It has really fun and playful things to see inside Parkway Plaza mall in El Cajon, California where I visited with someone. The whole mall feels lively in a way that surprised me, because every corner had something different going on that teenagers would enjoy a lot. When I walked through the main areas, I noticed so many teenagers hanging out together, laughing, taking pictures, and just enjoying the freedom of being in a place that feels safe and full of energy. The atmosphere there reminded me of the kind of spot where teenagers can be themselves without feeling rushed or judged. One thing that stood out to me was how many stores had bright displays and colorful setups that made the whole place feel more exciting. Even the seating areas around the mall had this relaxed vibe that made it easy to stop and take a break without feeling like you were in the way. I saw teenagers sitting together in groups, sharing snacks, showing each other things they bought, and taking fun photos around the mall decorations. Everything about the environment felt welcoming and easygoing, which makes it perfect for teenagers who love spending time somewhere that feels both fun and comfortable. It is a familiar mall to me, but I didn't realize how much there was to enjoy there until I walked around inside with a more playful mindset. I really appreciated how easy it was to have fun there without feeling overwhelmed. The whole experience felt smooth and comfortable, and I never doubted that the visit was going to turn out the way I hoped it would. I only visited Parkway Plaza one time in my life before I made this review, but that one visit was enough to show me how enjoyable and welcoming it is. It was one of the most lively and teen‑friendly places I've been to in a long time, and I would highly recommend that even teenagers go there because it gives them a place to hang out, walk around, shop, take pictures, and feel creative. read more

EMPTY NICE MALL (3 stars) I haven't been inside an "inside" mall in years!!! If malls were still a thing, this place would have potential. I don't ever travel this East (15m from SD) but I had to pick up an item at this GameStop that wasn't at any of the may Gamestop stores in San Diego. This one is inside a mall... an inside mall (sorry I'm use to the outdoor malls) and didn't expect to walk inside and inside mall. The mall was near abandon but it's a nice mall and very spacious. From the outside you think it's just a few big stores but on the inside many small stores but also many vacancies. There are eateries and a food court that the local residence to go to. Surprisingly there is a movie theater inside too. Doubt I'll ever be back but it's a good to know what's out here. read more

A beautiful 70s indoor mall with great atmosphere, unfortunately struggling with vacancies. Still has a decent selection of shops with an amazing food court and movie theaters. read more

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I recommend getting here early for parking, especially with Christmas season around the corner or currently here. And they have very good different store varieties. They do have some restaurants and a food court. read more

Parkway Plaza - Hot topic - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

July 2, 2025. Made a visit to the mall for a BoxLunch location. Was on the hunt for a Pikachu shirt and the staff was really nice enough to hold it for us on our arrival. The mall itself isn't as lively, many stores have gone out of business so there isn't a massive selection of stores. It's definitely showing its age, it does, however house a "Surf City Squeeze" my best friend was hyped up about getting a blueberry drink with boba. To our disappointment, they were out of Boba, but at least she got her blueberry smoothie. Excellent service from the staff with a smile. There's a slight chance we may be back to the mall. Overall it's a good place to check out if you need something to purchase in a pinch! read more

