonio you might as well check it out.  This market square is also one of the oldest places in San Antonio, as it dates all the way back to 1730, making it only 12 years older than the city itself.

At the Historic Market Square you will find El Mercado and The Farmers Market, which have over a hundred shops where you can go bargain hunting. Although quite a few offer cultural and touristic items, from colored skulls to Mexican guitars, which is perfect for when you are looking for souvenirs, handcrafted work and candies to take home for your family and friends. But the real crowd pullers are the abundance of bars where you can sit down and enjoy a refreshing drink and enjoy the Mexican cuisine and some festive live music. And of course the warm vibe that radiates from the colorful market.

The Shops at La Cantera

La Cantera is the most beautiful, largest and impressive open air mall in San Antonio. Which might come as a surprise to some, because it’s also one of the newest malls as it was only opened in 2005. Yet they managed to capture a certain Texan charm, with lush plants and even some waterfalls, that just make it fun to be there.

At the moment of writing there La Cantera has 190 shops, which basically offer everything for every price range. Both budget shoppers and luxury shoppers are being served excellently, with anything from large department stores, such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, to clothing stores such as Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Zara and jewelry and watches from Breitling to Tiffany’s. There are also 28 bars and restaurants where you can sit down, so there is plenty to choose from.

It’s located on the outskirts of San Antonio, so it might be a bit of a drive to get there. But it’s worth it. If you’re on vacation you could consider renting a car or just staying at a nice hotel in the area, such as the La Cantera Resort & Spa. Depending on the day some shops are even open up to 9pm, so you don’t have to worry about having to go home early.

If you’re in the area, then a visit to The Shops at La Cantera can also easily be combined with a visit to Six Flags. As right behind the shopping mall you will find Six Flags Fiesta Texas. If the kids aren’t into shopping, then you could also just decide to let them go on a rollercoaster ride or river rapids ride instead. So it’s a perfect destination for a day out, and certainly one of the best shopping centers in San Antonio.

North Star Mall

The North Star Mall is another popular shopping mall in San Antonio. They say everything is bigger in Texas. Well, at the entrance of the mall you will find a gigantic statue of a pair of Texan boots, which leads me to believe everything is indeed bigger in Texas.

The shopping mall itself is quite extensive, as it contains over 160 shops at the moment of writing. The offering of fashion shops is quite varied as you have department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, JCPenny and Macy’s, while you also have general stores such as the Gap store, Victoria’s Secret, Guess, H&M, a large Forever 21. If you are more into luxury brands then you’ll be right at home at the Louis Vuitton and Armani stores. If beauty is more your thing, then there are plenty of jewelry stores, cosmetics stores, barbers and even a spa. For the sports fans among us there is the Dallas Cowboys merchandise store. And for the younger audiences you have some cool places, such as the Build-A-Bear Workshop where you can buy some amazing stuffed animals, the LEGO store and the Disney Store.

The food court of the mall is pretty varied, as the mall is home to a total of 26 shops where you can get a bite to eat. So you won’t be starving here in San Antonio, Texas. A personal favorite of mine is of course The Cheesecake Factory, where you will always find something that suits your taste.

The North Star Mall can be found near the San Antonio International Airport. So it’s centrally located and quite easy to reach. On top of that there is plenty of parking space, so if you have (rented) a car then you should have no trouble reaching it. It’s open seven days a week, so you can arrive any day you like.

San Marcos Outlet Malls

The San Marcos Outlet Malls are considered some of the best shopping outlets in the United States. And it can be counted among the most popular destinations in Texas. This expansive shopping outlet lies in a small town called San Marcos, which lies right in between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. San Marco has been named one of the most exciting small towns in the USA, which is not very surprising considering the sheer size of its shopping facilities.

The San Marcos Outlet actually consists of two outlets, the Premium Outlets and the Tanger Factory Outlet, which lie right next to each other. Combined they offer more than 350 shops, with the shopping area covering more than a million square feet, making is one of the best places to go shopping around San Antonio.

