What to Buy in San Diego: Top 10 San Diego Souvenirs

The best San Diego souvenirs to bring home are Baja-inspired foods, craft beer, surf and beachwear, artisan jewelry and coastal décor that capture the city’s laid-back Southern California style and vibrant cultural roots.

If you're wondering what to buy in San Diego, look for locally made beachwear, Baja-inspired foods, craft beer, artisan jewelry and coastal décor that reflect the city’s laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle. From Old Town’s colorful boutiques to La Jolla’s upscale shops and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, shopping in San Diego blends surf culture, Mexican heritage and Southern California style. Whether you prefer edible treats or handcrafted keepsakes, these San Diego souvenirs capture the essence of America’s Finest City.

Here are the top 10 San Diego souvenirs worth packing in your suitcase.

1. Baja-Style Hot Sauce and Mexican Spices

San Diego’s proximity to the Mexican border heavily influences its cuisine. One of the most flavorful answers to what to buy in San Diego is authentic Baja-style hot sauce, chili blends or taco seasoning from Old Town markets and specialty food stores.

Look for locally bottled salsas, smoky chipotle sauces or spice mixes perfect for recreating fish tacos at home. Many shops in Old Town San Diego sell beautifully packaged gift sets that make excellent culinary San Diego souvenirs.

2. Locally Roasted Coffee

San Diego has a thriving coffee scene, with small-batch roasters throughout neighborhoods like North Park, Little Italy and La Jolla. Independent coffee brands often emphasize ethically sourced beans and creative flavor notes.

Pick up a bag of locally roasted beans as a practical souvenir that lets you relive your morning walks along the coast. It’s one of the easiest and most popular choices when deciding what to buy in San Diego.

3. San Diego Craft Beer

San Diego is one of the craft beer capitals of the United States, particularly known for bold West Coast IPAs. Many breweries offer cans or bottles designed for travel, with labels featuring surfboards, sunsets and coastal art.

If you’re browsing specialty shops or brewery tasting rooms, look for small-batch releases unique to the region. Craft beer is a favorite among travelers shopping in San Diego who want something flavorful and distinctly local.

4. Surf and Beach Apparel

With miles of coastline and a year-round outdoor culture, surf-inspired clothing makes a natural San Diego souvenir. From graphic tees and hoodies to hats and sandals, you’ll find relaxed, California-cool styles throughout beach communities like La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

Many boutiques carry locally designed brands rather than generic tourist logos, making it easy to bring home wearable memories of your time by the Pacific.

5. La Jolla Artisan Jewelry

La Jolla’s coastal elegance is reflected in its boutiques and artisan shops. Jewelry crafted from sea glass, turquoise, abalone shells and silver captures the colors of the Pacific Ocean.

If you're considering what to buy in San Diego that feels a bit more elevated, handmade jewelry from La Jolla offers a refined keepsake rooted in the region’s natural beauty.

6. Balboa Park Museum Gifts

Balboa Park is home to more than a dozen museums and their gift shops are filled with thoughtful finds. Whether you explore art, science or cultural exhibits, you’ll discover curated books, prints and educational items inspired by your visit.

Museum gift shops often feature locally made products, making them ideal for travelers who appreciate meaningful, story-driven San Diego souvenirs.

7. California Olive Oil and Specialty Foods

Southern California produces exceptional olive oil, citrus products and gourmet condiments. Specialty shops in the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy sell infused olive oils, artisan vinegars and handcrafted jams.

These pantry staples are compact, easy to transport and give you a taste of California long after your trip ends. Shopping in San Diego often reveals food-forward gifts that celebrate the region’s agricultural richness.

8. Old Town Handmade Crafts

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is one of the most charming areas for browsing. Preserved 19th-century buildings house boutiques selling handmade leather goods, embroidered textiles, pottery and folk art.

This area’s deep Mexican heritage influences much of what you’ll find. Colorful ceramics and decorative tiles are particularly popular San Diego souvenirs that showcase the region’s cultural roots.

9. Coastal-Inspired Home Décor

Driftwood art, nautical décor and ocean-themed candles are easy to find in seaside neighborhoods. Many shops in La Jolla and along the waterfront sell home accessories inspired by beach sunsets and marine life.

These items allow you to bring a little of the Pacific indoors. If you're searching for what to buy in San Diego beyond T-shirts and snacks, coastal décor offers something stylish and lasting.

10. San Diego Skyline or Landmark Prints

From the Coronado Bridge to palm-lined beaches and the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s skyline is unmistakable. Local artists sell prints and photography that highlight iconic spots like Balboa Park’s Spanish Colonial architecture or La Jolla’s dramatic cliffs.

Framed or unframed, these prints make classic San Diego souvenirs that are easy to pack and perfect for decorating your home office or living room.

Shopping-Focused Shore Excursions in San Diego

If you're visiting via cruise, certain excursions provide valuable time for browsing and buying local goods. Here’s an option that combines sightseeing with shopping opportunities:

San Diego and La Jolla Highlights with Airport Drop-Off – After exploring landmarks like Balboa Park and La Jolla’s scenic coastline, enjoy time in Old Town San Diego, where you can browse boutiques filled with handcrafted goods, Mexican-inspired crafts and specialty foods before concluding your day.

This excursion offers convenient free time specifically designed for shopping in San Diego, particularly in Old Town’s historic district.