Top 5 South Bay Shopping Centers

Attention, shoppers! Looking for great deals and huge sales at the most popular department stores and recognized retailers? The search is over! All that and so much more can be found at these five South Bay commercial shopping centers. Each shopping center has its own specialty shops and amenities, and each even offers a variety of different non-shopping options as well.

Santana Row

Situated just across the street from Valley Fair, Santana Row is one of the few outdoor shopping centers in the Bay Area. In fact, more of a micro city than an actual shopping center, casual and high end shops share space with condos and apartments. One of the most acclaimed nightlife spots in the South Bay, Santana Row’s numerous specialty shops are accompanied by a long list of nightclubs, restaurants, and even a hotel. Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA, USA, 408-551-4611 Oakridge Shopping Center | © Ramman Kenoun

Oakridge Shopping Center

Located in the Almaden neighborhood of San Jose, Oakridge Mall offers a variety of popular stores such as Forever 21, Macy’s, Sears, Express, Charlotte Russe, H & M, and so many more. After a long session of running the old credit card, grab a recharge at one of the mall’s numerous dining options, catch a movie at the theaters, or knock down some pins at Bowlmor Bowling Lanes. Oakridge Shopping Center, Westfield Oakridge, 925 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose, CA, USA, 408-578-2912

Valley Fair

One of the largest commercial centers in the South Bay, Valley Fair boasts two full floors of big name brands such Guess, Lacoste, J. Crew, Levi’s, and Lane Bryant. For those favoring fancier shops, Coach, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo are just a few among the many options. An impressive food court with something for all tastes is also a part of the shopping experience at this South Bay shopping institution. Valley Fair, Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, CA, USA, 408-248-4451 Milpitas Great Mall | © Stefan Kremer

Great Mall

In terms of sheer size and selection, the Great Mall is hard to beat. Here, shoppers can find virtually all of their favorite stores from Abercrombie to Victoria’s Secret, and everything else in between. For those strictly seeking amusement, the Great Mall is also home to Century Theaters and Dave & Buster’s. The extensive list of stores, combined with the impressive array of both food and entertainment options make the Great Mall the place to be in the East Bay. Great Mall, 447 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas, CA, USA, 408-956-2033

Stanford Shopping Center

Market, Market, Park, University

A commercial center with serene surroundings, walking around the Stanford Shopping Center could almost feel like strolling through the park. But don’t be fooled by the peace and tranquility of this outdoor mall. Here, you can find numerous high end clothing and jewelry stores, specialty shops, and even an imported food market. You can often find students from nearby Stanford University spending their time here. Stanford Shopping Center, 660 Stanford Shopping Ctr., Palo Alto, CA, USA, 650-617-8202
By Ramman Kenoun