Where to Go Shopping in San Antonio, Texas

Just north of downtown San Antonio, you’ll find the former Pearl Brewery that has been turned into a retail and dining space, the Pearl. Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm in the afternoon, the Pearl turns into an open-air grocery store filled with seasonal local produce. With over 45 vendors and counting, the Pearl’s buzzing farmers market is full of local goodies, from fruits, veggies, honey and dairy to homemade salsas, gourmet candies and luxury soaps.

At the heart of downtown San Antonio lies the Historic Market Square, known as the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. The Market, or “El Mercado” as it’s sometimes called, encompasses two blocks of plazas and historical buildings filled with over 100 locally owned stores and stalls. Enjoy the sights and flavors of Mexico in this vibrant labyrinth of vendors as you search for authentic souvenirs and multi-cultural merchandise such as handcrafted pottery and colorful garments.

For high-end stores and upscale restaurants, look no further than The Shops at La Cantera. This award-winning, open-air retail space in the northwestern part of San Antonio features several major department stores, such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, as well as the latest trendy retailers in clothing, accessories, beauty and more. When the weather is nice, and let’s face it, it probably is, La Cantera’s shaded pathways and landscaped courtyards are perfect for meandering around while you window shop.

Across the highway from The Shops at La Cantera lies The RIM, a massive shopping complex with over 100 stores and plenty of dining options. Here, you can drive around to favorites like Target, Macy’s, and TJ Maxx among many others. In addition to shopping options, there are plenty of entertainment venues, including sports bars, a bowling alley and the Santikos Palladium IMAX Theatre, arguably one of the best movie theatres in the country.

One of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods, with over 300 years of history, La Villita, or “little village”, is now home to over 25 quaint boutiques and local art galleries. Located on the famous San Antonio River Walk downtown, La Villita’s charming cobblestoned streets and historic architecture make it all the more inviting for visitors looking for one-of-a-kind trinkets to bring home, such as handmade accessories, unique works of art and artisanal goods.

Minutes away from the San Antonio International Airport and sandwiched between two popular golf courses is the Alamo Quarry Market. This premier lifestyle center is a great place for casual dining and strolling through trendy stores like GAP, Bath & Body Works, Sephora and more. After a few hours of retail therapy, catch a movie at the Quarry’s Regal 16-Plex Cinemas, or enjoy a serene treatment at The Woodhouse Day Spa.

If you’re looking for an escape from the Texas heat or are in need of a place to stay dry during one of those infamous summer storms, head indoors to the North Star Mall near the San Antonio International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a larger-than-life cowboy boot sculpture at the mall’s entrance, welcoming you to an air-conditioned oasis for shoppers, where you’ll encounter all the latest stores, including H&M, Apple and Steve Madden, to name but a few.