Stephanie L.
Yelp
This mall has really come through. Just a little over a year ago, it was endearingly referred to as "murder mall", so we would usually just avoid it entirely. In recent months though, a ton of restaurants and shops have been added and the movie theatre there is now our go-to. The mall interior has finally been remodeled and that swampy stench that once lingered is remarkably gone.
I stopped in last night and was pleasantly surprised. Some of my favorite stores are now in there; H&M, Forever 21 (just opened), Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body, and the Sephora in JC Penny is a decent option for now too.
The playground has been remodeled as well, with modern equipment and lounge styled seating. They've also added a large, tropical fish tank adjacent to the playground, so now you can longingly gaze as you contemplate all of those impulse purchases, and tune out all of those feisty, screaming children. Brilliant. The play area is centrally located on the bottom floor as well, so there's definitely no avoiding it (just a warning to my fellow parents.) In seriousness though, my kids love it and I can never seem to give them enough countdown time to leave.
All in all, I give three stars for now as there's still a way to go. There's a few outdoor restaurant options surrounding the upper area of the mall, but the inside could really use a food court. There's still a lot of empty space and more variety of stores is needed. And a coffee shop. By the playground would be genius. Just sayin. But bravo so far, Shoppes of Carlsbad.