Parkway Plaza - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

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What is one store that is wide range and the company itself can keep a shopping mall going and yet it has closed its doors? That is one question that many of you will see the many stores of Parkway Plaza are having to shrink in store size and the many retail stores which have been front runners have gone and the many memories have gone also. Going out to Parkway Plaza via the El Cajon Transit center it would be great to see what has gone one at the mall when I had arrived at the mall finding that the Walmart Store had closed its doors for good. To see Parkway Plaza lose such a great store and the values it carried many times there would be so much many stores would have to raise prices and some would have to create many days of sales to attract customers. With the many years that the Parkway Plaza Mall has been around to see one store to take the energy out of the mall it was something that was very unusual to see to Walmart Close its doors. The service at Parkway Plaza was that of the many great events and when the holidays came around the mall management made the mall a place to shop at and have the best outings to the movies and take the kids to play dates at the children's play area. Combined with the many food eateries you could go to the outside restaurants that was the Applebee's and the Chinese Buffet restaurants that were the big hit a lunch and the weekends. With the many stores they have now are many using this time to have the largest sales and with Walmart closed many of the stores are at 40% to 70% percent of the price whi9ch is very surprising many of the stores some high end many others you can find some of the best buys at Parkway Plaza and the many of the smaller stores. The many years that Parkway Plaza has been here in San Diego there have been so many events with the many companies and those of the costume supply companies and the special filming that has been done at the many stores. The many stores which have been the driving force with Macys that had given the best selections with lone of the best shopping programs. As a fellow shopper of the Parkway Plaza you can never forget the great stores there will be more new stores that will bring new selections and the many sales. The stores of Parkway Plaza are some of the best selections of the stores made for families and the great things for the kids to come shopping at the mall and to have the best experiences of the retail and commercial sales. When you take a look at Parkway Plaza the food court has been one of the best the return of the hot dog on a stick one of the best which is owned by the workers of the company. The food court has one of the best stores which has one of the sweet things that has been around since the 1930s and one thing that is the sweetest of them all See's Candy the one store which has been the sweetest place. The one place that has such a creative history that has been the Caramel Corn Store the sweetest and the finest place with the great taste of the many flavors of popcorn. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer, the many big events were held at Parkway had some of the biggest names when the Black Friday events that took place it was the biggest holiday events. For the many movies at the theater there would be crowds and the many premieres which had made Parkway Plaza one of the best places from the many times that I have been there is to let others the mall a great place for the evening for dinner and a movie. read more

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**STORES DON'T ACTUALLY OPEN UNTIL 11am!!** A small mall with a select few stores. Fun kid play area, GameStop, & good shops for girls. Food court is consistently ok. read more

Parkway Plaza - Victoria's Secret, Box lunch, and Pandora - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

Parkway Plaza is an ok spot for shopping, but unfortunately, no bite to eat as the food court is a thing of the past. They still have a decent number of shops open. So shopping is still fun. read more

This mall made me nostalgic and sad at the same time. I'm a kid of the 90s (millennial) and just from looking at this place I could tell this mall used to be better and busier 20-25 years ago. Now like all indoor malls it's just a relic of the past with not so great stores and a weak food court. My husband and I still enjoyed coming here and walking through all the stores that were there. I know there have been complaints about cleanliness and safety, but I didn't experience anything of the sort and we came on a Friday night. Not saying it doesn't happen but we were ok, thankfully! I'd say go here for the novelty of an indoor mall or if you want to find some economical gifts. Otherwise you're probably better off going to UTC or Fashion Valley for high end shopping or the La Mesa Grossmont Center mall for regular things. read more

Ghost town!! Most of the stores are closed. Gives me back room vibes truly needs alot of updates. My 3 star rating is because they still have a hot dog on stick in the cafeteria read more

Great movie theater with friendly, polite staff. Regal Theaters are wonderful and the unlimited membership is a phenomenal value.

It was an amazing experience painting the mural for Parkway Plaza's 50 year's anniversary. I feel appreciative to be the mural artist for their celebration. When I was in the painting progress, I tried out several food spots from their food hall. My favorite is the Stubborn Poke, it was probably the best poke in my life. The gyro grill shop is also great, their pita is so fresh and delicious. The frozen yogurt is nice too, I love their coconut and pomegranate flavors. I also watched a movie Dr. strange there, very nice theater. I definitely recommend you come here to shop, eat and hangout. read more

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ROLLIN PUMPKINS/! Family atmosphere!Workers are Helpful...Enjoy the day with your loved ones...Come and see for yourself ! read more

