Shopping is one of the most enjoyable activities. The great thing is you can shop with friends or go by yourself. In Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley shopping is even more enjoyable and exhilarating because of the variety and great prices available. Shoppers often come away with unique finds at bargain prices. From fresh vegetables to designer clothing and antiques, avid shoppers can find a variety of fascinating stores in the many shopping centers, malls, and outlets in this area.

Gilroy Premium Outlets

Most visitors to the Santa Clara and Silicon Valley area find that a shopping expedition to the Gilroy Premium Outlets' 145 stores is a must. Gilroy Premium Outlets are just south of San Jose and offer shoppers valuable finds at steeply discounted prices at designer stores such as Sony, Coach, and Ann Taylor. Teenagers are especially drawn to the sales at Aeropostale and American Apparel, while their parents can enjoy a quick trip to Wilson’s Leather. Whether shoppers a looking to buy boots, jeans, cologne, or intimate apparel, they can be sure that shopping in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley outlet stores will save them time and money.

Great Mall

Another favorite shopping area in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley the Great Mall of the Bay Area with 185 outlets housed inside. Shoppers can get some great low-priced deals at many of these specialty stores, and the Great Mall also offers several restaurants and a variety of entertainment options. Some of the more well-known stores include Samsonite, Calvin Klein, IZOD, and Kohl's, but the Great Mall is home to smaller stores, such as Tilly’s and Shirtique as well.

Westfield Valley Fair

For an enclosed mall shopping experience in the Santa Clara and Silicon Valley region, many of the locals still consider Westfield Valley Fair to be one of the best choices. This remarkable complex is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, a variety of name brand department stores, and an outstanding food court. Some of the anchor stores for Westfield Valley Fair, just off of I-880 in the South Bay, are Nordstrom and Macy’s. This mall also includes Tiffany & Company, Juicy Coutour, Betsey Johnson, and Tory Burch.

Opportunities for great shopping in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley can also be found in several smaller shopping locations. The Moonlite Shopping Center, found on the corner of Kiely Boulevard and El Camino Real, contains Office Depot and Save Mart, along with other local businesses. The Rivermark Plaza is also a wonderful place to search for a terrific deal. Shoppers will also love the many options for refreshments which are available such as Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Peet's Coffee, and Cold Stone Creamery, along with several other national chains.

For shoppers in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley who are looking for local food and produce, the Farmers Market is open every week on Saturdays from nine until one in the afternoon. Local fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of homemade goods, can be found in Franklin Square at the corner of Monroe and Homestead Road. This facility also houses a great restaurant called the Mio Vicino.

Those shopping for jewelry in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley will also find the selections to be great. Zales has sophisticated bracelets, classy watches, and bejeweled rings. Helzberg Diamonds also boasts of quality gemstone and precious metal merchandise. Many people shopping in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley enjoy exploring the unusual styles available at Na Hoku. The jewelry collections found in this store are designed to make you stand out from the crowd. The Jewel Box is also worth a trip to the area for those looking for unique designs.

The many unique and fashionable stores in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley are a big draw for shoppers looking for a great deal or an unplanned discovery. Seasonal sales, holiday specials and year-end prices make it very attractive for customers to return to the area shops for another great bargain. It's the ultimate luxury: a day of shopping in gorgeous surroundings with courteous sales people on a lovely day in sunny California.