15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (2025)

California is known for its fabulous shopping, in no small thanks to moves like “Clueless” and reality TV shows that showcase its stars wearing luxury brands. The lifestyle portrayed in movies and television make us want to spend money. After all, who doesn’t love luxury? But even more than that, who doesn’t love a good deal?

If you adore shopping, you’ll want to check out this list of the 15 best outlet malls in California allow you to treat yourself to something nice without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents:

  • Northern California
    • Vacaville Premium Outlets
    • San Francisco Premium Outlets
    • Napa Premium Outlets
    • Folsom Premium Outlets
    • Gilroy Premium Outlets
  • Southern California
    • Desert Hills Premium Outlets
    • Camarillo Premium Outlets
    • Carlsbad Premium Outlets
    • Outlets at Barstow
    • Citadel Outlets
    • Outlets at Tejon
    • Viejas Outlet Center
    • Las Americas Premium Outlets
    • Ontario Mills Outlets
    • Cabazon Outlets
  • Final Thoughts

Northern California

Most people associate Northern California with Silicon Valley, but it’s also home to premium outlets! Indulge your inner boujee impulses without going bankrupt at these NorCal outlet malls.

Vacaville Premium Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (1)

321 Nut Tree Road, Vacaville, California

Vacaville Premium Outlets are located in Vacaville, California off the I-80. Home to over 115 stores (including Kate Spade, Lacoste, and Movado), there’s something for everyone at this outlet mall.

No matter if you’re a fitness fanatic, a shoe lover, or you want somewhere nice to go with the family, Vacaville Premium Outlets won’t disappoint.

San Francisco Premium Outlets

2774 Livermore Outlets Drive, Livermore California

You’d be hardpressed to find an outlet as impressive as the San Francisco Premium Outlets. Home to everything from Burberry to Prada, they’re always adding more shops!

After a long day of shopping, they have quite a few dining options to consider—or if you’re not hungry, you can refuel with a Starbucks instead!

Napa Premium Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (2)

629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa, California

Located in California’s famous wine-producing region, Napa Premium Outlets have an extra luxe feel to them—they even have Tesla SuperChargers for guests to charge their electric vehicles.

While this outlet mall doesn’t have as many stores as others, the deals are still fabulous. That’s especially so if you’re a fan of brands such as Bella Massimo Organics or the Banana Republic.

Folsom Premium Outlets

13000 Folsom Boulevard, Folsom, California

Located just 20 minutes east of Sacramento, Folsom Premium Outlets is an 80-store shopping phenomenon. Get your eyebrows threaded at Beauty by Thread or take your little ones to the Little Kingdom Creative Playroom (both available by appointment only).

See also 12 of the Best Beaches Near Sacramento for Families

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a friend, you’ll leave with your arms full and your wallet still healthy.

Gilroy Premium Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (3)

681 Leavesley Road, Gilroy, California

Conveniently located off Highway 101, Gilroy Premium Outlets is the place to be. It’s always busy, but that’s a testament to how great the shopping is!

This outlet mall is so impressive that it has not just one but two Coach stores! There are also multiple dining options, including Culichi’s Urban Kitchen and Erik’s Deli Cafe.

Southern California

Southern California is home to the iconic Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. If you’re into luxury brands and high fashion, it is the place to be! But, if you’re a savvy shopper, you’ll know there are other places to get the most bang for your buck.

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (4)

48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, California

Desert Hills Premium Outlets is where you’ll find the largest collection of luxury outlet stores in California. What’s more, they offer a shuttle bus service from the parking lot to the outlet mall! As one of the largest outlet malls in the state, they’re also home to some of the widest varieties of stores!

If you love MCM, Versace, and Fendi but couldn’t justify paying full retail, look no further than Desert Hills. Because this outlet mall is particularly large, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Camarillo Premium Outlets

740 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, California

Rated a 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, the Camarillo Premium Outlets is not only conveniently located off Highway 101, roughly 50 miles north of LA, it’s also loved by everyone who visits! Drive an electric vehicle? No problem as they have EV chargers powered by EVgo in the Promenade Court, across from Panera Bread.

Speaking of Panera, they have dining options ranging from the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store to Johnny Rockets. If you’re looking for something a bit more grab-and-go, they also have a Starbucks. As for shopping, you can expect to see stores like Armani Exchange and Express.

See also 21 of the Best Hotels Near Disneyland, Anaheim (California)

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

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5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad Premium Outlets is home to just under 100 luxury stores. If you visit in an electric vehicle, rest assured that they have you covered with fast charging stations powered by EVgo. Should you feel peckish after the drive, the outlets offer a wonderful variety of restaurants, including Mot’to Japanese Grill, Ruby’s Diner, and Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill.

Not in the mood to eat? No problem! There’s tons of shopping to be done here, starting with the 7 for All Mankind store all the way to premium cutlery brand Zwilling.

Outlets at Barstow

2796 Tanger Way, Barstow, California

Outlets at Barstow is a well-maintained mall located in Barstow, California.

While it’s not one of the larger outlet malls on this list, it still offers a wide variety of choices for shoppers who want deals on accessories, apparel (including children’s), footwear, and specialty items, like luggage.

Citadel Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (6)

100 Citadel Drive, Commerce, California

Located along the Santa Ana Freeway, the Citadel Outlets stands out from the crowd as one of the best outlet malls in California thanks to its unique architecture (that makes it easy to spot!).

It’s an outdoor mall that features high-end brand names ranging from Karl Lagerfield to Polo Ralph Lauren. Love Disney? You’ll be delighted to know there’s a Disney store!

