San Antonio's 10 best shopping malls and shopping centers (2024)

Photo courtesy of Ingram Park Mall

Just minutes from Sea World of Texas, you'll find Ingram Park Mall. Ingram Park is host to over 150 specialty shops in addition to your basic department stores. Macy's, Bealls, Sears and Dillards are among some of your tried and true standards at this mall. Outside the mall you will find other large stores like Sheplers, one of the largest western retail stores in the United States. You'll also find stores like Best Buy in the area. So whether your are looking for that something special at a shop in the mall or you need to run around to a few different types of establishments, you should do well with the selection in and around this mall.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Ingram Park Mall is a classic mall and the best place to go if you're on the Northwest side of the city.

Kimberly's expert tip: Ingram Park Mall features hot brands, including Coach, The Disney Store, James Avery, Vans and Aeropostale, to name a few.

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Photo courtesy of Rolling Oaks Mall

Located on the northeast side of San Antonio, this mall provides a variety of shopping options. Shoppers enjoy over 100 specialty shops, including Aeropostale, Agaci, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath and Body Works, Game Stop, Inflatable Wonderland, Journey's, Pac Sun, Perfumania, Wet Seal, and many others. You will find the traditional department stores like Dillard's and Macy's as well as a tattoo salon. So, if the urge to have your body tattooed or pierce overcomes you while you are shopping you can do it all at Rolling Oaks Mall.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Rolling Oaks Mall is located on the Northeast side of town and has all of your favorite stores.

Kimberly's expert tip: This mall also has a kids area called Inflatable Wonderland. Children can bounce and jump for hours and enjoy pizza and other snacks while hanging out.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

What is Eilan, you ask? Eilan is many, many things, but in simple terms Eilan is a new Live/Work/Play Community in San Antonio, the only one of its kind. It is a Tuscan-style hotel and spa (the newest member of Mariott Autographs' collection of boutique hotels), as well as a giant complex of elegant upscale condominiums, apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space as well as commercial space, which is filling up fast, and we mean fast! Piatti's, a fine dining Italian restaurant, just opened in October, and numerous other retail spaces are preparing to open as well, including Juicer Heroes, which offers fresh, organic and healthy fruit and vegetable juices; Mercato Generale, a cafe and convenience store; and Georgia's Keep, a new bar by the creators of San Antonio's Blue Box and Green Lantern Bars, a barber shop and dry cleaners.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Eilan, like the historic Pearl Brewery, is becoming a popular attraction for locals and travelers alike.

Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to visit the hotel, which offers a lovely brunch and fantastic spa.

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Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shop

Looking to experience the full flavor and feel of San Antonio? Its heritage includes Spanish, Mexican and German influence. There are many ways to enjoy these influences but perhaps one of the best ways to appreciate our Mexican heritage is by visiting El Mercado. El Mercado brings the spice of Mexico to San Antonio. This is the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. With over 25 different shops and vendors, you can do some of your best bargain hunting. Items range from glassware, leather goods, vanilla, and other colorful treasures.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: For unique gifts and a fun shopping experience, the Market Square is perfect!

Kimberly's expert tip: Market Square is the best choices for unique gifts and souvenirs with a lot of local flair. They also shoot one of San Antonio's most popular variety shows, SA Live, which you can stop in and watch.

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Photo courtesy of Hip Dingo at the Rim

Located just 2 minutes from Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Rim is one of San Antonio's premier shopping destinations. With over 100 boutiques, shops and stores, you can find just about anything you are shopping for. Also, located at The Rim is a huge theater, The Palladium, with more than one IMAX screen, restaurant, upscale bar and game room inside. Several other restaurants, such as Maggiano's, Red Robin, Stone Werks, and many others are in this monstrous shopping area. So, if your retail desires lead you to a cute boutique like Hip Dingo or some basic errand running at Target, you're all set because it's all at The Rim.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Rim is right across the freeway from Fiesta Texas and is an upscale shopping mall.

