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7 Big-Bargain Outlet Malls

With bucket-list magnets like Rodeo Drive and Union Square, California has undeniable star power when it comes to shopping. But all those fashion finds and gifts for everyone back home don’t have to come with hefty price tags. The state’s top outlet malls, featuring superstar big-name brands (think Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Prada, and Kate Spade) offer top-quality clothes, housewares, and accessories at dramatic discounts. While some outlets are set up as traditional outdoor malls, others have their own unique style—from colorful, sunny settings in the desert to a location in a former Los Angeles tire factory now reborn as lavishly embellished complex straight out of Aladdin.  

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Inland Empire Outlets

Inland Empire Outlets
Find bargains on brand names at major outlet centers

The only thing better than scoring the perfect outfit or designer shoes is to get them for a bargain price. That’s why shopping in the Inland Empire can be so sweet—it’s a hot bed of top-quality outlet centers filled with designer and brand name finds.

Biggest of the bunch is Ontario Mills is California’s largest outlet center. With more than 200 stores, it literally has brand names from A (Abercrombie & Fitch) to Z (Zumiez). Look for great deals in for clothes and shoes for men, women, and children, plus accessories, electronics, sporting goods, and home wares. There’s also a big selection at the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center, where you’ll find deals at stores for Nike, Gap, and Guess Armani.

7 Big-Bargain Outlet Malls DHPO

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Shop for bargains near Palm Springs

Here’s something to tempt you away from all that basking by the pool at your stylish Palm Springs resort. The 180-store Desert Hills Premium Outlets complex is a California collection of luxury outlet stores including brands like Burberry, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Kate Spade New York, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford and Valentino, with the latest looks for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay for these ritzy duds. Plus, you’ll find popular stores like Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.  

The complex borders Interstate 10, the main route connecting Palm Springs to the Southern California coast, so it’s an easy (and essential) detour on your way to or from San Diego, L.A., or other points west.

Insider’s tip: For more bargain hunting, head to the adjacent Cabazon Outlets for deep discounts from Sunglass Hut, Guess, and other popular brands.

 

Citadel Outlets
Praytino/Flickr

Citadel Outlets

Citadel Outlets
Visit a shopping landmark near downtown L.A.

You’ve never seen a retail center quite like the Citadel Outlets near downtown Los Angeles. Discover more than 130 stores and a hotel behind an exotic, 1,700-foot façade straight out of Ancient Babylon—the remnant of a tire factory dating back to the 1920s.

It looks like an ancient temple, and that’s not entirely misleading—the temple part at least. The Citadel is a shrine to contemporary shopping. Take the young ones to Gymboree and the Disney Outlet. Guys can update their wardrobes at A/X Armani Exchange and Perry Ellis, while women should check out Kate Spade New York and other chic offerings.

Before your visit, check the events calendar for happenings such as Moms & Mimosas (take mom out on Mother’s Day!) or special discounts for service members during Military Appreciation Month. And once there, stop by the Customer Service desk to ask for a Savings Card and a Savings Passport for additional discounts at several stores. Citadel Outlets is also home to Los Angeles’ California Welcome Center; the staff there will be happy to help you plan your next—or next dozen—stops. Find it and the location of all the stores with this map.

This outlet mall also has an international collection of quick-serve eateries (why waste time dining when you can shop?). Look for Vietnamese food, sushi, and Mediterranean shish kabob. Like most outlets, Citadel has plenty of outdoor adjacent parking, but those lots do fill up quickly at peak times. Be aware that there is also a 9-story parking structure across the street on Hoefner Avenue with 1,000 free spaces to handle the overflow.

Insider tips: If you're planning a visit to Disneyland Resort, about a half-hour’s drive south (without traffic), consider adding a trip here; Citadel offers express shuttles (fee charged) from several hotels in Anaheim. If you are in downtown L.A., it’s even more of a no-brainer: there’s a free shuttle from multiple downtown locations. Citadel Outlets is also easily accessible via Metrolink.

 

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Rupert Ganzer/Flickr

Gilroy Premium Outlets

Gilroy Premium Outlets
Browse for bargains off U.S. 101

Thanks to its many farms and annual festival, Gilroy has earned the title of “Garlic Capital of the World.” But this Central Coast town is also a prime shopping destination, with the expansive Gilroy Premium Outlets offering 145 stores featuring leading brands and designers.

Some 84 miles/135km south of San Francisco and 41 miles/66km northeast of Monterey, the outlets make a great stop as you travel along U.S. Highway 101. Take your teens to check out cool fashions at Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet and American Apparel. Look for deals from such classics as Calvin Klein and Brooks Brothers. Or pick up premium workout gear at Lululemon Athletica and outdoor adventure clothes and gear at The North Face outlet. And the shoe selection ranges from casual Crocs to classy Cole Haan.

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Vans Skate Park

The Outlets at Orange

The Outlets at Orange
Great deals near Disneyland Resort

Less than 10 minutes from the Magic Kingdom, there’s another destination that might be just as magical—if you’re into shopping for bargains in a surprisingly inviting setting. The Outlets at Orange complex features top stores and a host of other activities that don’t involve bargain hunting. Catch a movie at the AMC Orange 30, which includes an IMAX 3D theater. Rejuvenate with a treatment at the Burke Williams Day Spa, while the kids burn off some energy as they shred on the indoor street course and assorted ramps and concrete bowls at the indoor-outdoor Vans SkatePark. The popular skate park also offers equipment rentals and lessons.

But let’s not forget—you’re here for the shopping. Find marked-down merchandise at Neiman Marcus Last Call and seriously awesome deals at Nordstrom Rack and DKNY. Get a new surf-ready look at Hurley, or something slinky and lacy at Frederick’s of Hollywood.

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The Outlets at Orange
Join Simon Properties for the ultimate shopping trip to the Outlets at Orange.
Goods from Vacaville Premium Outlets if California's Central Valley
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Vacaville Premium Outlets

Vacaville Premium Outlets
Stylish bargains off Interstate 80

If you’re heading from the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento or Lake Tahoe, take a break and check out the 115-plus stores at the impressive Vacaville Premium Outlets, located in Vacaville.

You’ll find dozens of shoe stores alone, including Adidas, Aldo, Asics, Bass, Clark’s, Cole Haan, Crocs, and Converse (and that’s just from A through C!), not to mention designer fashions, sportswear, leather goods and more at this open-air center just off I-80, the main east-west corridor between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada range. Shop for deals on such iconic brands as Coach, Tumi, The North Face, Le Creuset, and Banana Republic.

For shoppers’ convenience, on site at Vacaville Premium Outlets are a children’s play area, baby changing stations, and electric vehicle charging stations. If you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up, Starbuck’s and Kristin’s Coffee Corner are onsite, along with food at DJ’s Grill and Deli and treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

While in the Vacaville area, there’s lots you can check out. The nearby Suisun Valley is home to a booming winemaking industry; drop by Blue Victorian Vineyards or Wooden Valley Winery for a tour and tasting, or, right in downtown Vacaville’s Town Square, stop by Cuvee E, a wine bar specializing in local vintages. There are lots of ways to take advantage of the region’s ideal climate and terrain as well. Visit Browns Valley Open Space Preserve to go bouldering, or visit dog-friendly, 470-acre Pena Adobe Park to go hiking, have a picnic or spend an afternoon fishing.