Start the Season with a New Bikini, Some Joggers and Shiny Kicks—All Found at This Premier Shopping Destination

Summer in San Diego is upon us, and this calls for our favorite year-round activity: shopping. Simply knowing the coming months will be sunny is an excuse enough to splurge on a new bikini or board shorts. Lucky for locals, Carlsbad is known for its coastal vibe, and its premier shopping destination, The Forum Carlsbad, lives up to the North County city’s reputation. 

This gorgeous outdoor lifestyle center is filled with elegant architecture, vibrant flowers and greenery along with dozens of outdoor patios to unwind and soak up the sun. But, the real draw lies in the center’s wide collection of stores, restaurants and fitness studios. Their shops have everything necessary for a summer day of play—from athletic wear to vacay clothing and everything in between. Your only job is to get excited about a day of shopping—we’ve covered the rest! Here’s our full-day itinerary for a summer shopping spree at The Forum Carlsbad.

 

10 a.m.

Shopping at Outerknown

For your first stop, venture into the Outerknown—because isn’t that what a summer day out is all about? With weather that is nearly always perfect, it’s no surprise that San Diego culture is all about the outdoors. The selection at Outerknown—where you’ll find sustainable beach and adventure apparel—is San Diego culture in clothing form. Whether you’re finally going to hike Three Sisters Falls or you’ve got a day of surfing in the lineup, you’ll find everything your wardrobe needs at this first stop. You can feel good about it, too: they were founded on a total commitment to sustainability and support fair labor every step of the way.

 

11 a.m.

Shopping at Anthropologie

Your next stop is inspired by none other than the long-standing San Diego tradition that is the Del Mar horse races. The first race of the season is coming up, which means so are the chic and classy looks that accompany the opening day bash, not to mention every race day that follows! Anthropologie is known for its elevated collection of seasonal styles. It’s the perfect place to find a stylish new dress or jumpsuit. Hint: you may even find a new wide-brimmed hat here for racing season. Just one stop at this outpost, and it’s off to the races!

 

Noon

Brunch at Parakeet Cafe

A little birdie told us this is the place to be. Healthy, wholesome and hearty, Parakeet Cafe is home to a nest of nutritious food and drink options, all prepared with love. There’s vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto options—you name it. You’ll also find a selection for those with no restrictions at all. They source high-quality ingredients from local organic farms to create dishes like salmon toast, a loaded belgian waffle and shakshuka. There’s plenty of room to sit down and recoup at The Forum Carlsbad location. We also recommend grabbing a specialty coffee like the salted maple latte—you’ve still got shopping to do, after all!

 

1:30 p.m.

Shopping at Vuori

Next stop: treat yourself! If you’re a local, you’re no stranger to the buzz around Vuori. Founded in the neighboring town of Encinitas, Vuori is known for its super comfortable athletic apparel made with designs inspired by the coastal California lifestyle. Perfect for all your summer workout staples, grab a new performance jogger and a matching tank or tee and fall in love with the softness and quality of every piece. Need new board shorts for the summer season? They’ve got those, too! A new workout set may just be the motivation you need to get back into your favorite activity. Everyone needs a little boost now and then—prepare to look good doing it.

 

2:30 p.m.

Shopping at Madewell

This one’s all in the name: everything at Madewell is made well. Spice up your wardrobe with a midday stop and shop their new summer collection, which is chock-full of laid-back, vacation-ready fits. Sift through the racks and get inspired about what this summer can entail: beach mornings, sunset hikes and bonfire evenings. Madewell has everything from feminine dresses to casual short-sleeved button downs. Grab a new pair of sandals too, and welcome the warm weather with a warm hello. 

 

3:30 p.m.

Sweet Treat from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

You guessed it! It’s time for a rest and refuel stop. Any seasoned shopaholic knows this well: the best shopping is done with a little bit of a sugar rush. Crowned by Time Magazine as the best in the world, McConnell’s is home to homemade cookies and scratch-made ice cream, featuring only the finest ingredients and no preservatives or fillers. There’s truly a flavor for everyone, from classic chocolate peanut butter brownie to the fruity eureka lemon and marionberries.

Local Insight: Coming soon to The Forum Carlsbad is the delectable Susie Cakes, where you’ll find baked goods like mocha cupcakes and classic carrot cake. Decisions, decisions!

 

4 p.m.

Shopping at Nike Well Collective

For your final push on your big shopping day, a visit to Nike Well Collective is a must. Swoop in and shop everything you could possibly need in terms of gym and athletic apparel, with something for every activity. Level-up your runs and treat yourself to a brand new, shiny pair of kicks like the Nike Zoom Fly 5, available in a wide assortment of colors to match your workout vibe. While you’re at it, pick up a new gym bag and a warm-up jacket—this is your last stop on the itinerary, so make it count! 

 

The Forum Carlsbad
1923 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760.479.0166
@theforumcarlsbad