Shopping
San Diego (SAN) Airport Shopping
Shopping at San Diego International Airport spans convenience staples at Hudson News and tech accessories at InMotion through to local specialty gifts and duty-free for international travelers. See each section below for exact locations by concourse or terminal.
Duty-free shopping
Limited duty-free in Terminal 2 for international departures — primarily Mexico routes. Small selection of spirits and tobacco, much smaller than major international gateway airports. US–Mexico border travelers are better served by withdrawing currency at destination ATMs than relying on SAN's limited duty-free.
US duty-free allowance
US residents may bring back $800 in duty-free goods per person. Liquids purchased at duty-free must be in the original sealed store bag when transiting international connections — otherwise they may be confiscated at the connecting airport security checkpoint.
Books & magazines
Hudson News at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Standard airport book and magazine selection. San Diego travel guides, local surf culture books, and California-themed titles available. No independent bookstore chain at SAN.
Convenience & travel essentials
Hudson News throughout both terminals. San Diego-themed souvenirs — Padres merchandise, San Diego Zoo gifts, beach and surf culture items, and local coastal imagery — at select gift shops in both terminals.
Hudson News is at most gate areas throughout San Diego International Airport — a reliable last-minute stop for charging cables, snacks, OTC medicine, and reading material before any departure.
Tech & electronics
InMotion Entertainment at most gates. Standard tech accessories at InMotion and Hudson locations. No Best Buy Express at SAN.
Best Buy Express kiosks carry Apple accessories, Bose headphones, and phone chargers at most major US airports. InMotion Entertainment is the other key tech stop — open at most gate clusters and stocked with travel-oriented electronics essentials.
Fashion & specialty retail
San Diego Padres and beach or surf-themed apparel is well-stocked at SAN gift shops. San Diego Zoo branded merchandise at select shops. Standard airport fashion chains in both terminals. No luxury fashion retail.
Best shopping area
Terminal 2 has the stronger retail at SAN — it is the larger terminal with more gate areas and more concentrated retail options. Terminal 1 has adequate but thinner coverage. SAN is a compact airport and easy to navigate between terminals.
Pro Tip
SAN's airport gift shops carry competitive San Diego souvenirs — pricing on Padres gear and local beach items is comparable to downtown shops without the parking hassle. A convenient last-minute gift stop before a flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is there duty-free shopping at SAN airport?
Limited duty-free in Terminal 2 for international departures — primarily Mexico routes. Small selection of spirits and tobacco, much smaller than major international gateway airports. US–Mexico border travelers are better served by withdrawing currency at destination ATMs than relying on SAN's limited duty-free.
What stores are in SAN airport?
San Diego International Airport has Hudson News book and convenience shops at most gate areas, InMotion Entertainment for tech accessories, and a range of local gift shops. Hudson News throughout both terminals. San Diego-themed souvenirs — Padres merchandise, San Diego Zoo gifts, beach and surf culture items, and local coastal imagery — at select gift shops in both terminals. San Diego Padres and beach or surf-themed apparel is well-stocked at SAN gift shops. San Diego Zoo branded merchandise at select shops. Standard airport fashion chains in both terminals. No luxury fashion retail.
Is there a bookstore at SAN airport?
Hudson News at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Standard airport book and magazine selection. San Diego travel guides, local surf culture books, and California-themed titles available. No independent bookstore chain at SAN.
Does SAN airport have an Apple store?
There is no dedicated Apple Store at San Diego International Airport. Best Buy Express kiosks and InMotion Entertainment locations carry Apple accessories including AirPods, Apple Watch bands, MagSafe chargers, and iPhone cases. InMotion Entertainment at most gates. Standard tech accessories at InMotion and Hudson locations. No Best Buy Express at SAN.
See also: Airport lounges at SAN · Restaurants at SAN airport
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