Ten shopping malls within an hour’s drive of downtown, a variety of eclectic specialty shops, antiques stores along its outskirts – San Antonio is full of reasons not to return home empty-handed. Here are a few.

Shopping Plus…

Rivercenter Mall’s convenient location right off the River Walk makes it an easy place to spend an evening. Casual restaurants, movies (including an IMAX® theater) and a comedy club round out the retail options at this indoor mall with an outdoor feel.

What was once the Alamo Cement Plant (which operated for over 100 years) is now Alamo Quarry Market, blending some of the finest shopping in the area. Not only are the original plant walls incorporated into the destination’s megaplex theater building, but the market itself is planned around the factory’s smokestacks, creating a historic setting. This open-air venue features over 60 national stores and restaurants minutes from downtown.

Huebner Oaks is a trendy fashion center offering over 60 restaurants and stores, featuring national retailers to local boutiques vending such specialties as stationery and stylish threads for moms-to-be and infants. Huebner Oaks also includes a 24-screen, first-run movie theater.

Exclusivity

North Star is the mall of all malls. Over 200 specialty shops and restaurants at North Star Mall give it international acclaim, and for good reason: Shoppers will find all of their favorite stores, plus some originals, here. North Star’s convenient location next to San Antonio International Airport makes it a preferred shopping destination for locals and visitors.

Discerning shoppers must stop by The Shops at La Cantera. This open-air retreat is as well known for its design as it is for its shopping. Greenery, subtle water features and architecturally varied storefronts lend a garden-like feel; more than 150 shops and restaurants, a children’s play area and personal shoppers further paint La Cantera as a shopper’s oasis.

Outlet Options

Discount divas have several outlet-shopping choices in San Antonio. Prime Outlets - San Marcos Outlet mall stands out – not only is it the largest outlet mall in south Texas with 130 brand-name retailers, but the hosts of ABC’s “The View” ranked it third in the world as a shopping destination. Also popular is Round Rock Premium Outlets, an attractive outdoor village with 125 designer shops.

One-of-a-kind Finds

Beyond the brand names, you’ll discover an abundance of shops exclusive to San Antonio, reflective of its history and culture. Any number of them are worthy of exploration, but you won’t want to miss Chamade Jewelers in La Villita Historic Arts Village or Lucchese Boot Company in the Alamo Quarry Market. Or, hit several specialty shops at once at Artisans Alley, a shopping center connected by meandering boardwalks that lead to 20 original boutiques.

At Market Square, you can find authentic Mexican goods and food without crossing the border. In addition to the shops that line the square’s pedestrian streets, an indoor shopping area called El Mercado hosts 32 shops, making it the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Across from El Mercado is the Farmer’s Market, providing even more shopping and dining options.