At the Premium Outlets you will find a ridiculous amount of popular brands, with many being hard to find elsewhere in Texas. Including many factory stores and outlets such as stores from Armani, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Jimmy Choo, Converse, Victoria Secret, Vera Bradley and several shoe stores and bag stores. And if you prefer to enjoy some dinner then you will be glad to know you will be able to get Italian food, Chinese food, barbeque food, there is a hamburger, Pretzel stores, a Starbucks and more. So there are plenty of options to choose from.

Right next to the Premium Outlet you fill find the Tanger Factory Outlet, which offers more than hundred shops, including a H&M, Forever 21, American Eagle, Van Heusen, Hollister, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Hagger, Eddie Bauwer, a Disney Outlet, perfume shops and jewelry shops. Together, the two outlets offer a great variety of shops where you can get pretty much anything. This outlet also comes with it’s own places to eat, such as a Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, a steakhouse, a Mexican grill and other places for you to discover.

As the prime shopping destination in Texas you are guaranteed to have a spectacular shopping experience. There is lots of parking here, so if you are willing to drive to San Marcos, which lies quite nearby San Antonio, then you will certainly be rewarded with the latest fashion and a great day away.

Alamo Quarry Market

The Alamo Quarry Market is a smaller shopping mall in San Antonio, with some very memorable traits and a friendly ambiance. The historic structure once functioned as a cement factory in the Lincoln Heights. The distinct smokestacks of the old factory still exist today and function as the hallmark of this shopping center.

The restaurants offer a nice diversity of cuisines to choose from, from several restaurants that offer a more traditional Southwestern cuisine, to the familiar Greek grills, Chinese restaurant and Irish pub and more. The food is certainly something you can appreciate as a visitor of the Alamo Quarry Market.

At this shopping center you will find fashion stores such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, Lucchese Boot Company, Old Navy and Nordstrom Rack. There are more than 60 shops to be found here. So if you are looking for something special for yourself you’ll easily succeed. The offering at the mall seems to be quite balanced. As for other services, the mall also has a day spa where you can relax after a long day of shopping. And a large Regal cinema in the center of the building.

The Alamo Quarry Market is about 5 miles to the north of the Alamo itself and surrounded by golf courses. So it’s only slightly above the city center of San Antonio.

The Rim

The Rim is one of the most popular shopping malls in San Antonio. And when you ask people where to shop in San Antonio the name keeps popping up. So what’s the thing about The Rim that makes it so popular?

One of the perks of the Rim is the many specialist stores it has. The shops cover basically every niche you can imagine. From dollar shops to high fashion. From pet shops to hobby stores. You can even come to The Rim for your furniture.

When it comes to fashion stores you will of course find the usual suspects, such as JC Penny, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s. There is also a presence of Lane Bryant for the more curvy women. Sport and fitness fanatics can find their gear and apparel at Dick’s Sporting Goods.  And of course you can find a Best Buy and Gamestop here.

The Bass Pro Shop for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts has a prominent place at the Rim. It might even be the largest outdoor-specialist shop in Texas. Even the kids love to see the aquarium they have inside. 

If you are looking for some entertainment then you can watch the latest Imax movies at the Santikos Palladium, go bowling at Bowl & Barrel and even play some golf. So even if you don’t come to The Rim for shopping, you can still have an excellent day out here.

When it comes to food you’ve got an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from at The Rim. There are more than 40 places where you can get something to eat, so you certainly won’t be starving here. Especially if you are looking for a good burger you can basically eat at different burger bar every day.  Paula Deen’s restaurant can also be found at The Rim. You can enjoy some exotic Japanese food at the sushi bar. There are restaurants offering Italian, Salvadorian and Mediterranean food. There are Mexican and American grills where you can sit down and dine. There are even multiple sandwich shops. So after a long day of shopping there are plenty of great places at The Rim where you can rest your feet with an amazing meal.

This outdoor mall has been set up with plenty of parking space, which comes in quite handy as The Rim lies on a bit on the edge of San Antonio. With more than a hundred stores to choose from this The Rim can certainly count itself among one of the best shopping malls in San Antonio. At Meet The Cities we certainly recommend this great shopping destination.

