An artsy neighborhood with a little bit of everything; this is one way to describe the North Park neighborhood shopping district.
It includes music stores, gift shops and boutique stores with original artwork. Here are a few shopping options in the heart of North Park, in and around 30th Street and University Avenue.
Artelexia
Artelexia in North Park is a gift shop with mostly items that can be found in Mexico. (Carlos Rico /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Visitors can get the sense of going to a market in Mexico, without leaving San Diego. This is what Artelexia is painting with Mexican-inspired products for sale and the mural of Frida Kahlo on the wall that makes for a good spot for selfies and group pictures. Some of the items customers can purchase are aprons, plates, cups, books, children’s toys, board games and apparel. There are also stationary items like greeting cards, planners, journals, pens, pencils and stickers. Plus, Artelexia carries seasonal items for holidays such as Day of the Dead and Christmas. 3803 Ray St., San Diego. 619-501-6381, artelexia.com
Day to Day Vintage
Day to Day in North Park is a second hand store and vintage shop. (Carlos Rico /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
For a traditional thrift shop vibe with a slight smell of stuffiness and a wide range of used apparel, there is Day to Day Vintage. This open-space shop has a good mix of clean, curated old-school clothing and brand-name artifacts from brands like Wrangler and Levi’s as well as leather jackets and vintage screen print shirts. Guests can also find pants, blouses, flannel shirts and items such as vintage cameras, vinyl records, home decor and toys. 3063 University Ave., San Diego. 858-218-6795, daytodayvintage.com
Dexter’s Deli
Dexter’s Deli is a pet store in North Park. (Carlos Rico /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Some people consider their pets part of their family and will give them gifts during the holidays and their birthday. Dexter’s Deli has many ways to buy a four-legged friend something special, from dog cakes and chew toys to bandanas and collars. Pet parents can also find something for themselves, including hats that say “dog mom” and “dog dad.” 3773 30th St., San Diego, 619-738-8677, dextersdeli.com
Replay Toys Boutique
Replays Toys in North Park is a toy show with used, collectable and new toys and stuffed animals. (Carlos Rico /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Some might say shopping at Replay Toys Boutique is like being a kid in a candy store for those who find happiness in vintage toys and action figures. This toy and collectors’ shop is jam-packed with new and used items for sale, from the last 40-plus years. It’s like a thrift shop and a Toys R Us all rolled into one. Items for sale include Power Rangers, Beanie Babies, Trolls dolls, Barbies and Transformers. Also, there are old-school sports cards, board games and plush toys. 2948 University Ave., San Diego. 619-294-5904, replaytoysboutique.com