Horton Plaza (in 2009)

Horton Plaza just might the most unusual mall you've ever seen. At once whimsical and downright baffling, this multi-level outdoor complex mimics some bizarro European villa, with nooks and crannies to be discovered. It's cool, and a genuine tourist attraction. Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries make this the noontime stop for downtown workers.