PicaPica Plaza

PicaPica Plaza is quite an alternative shopping mall. What sets PicaPica Plaza apart is that it seems a bit like a festive version of an indoor flea market. Their main focus lies on speciality stores, eateries, entertainment and family friendly attractions. For luxury fashion shopping you might want to look elsewhere, but if you want to have a fun day with the kids, eat some Mexican food and bring home some holiday presents for your family, then PicaPica Plaza is a great place to check out.

PicaPica Plaza doesn’t feel as upscale as some of the other shopping markets, but has a more personal atmosphere. Despite that it’s not as well known, it’s certainly one of the hidden gems of shopping in San Antonio. Many niche shops can be found here, leading to an interesting mix of items that you can find. From plenty of shops with toys for the kids, to cosmetics and affordable fashion for yourself. And plenty of food stands where you can eat some unique treats, ice cream, mangonadas, caramelized nuts or fruits cups.

Especially if you have children, then this place can be quite worth a visit. After all, PicaPica Plaza is home to Flip’z Trampoline Park. So after you’re done shopping the kids can release their energy in a safe environment with trampolines, a foam pit, a dunk court and more. Which is a great way to end your day.

Ingram Park Mall

The Ingram Park Mall is one of the best indoor shopping malls on the west side of San Antonio. Going to an indoor shopping mall is especially convenient when you seek shelter from the weather outside. As you walk into the mall you will instantly notice the beautiful and well maintained modern interior. It’s nice to see a mall that is well being taken care of. The employees at the Ingram Park Mall also stand out for their friendly and helpful attitude towards customers. So if you are on the west side of San Antonio, or perhaps on your way to SeaWorld San Antonio, which lies pretty closeby, then it’s certainly a good idea to stop by at the Ingram Park Mall.

At the Ingram Park Mall you can be sure to find affordable fashion. The shopping mall is home to the well known department stores, such as JCPenny, Bealls, Dillards, Macy’s and H&M. Next to them you will find stores such as the Disney store, Victoria secret, Foot Locker, rue21, Hollister, American Eagle, G by Guess, the USA Toy Factory and many more.

When it comes to food then the Texans also have your back at the Ingram Mall. You can get some Pretzels or sit down at the local Starbucks. Or you could get a full blown asian meal or a chicken burger. The Ingram Park Mall has enough options to cater to pretty much anyone. And if you want even more options, then you only have to check out the street in which the indoor mall lies for plenty more restaurants.

The Forum at Olympia Parkway

The Forum at Olympia Parkway is an outdoor shopping mall with over 110 shops. This outdoor shopping mall basically follows a long road, with plenty of parking spaces with shops on all sides. Technically the shopping mall lies in Selma, which lies in the metropolitan area of San Antonio, but as one of the larger open air malls in Texas it deserves a special mention.

The Forum at Olympia Parkway is home to different department stores than the other malls on this list. The list of department stores here includes Kohl’s, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less and Target. The other shops at The Forum also offer quite a bit variety. There are for example fashion shops for plus sized women, several shoe stores, crafts shops, home decor shops and multiple spas and hair salons.

One of the biggest perks about The Forum at Olympia Parkway is the wide variety of cuisines that are offered in the restaurants here. There was a shrimp house, you could buy some cupcakes, Thai food, Greek cuisine, a steakhouse, you can get Mexican food, Mediterranean food and even Vietnamese food. Even if you just drop by for dinner it’s certainly worth a visit, as there are countless of dining options and there is always something you’ll find to your liking.

Quick Info

San Antonio

Perfect destination for: Enjoying Texan culture by visiting its historical landmarks, experiencing fantastic weather, going to theme parks with the whole family, discovering the latest fashion at the shopping malls and treating yourself on southern culinary experiences.

Location: San Antonio lies in sunny Texas.

Nearby: During your stay in San Antonio you could also visit Austin and Houston.

How to get around: Getting around in San Antonio usually requires you to take your (rental) car or taxi. Although many cultural sites are within walking distance of each other.

Where to stay: We have made a list of the best hotels in San Antonio.

Currency: The United States dollar

Famous for: The Alamo, the Tower of the Americas the beautiful canals called the River Walk and the historic market square.