Kimberly's expert tip: Bass Pro Shop is also located here and many parents like to bring the kids to rock climb or see the large fish tanks within the store. Across the highway is Eilan Resort and Spa, San Antonio's newest upscale resort establishment.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

It's not unusual for people to get 'dressed up' when shopping at North Star Mall. Sometimes it's fun to meet your friends for mimosas at The Cheesecake Factory on Sunday mornings. Maybe you just can't get enough of M.A.C. cosmetics or BCBG Max Azria is your place. No worries, North Star Mall has a wide selection of stores. From the upscale Armani Exchange to Banana Republic you can immerse yourself in retail therapy for hours. After shopping til you drop, stop off at one of the nail salons for a relaxing pedicure.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Centrally-located, North Star is a San Antonio favorite for finding whatever it is you need.

Kimberly's expert tip: North Star Mall is a one-stop-shop for just about everything you can want or need. They also have a giant food court with favorites like Chick-Fil-A.

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Photo courtesy of SAVB

The San Antonio River Walk actually flows into this mall in one area. River boats float by and local band, Andean Fusion, performs daily for several hours. You'll feel your spirits lift as the melodies of the Peruvian Andes mountains drift through the air. All the well-known stores are here. From Aerosoles, The Gap, Victoria's Secret or smaller cart vendors, Rivercenter caters to all budgets and various shopping needs. Don't forget Macy's if you are looking for a large department store. There is a large food court but you are also within steps of Hooters, Tony Roma's and Luciano's restaurants.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Located along the riverwalk, this mall is the most convenient and quite large.

Kimberly's expert tip: Rivercenter Mall is the only mall with an AMC Theatre, featuring reclining chairs, for maximum viewing comfort.

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Photo courtesy of Alamo Quarry Market

The Alamo Quarry Market was once home to the Alamo Cement Plant. Alamo Cement facilitated the building of Texas for more than a century. Today, it still preserves some of the original features of the plant. Regal 16-plex Cinemas, an on-site movie theater is constructed around the original smokestacks. These smokestacks have become the focal point of the shopping area. The smokestacks have made the Alamo Quarry a Texas landmark in its own right. At this outdoor mall, you'll find over 60 specialty shops like Ann Taylor, Everything But Water and the famous Lucchese Boot Company. If you get hungry while roaming the Quarry, simply stop in at one of a dozen restaurants. The Quarry is home to P.F. Chang's, Joe's Crab Shack and a few other large dining establishments.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: This outdoor mall sports a Whole Foods, a theatre and Nordstrom's Rack and so much more.

Kimberly's expert tip: They have one of the best boot stores in town, Lucchese Boot Company, because you can't leave Texas without a great pair of boots!

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Photo courtesy of Shops at La Cantera

The Shops at La Cantera continue to grow each year. With eleven full sized restaurants like Kona Grill, Yard House, Nordstrom's Cafe Bistro and over 160 stores, it can be like visiting a small city. La Cantera is an outdoor mall and beautifully landscaped. They also provide an outdoor play area on both ends of the mall for children. So, whether you are visiting the Apple store for a new iPad or shopping at Stuart Weitzman for new shoes, there will be plenty to see and do. The mall offers high end upscale stores like Nordstrom as well as traditionalfavorites like Dillard's. Spend some time relaxing with a book at Barnes & Noble as you sip your favorite Starbuck's beverage. It makes a great 'rest stop' between two of the largest sections of the mall.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: La Cantera is a high-end beautiful open-air mall in San Antonio featuring top luxury brands.

Kimberly's expert tip: The best place to shop if you're staying on the north side of town, especially on a beautiful day. They recently opened a Louis Vuitton store.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly A. Suta

The Pearl Brewery is one of the coolest places you can visit in San Antonio. This brewery, established in 1883 and once home to Pabst beer, has recently been transformed from a historic brewery to a thriving multi-use space where you can eat, shop, learn, work and live. The Pearl is situated next to the recent Riverwalk expansion, so you can catch a tour boat or walk from the Pearl all the way downtown, past the San Antonio Museum of Art and numerous artistic elements that have been carefully built into the landscape. You'll find fine dining to street food restaurants, a great coffee shop run by the Culinary institute and more. The Culinary Institute and the Aveda School have facilities at the Pearl and both are open to patrons. Every Saturday, the Pearl is host to an amazing Farmer's Market and has become a traditional Saturday event for locals.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Pearl offers a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience for those looking for something special.

Kimberly's expert tip: While at the Pearl, grab a delightful lunch at Cured, Boiler House or Botika and get a taste of the local culinary scene from the city's best chefs.

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