Las Americas Premium Outlets – Outlet Shopping on the Border
There is a Shopping Complex Just Next to the Border?
The vast shopping area of Las Amercias Premium Outlets has a little bit of everything including a playground, catering from taco trucks, a food court. There are 125 stores at Las Americas alone (it is surrounded by two other shopping centers to the east and west making a total of 3/4 of a million square feet of retail space) there is something to buy for everyone.
While filming there for our first Vlog Rubí couldn’t resist checking out some of the stores and found herself a bargain (a stylish red broad-brimmed hat) in one of the clothing stores. Scott was really happy to find a New Balance store in the complex and took the opportunity to replace his well-loved but worn-out training shoes.
Historical Stuff – Who knew?
Las Americas premium outlets opened in 2001 as a 560 sq ft shopping mall. It is owned by the Simon Property Group and was developed by Stoltz Real Estate Partners along with some institutional investors (according to an article on Wikipedia). It was built right next to the San Ysidro border crossing which is the 4th busiest border crossing in the world (probably providing access to a lot of extra customers from the more than 80 million crossings every year).
Disappointingly we weren’t able to find out much about what was there before hand, though obviously its right next to the Tijuana river and must have been prime farmland at one time. If you know what was there, please comment so we can update this part of the post!
What did we think of it: First Thoughts?
Overall, we enjoyed the experience, though with the recent focus on the border wall, it felt a little surreal to be shopping right next to it. Such a controversial topic that was possibly more successful in dividing the citizens of America than the wall itself in separating the United States and Mexico, it felt almost surreal to be standing there looking at it surrounded by happy consumers, some of them maybe getting in early Christmas shopping or looking for a new pair of socks for winter.
What is it like at Las Americas Premium Outlets?
The outlets were very clean and well laid out, with plenty of wide walkways and nice palm trees (always a favorite with Rubi). We noticed some sculptures near the front carparks and, of course, there was a fountain (it wouldn’t be a shopping center without at least one fountain!).
At various places through the outlets we noticed helpful digital signs/maps that you can use them to send yourself a map and directions. We tried it out and it seemed to work ok.
Unlike indoor malls, when we visited the outlets, the walkways weren’t clogged with kiosks and vendors trying to make sales so it felt quite peaceful. Most of the center-walkway kiosks were food vendors and there was a reasonable variety. Aside from the Taco Trucks in the front carpark area there is also an indoor food court towards the back of the complex.
Overall the facilities were well kept and clean. Unfortunately we did not stop at any of the bathrooms, but we did discover that there are three public accessible bathrooms spaced along the back area of the of the complex, one of which is right next to the children’s playground.
Does there have to be a downside?
Looking for faults during our visit, the only one was the parking: if you go during busy/peak times it may be difficult to get a park.
Otherwise, we were happy with the ambience, the feeling of safety and the cleanliness of the complex.
Our Verdict: is it “Ready for Takeoff” or should you “Find another Getaway”?
If you need to shop, Las Americas Premium Outlets has enough options to keep you happy in a nice atmosphere with all the amenities (Go!). Focusing on clothing, fashion accessories and gifts, and with other major retail stores to the east and west, there are a lot of options for you to choose from in a nice, casual, safe environment.
How to Get to Las Americas Premium Outlets
As Las Americas Premium Outlets are right next to the San Ysidro Port of Entry there are many Interstate and Freeway options that will get you there, but to name a few:
- Take the I-5 from Los Angeles down through Oceanside and merge onto the I-805 (heading south) in the Torrey Pines area and follow I-805 until exiting at exit 1A (look out for signs saying “LAST US EXIT”!) for Camino De La Plaza which skirts the outside of the outlets (turn right).
- Take I-15 from the Riverside until following exit 3 merges into I-805 and then follow I-805 until exiting at exit 1A for Camino De La Plaza (turn right to enter the carpark).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
The most important thing to remember is to not miss your exit! You will be taking the last exit before entering Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Just make sure to pay attention (be in the right-side lanes to make it easier to take exit 1A) and you’ll have no problem.
Food and drink are readily available form a number of vendors, but of course you can bring your own food to save money. There are a number of public benches and also the food court where you can rest. Be aware that the concrete paths and buildings will reflect the sun so be cautious in high UV weather if you plan to do a lot of walking outside there.
Helpful Signs Point the Way
Digital signs will help you find where you need to go, including providing little walking maps if you scan the QR code or provide a point of contact.
Parking in the front areas can be difficult to find during peak periods of the day. The rear car parks seemed less busy, but at night they also seem more isolated and less well lit: Be thoughtful about what time you are planning to leave (how dark it will be) and decide on where to park that will best keep you safe and sound.
Answers to Important Questions
There are three public bathrooms/restrooms located near the back and spaced along the length of the complex, one of which is right next to the children’s playground. Some larger stores may also have a restroom inside for customer use.
There are plenty of options for food and drink at Las Americas Premium outlets:
- There are kiosks with food vendors.
- A dedicated food court with lots of familiar food options such as Panda Express and Subway.
- There are some popular Catering Trucks that set up in the front carpark.
- Various restaurants are within walking distance of the complex and others can be found nearby that are quickly reached by car.
Dogs do appear to be allowed in the complex, but most stores will only allow service dogs inside, and will ask that you leave your pets outside.
Drone flight would require permission of the property managers, we recommend you find other places to fly.
