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The Seven Best Shopping Experiences in San Antonio

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Welcome to Day Tripping, a look at the best shopping spots outside the empire that is North Texas.

Image via North Star Mall/Facebook

San Antonio might be the biggest little sleepy town in Texas. Yet for a city fixated on its basketball team (see picture) almost above all else, it also has some pretty good shopping. Take a look at our best bets below.


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The Shops at La Cantera

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This lovely outdoor mall on the outskirts of the city offers upscale alternatives, including Neiman Marcus, CH Carolina Herrera and Tiffany & Co.

Alamo Quarry Market

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Yes, housed in a rehabbed quarry, this attractive shopping center is closer to downtown and features a diverse mix of retailers like Restoration Hardware, Nordstrom Rack and Whole Earth Provision Co.

North Star Mall

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Home to one of only two Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the state, North Star Mall is the city's go-to, centrally located shopping complex.

Sloan-Hall

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This "multi-category" lifestyle store in Alamo Heights features swoon-worthy items like Nina Ricci bags and Maison Martin Margiela jewelry. (There's also a location in Houston.)

Leighelena Pearl

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Located in the rehabbed (and uber popular) Pearl Brewery complex, this jewelry boutique is a must-stop. The Austin-based brand's only store outside that city, Leighelena offers unusual exotic-skinned jewelry and other accessories.

Market Square/El Mercado

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Sure, this is a touristy stop, but it's worth it. The three-block outdoor plaza, lined with restaurants, shops and produce stands near San Antonio's city center, is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. with dozens of shops selling everything from hand-embroidered dresses to leather belts.

Hanley Wood

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This high-end gifts-and-more store in Alamo Heights has won legions over for its delicate and irresistible array of "didn't know I needed that" items.

The Shops at La Cantera

This lovely outdoor mall on the outskirts of the city offers upscale alternatives, including Neiman Marcus, CH Carolina Herrera and Tiffany & Co.

Alamo Quarry Market

Yes, housed in a rehabbed quarry, this attractive shopping center is closer to downtown and features a diverse mix of retailers like Restoration Hardware, Nordstrom Rack and Whole Earth Provision Co.

North Star Mall

Home to one of only two Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the state, North Star Mall is the city's go-to, centrally located shopping complex.

Sloan-Hall

This "multi-category" lifestyle store in Alamo Heights features swoon-worthy items like Nina Ricci bags and Maison Martin Margiela jewelry. (There's also a location in Houston.)

Leighelena Pearl

Located in the rehabbed (and uber popular) Pearl Brewery complex, this jewelry boutique is a must-stop. The Austin-based brand's only store outside that city, Leighelena offers unusual exotic-skinned jewelry and other accessories.

Market Square/El Mercado

Sure, this is a touristy stop, but it's worth it. The three-block outdoor plaza, lined with restaurants, shops and produce stands near San Antonio's city center, is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. with dozens of shops selling everything from hand-embroidered dresses to leather belts.

Hanley Wood

This high-end gifts-and-more store in Alamo Heights has won legions over for its delicate and irresistible array of "didn't know I needed that" items.