Outlets at Tejon

5701 Outlets at Tejon Parkway, Arvin, California

You’ll find the trendy Outlets at Tejon in Kern County, California. Here, there is everything from casualwear for men, women, and children to a range of home decor.

Indeed, you can find charming furniture from Pottery Barn or snag some cool tees from Hot Topic. Besides retail therapy, there are also lots of food options, including Cinnabon and Tony’s Pizza.

Viejas Outlet Center

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (7)

5003 Willows Road, Alpine, California

The Viejas Outlet Center is located at a casino and resort, and features well-known and loved brands. You’ll find dozens of some of the most popular brands like Eddie Bauer and Famous Footwear!

It’s not just great shopping you’ll find at Viejas either—there are tons of activities for you to enjoy. Go skating at California’s largest outdoor skating rink, or enjoy a round of bowling at the Viejas bowl. Don’t feel like skating or bowling? That’s fine as they have an arcade too!

See also 12 Of The Best All Inclusive Family Resorts In California For A Vacation To Remember!

Las Americas Premium Outlets

4211 Camino De La Plaza, San Diego, California

The Las Americas Premium Outlets offers over 550,000 square feet of shopping. With that much space, you’re truly spoiled for choice. From Aeri to Bath & Body Works, Coach to Finish Line, and Original Penguin to Waikiki, there’s something for everyone here.

The outlets are also adjacent to the 98,000 square foot Plaza at the Border, which has a Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx as part of the structure.

Ontario Mills Outlets

15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (8)

1 Mills Circle, Ontario, California

You’ll be pleased to know that the Ontario Mills Outlets is one of the top retail destinations in the city.

Described as a place to shop until you drop, this outlet mall offers everything from fine jewelry to sports attire and high fashion. There’s also AMC 30 Theatres if you want to catch a movie in between your day out!

Cabazon Outlets

48750 Seminole Drive, Suite 100, Cabazon, California

The Cabazon Outlets isn’t large, but still has a strong offering of stores including Adidas, O’Neill, PUMA, and Sunglass Hut.

If you know exactly what you’re looking for when you shop, the Cabazon Outlets is the perfect place for you!

Final Thoughts

The Golden State is synonymous with glamor and glitz. With this list of the best outlet malls in California, you can find the perfect luxury bargain to give yourself a taste of the high life.

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15 of the Best Outlet Malls in California - The Family Vacation Guide (2025)

FAQs

What day is best to shop at outlets? ›

To maximize your savings, consider planning your visit during weekdays or early mornings when the crowds are usually smaller. Not only will you have a more relaxed shopping experience, but you may also stumble upon exclusive discounts that stores offer to attract customers during these off-peak hours.

What is the largest discount outlet mall in the USA? ›

With bragging rights as the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States, Sawgrass Mills, located in Sunrise, Fla., offers all of the above.

Why are outlets so much cheaper? ›

While outlet stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.

What is the cheapest day to shop? ›

Specifically, many experts advise shopping on Wednesday and Thursday. Going to the store during the middle of the week can allow you to get better prices because many stores restock their shelves at this time when their weekly deliveries arrive.

What is the cheapest day to go to Goodwill? ›

According to Goodwill, the perfect time slot to shop at thrift stores is in the morning on both Monday and Tuesday. This is because, at least as far as Goodwill is concerned, people tend to donate garage sale remnants on Sunday, so the pickings are new and fresh come early weekdays.

What is the largest luxury mall? ›

Largest malls
NameLocationSize (total area)
The Grand Venice MallGreater Noida947,000 sq ft (88,000 m2)
City Centre, NashikNashik900,000 sq ft (84,000 m2)
Express AvenueChennai900,000 sq ft (84,000 m2)
Phoenix PalassioLucknow900,000 sq ft (84,000 m2)
88 more rows

What is the number 1 biggest mall in the world? ›

New South China Mall

What is the biggest mega mall? ›

The New South China Mall of China is considered the biggest mall in the world which has a total area of 6.46 million square feet.

Are outlet clothes the same quality? ›

Many popular brands produce what's called “factory goods”- clothing produced solely for sale at outlet stores. Factory goods usually do not meet the same quality standards that the clothing brand is known for.

Is it worth going to an outlet? ›

It's money-wasting." Aside from the possibility you could end up buying things you don't need, Ramsey also cautions that in some cases, brands manufacture cheaper goods specifically for the outlets, so you may not be getting the same quality of product you'd get if you paid full price at a traditional store.

What is a premium outlet? ›

Premium Outlets is a portfolio of outlet shopping centers that brings together the finest brands in a unique outdoor setting and offers impressive savings of up to 65% off every day. Each center is a shopping attraction and destination in its own right offering: Factory-direct savings up to 65% off every day.

What is the best time to go shopping to an outlet? ›

Outlets can get crowded, so you'll do best at avoiding both congestion and picked-over shelves by shopping at off-peak times. Experts suggest stopping in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Shop early in the day. If you're not a morning person, avoid the early afternoon and wait until dinnertime.

What day of the week is best to buy things? ›

Tuesdays and Wednesdays Could Be the Best Days To Shop

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the middle of the week tends to be the best time to shop if you're looking for lower prices or more deals.

What is the best shopping day of the week? ›

Wednesday is the best day of the week to go grocery shopping because stores are usually less crowded mid-week. For the freshest items, time your shop for store opening or closing. This increases the likelihood that bakery, deli, and other produce items were recently restocked.

What is the best day to go clothes shopping? ›

For frugal shoppers, shopping means buying clothes when you can get the very best prices, which can often take a bit of pre-planning. You can follow a few simple timing guidelines to get the best deals on new clothing, such as knowing that Thursday night may be the best day of the week to go to the store.

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