San Antonio Shopping
North Star Mall
7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216; Tel. 210.340.6627
You just can't go wrong with North Star Mall: it's easy to find, hard to miss and it's easy to overspend, hard to resist. With over 200 retailers and 5 department stores, Northstar Mall is San Antonio's premier shopping destination. While travelers from Dallas and Houston may not find anything different from home, locals flock to North Star as if there were no other mall in town. Located less than 5 minutes from the airport and 12 minutes from downtown, the mall is home to world's largest cowboy boots: 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Guest services center offers free stroller rental, free local calls and one free shopping bag
The Shops at La Cantera
La Cantera Parkway, Loop 1604 & IH10
The ritzy new Shops at LaCantera have San Antonio fashionistas waiting with baited breath. Elite tenants such as Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co. and Burberry symbolize the city's growing prosperity and bestow it the hard-earned reputation as a shopping destination for tourists on both sides of the border. Located in the serene Texas Hill Country, the open air shopping center will also house a 12 screen AMC movie theater and six chain eateries among 105 retailers.
Rivercenter Mall
849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205; Tel. 210.225.0000
After the requisite visit to the Alamo, walk five blocks to River Center Mall. Or arrive in style by river barge! With over 125 shops and restaurants, River Center Mall is a fine place to kill an afternoon. Other mall attractions include a comedy club, IMAX theater and daily Peruvian Andes fusion concerts on the Rivercenter lagoon. Three hours free parking in mall garage.
Tanger Outlets
4015 I-35 South San Marcos, TX; Tel. 800.408.8424
Prime Outlets
3939 IH-35 South #900, San Marcos , Texas 78666; Tel. 800.628.9465
Consider the 45 minute drive from San Antonio on Interstate 35 at Exit 200 part of the pilgrimage to this shopping mecca, home to the largest factory outlet shopping in Texas. The Prime Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center offer more than 200 stores full of fashions, sporting goods and housewares up to 70% off retail prices. Plan on spending the day. The hacienda-style architecture of Tanger and Prime Outlets celebrates southwest Texas heritage and is also a nod to all of the travelers from Mexico who make San Marcos a shopping destination each Easter.
The Collection at Broadway and Sunset
7959 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3130
This assortment of upscale stores on Broadway is the antidote to mall madness. A mix of quirky local designers and trendy labels ensure something for everyone (those on a budget should not miss back of the store sales). Shopping at The Collection will drastically reduce the chances of seeing your outfit on someone else. A yoga studio and sushi bar offer repose and restoratives, respectively and those who might need both after a long day of shopping.
Nelda's Vintage Clothing
1621 N. Main #3 San Antonio, TX 78212; Tel. 210.271.7111
Men and women with a penchant for the past will find Nelda's an emporium of nostalgia. Exquisite pre-owned designer dresses and whimsical pants, suits and shirts from the 1940s -- go for thrift store prices. Jewelry, compacts, sunglasses and more make handsome gifts for collectors. Nelda's claims to be the oldest and largest source for vintage clothing in South Texas; we'd also christen it the best. Mon-Sat 11-6.
Alamo Quarry Market
255 E. Basse Rd, San Antonio TX; tel.210.255.1000
An outdoor San Antonio shopping district where visitors can buy brand names or unique, specialty gifts for everyone on their list. Shopping options include women's handbags and shoes, home furnishings as well as eateries like Amy's Ice Cream and PF Chang's.
Artisan's Alley
555 W Bitters Rd, San Antonio TX
Shoppers will find this San Antonio shopping district nestled in the trees featuring more than twenty unique stores from handcrafted pottery, cheerleader uniforms to folk art and children's toys. A favorite for shoppers looking for arts-and-crafts gifts.
Crossroads of San Antonio
4522 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio TX; tel.210.735.9137
A San Antonio bargain mall known for its low-profile shopping destination featuring the best of brand name retailers and small discount shops.