This outdoor retail complex in San Diego County recently underwent a major facelift and expansion and the finished result is stunning. You can easily spend all day at Westfield UTC browsing the 150-plus shops, catching a film at the state of the art cinema, eating and drinking your way around the beautiful grounds (Lemonade and Shake Shack have long queues for a reason), or just lounging in the sun with a freshly pressed juice. Serious shoppers will appreciate Westfield’s variety, from familiar brands (H&M to Hermès) to California cult labels including Gorjana (jewellery), Marine Layer (fashion) and Travis Mathew (menswear).

In the coastal neighbourhood of Solana Beach in San Diego’s North County, Cedros Avenue is dotted with vibrant specialist shops. Grab a New Orleans–style iced coffee at Lofty Coffee and browse the numerous home décor retailers, both chains (West Elm) and local-designer-curated (check out SoLo’s collectibles and homewares). For on-trend fashions, head to Gerhard and Pink Lagoon, two high-end boutiques specialising in women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Take a break from shopping on the terrace at either Claire’s on Cedros or Homestead, which specialises in local, wholesome ingredients. If you’re parched from all your purchasing, sample San Diego’s epic craft beer scene at Culture Brewing.

Southern California’s largest luxury shopping hub, this Costa Mesa retail mecca offers something for every budget and taste, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Dolce & Gabbana. It would take a week to browse the 250 boutiques at South Coast Plaza, and you’d be well-fed while doing it, too—there are 30 restaurants on site, ranging from the casual options at Champagne French Bakery Cafe, to the more formal Seasons 52, which serves up a seasonally inspired menu and artisanal cocktails. Another uniquely South Coast Plaza feature: you can complete your day of shopping with a musical or concert at the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Situated in the heart of Santa Monica, this eclectic, car-free retail thoroughfare stretches for three blocks and is anchored by Santa Monica Place, a cluster of stores containing popular retail brands including Coach and Michael Kors. Check out the Third Street Promenade’s colourful street performers and shops brimming with collectibles, such as the multi-hued kaleidoscopes and vases at Adamm’s Stained Glass Studio & Art Gallery and the vast trove of guitars at Truetone Music. Break for lunch at Bruxie’s and try the signature chicken and waffle sandwich. Nearby, Montana Avenue offers more tree-shaded browsing plus possible celebrity sightings at Kreation Kafe’s juice bar.

Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive is the pinnacle of luxury shopping experiences, known for both its glamorous couture stores (think Versace and Prada) and the exotic cars that cruise the iconic stretch. Shop like a jet setter at prestigious boutiques such as Chanel, Fendi and Dior, all clustered within a three-block radius. Nab an outside table at the elegant 208 Rodeo and enjoy some fabulous people watching over a lunch of lobster gnocchi with black truffle cream. Before you leave, snap a selfie by the Via Rodeo sign on Two Rodeo Drive, a faux-European cobblestone alley.

California’s largest outlet shopping destination, 1 million square feet (93,000 square metres)!Ontario Mills houses 200 stores (and counting), including luxury brands such as Coach, Hugo Boss and Kate Spade New York. Browse for bargains for the whole family and your home (Restoration Hardware Outlet is a big attraction for interior design fans), then refuel at one of the casual family friendly dining options, such as Rainforest Café. Before you go, make sure you check the Ontario Mills website for changing deals and special events.

If you’re a fan of Mad Men’s sleek mid century modern aesthetic, you’ll want to head straight to this Palm Springs shopping hub. On North Palm Canyon Drive, rummage through the Uptown Design District’s time capsule shops for retro furnishings and clothing. Treasure hunt through art galleries, antiques shops and second hand stores. Check out Dazzles’ flea market finds: lucite jewellery, vintage highball glasses and gold-plated serving dishes. And then swing by Trina Turk Palm Springs, the designer’s flagship boutique that features colourful resort wear and accessories.

This high-end shopping district is a retail oasis in Palm Desert. El Paseo, which covers an area of nine blocks, houses a number of luxury labels (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton), chic restaurants and locally-owned shops such as BG’s El Paseo (colourful women’s fashions), Trestle (homewares) and The Body Deli (hand-crafted soaps and lotions). For some more open-air shopping, head to the Gardens on El Paseo, where you’ll find more cult brands including Johnny Was, Kate Spade and Saks Fifth Avenue. In the market for original art to adorn your home? You’ve come to the right place, El Paseo is home to one of the largest concentrations of art galleries in Southern California. After working up an appetite with all that window shopping, grab a patio table (and a platter of oysters) at Pacifica Seafood Restaurant.