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Parkway plaza is a nice mall and meets all your shopping needs. They are indoor so you can come here in any weather. Most of the stores here have good customer service. Would be great if they all did though... The also have a nice lounge area with electrical outlets for all your charging needs you may have. I recommend shopping here while you visit the east county. read more

This has been my mall for what seems like forever. Back when it was a one strip of a mall with Farrells, and a movie theater outside. The air conditioning use to bring in everyone that lives in El Cajon during the summer. Recently I discovered that the shops don't open until 11 and you can't even walk around until 930. Please move the store hours back to 10 so I can shop a couple hours and get lunch and a movie. Right now the new times have screwed all that up. I also noticed today that Starbucks wasn't in operation in the food court. I'm assuming because you don't let us in during coffee hours. I'm also worried with all the anchor stores closing that parkway may not even make it long term. Very sad read more

Went to the mall yesterday and it has gone downhill. Food court only has like 3 places to eat and they are not that great. Went in to the family bathroom to change my babies diapers and it was Like a teen hang out spot. Teens in the bathroom and nursing area doing who knows what but didn't sounds good. All i wanted to do was change diapers in peace but was not able to. This mall needs better restaurants in the food court, people checking the bathrooms and more stores. read more

If you've ever had the opportunity to walk into a store and have a personal shopper then you'll know what I mean when I say buckle is that place. I always feel special when I leave and they always go the extra mile to ensure I look my best without being pushy in sales. If they don't have something my size then they special order it and it's at my door in two or three days. I've had to return things a few times and there has never been a pushback from them ever.I have never been to a department store or clothing store where I am truly treated like a king with great respect and appreciation. I unequivocally recommend buckle in Parkway, Plaza. read more

We got in like normal people and we went in the arcade room in the booing area. We had exchanged 20 dollars for a card for some credits and went to the a game where you have to place a key between an object to push the prize out. My cousins and I played that game and won a mini google assistant. As we pushed the prize it's didn't come down so we had to call someone to help us get it out. A guy came and unlocked the machine to hand us our prize and he left. After 1 minute another guy came and told us we had to leave for no reason at all and we asked him why and he had to reason. read more

Parkway Plaza - Google assistant - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

The Parkway Plaza Mall is a convenient neighborhood shopping center that's got about all your heart's desires. There's a Crunch Fitness on the second floor which has awesome employees and is such a comfortable place to workout. The Wal-Mart is big and has a few cold food items and all the clearance items are on the second floor in the right corner.  The Disney Store is gone which was heartbreaking for so many but, you'll find your Disney needs at many of the other stores. It's not the biggest mall, but it's got a lot of businesses to pick from and in front of the food court and Macy's you can find electric car plugs. read more

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Nice indoor mall. It's a little far from the house. But good for a change of scenery. Lots of parking. Different events at the food court. Today there was a free arts & crafts for the kids. Lots of choices at the food court. There's also a Wal-Mart attached to the mall. During the hot days, it's a nice cool zone to hang out at. We will be going here more often. read more

Parkway Plaza - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

Nice mall, nice size however a bit overcrowded. This was expected being the day after Christmas. Nice variety of stores however there were a few out of business. Although I shop at Walmart, attaching to the mall may lead to downfall in your customers. The entrance from the mall to Walmart was messy and posed a possible safety concern. read more

Parkway Plaza - Santa's chair - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

I enjoy shopping at the Parkway Plaza Mall. I worked in this mall for so many years it feels very familiar. It is not very large compared to some to the other malls but I know it inside out. It has everything you need all on one level. A movie theater, food, shops a fitness gym and plenty of parking. Some new stores come and go but Sears, Macy's, JC Penny's and Walmart are solid. In the surrounding area of the mall is a Sears's automotive repair shop, banks and various other restaurants and shops. All within walking distance from the mall. read more

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So what to say here, this place has not changed that much beside the places that go in and out the the plaza. As a whole I wish that the price's for most of the shop would not be that high in price's. The place as a whole is very clean and has been renovated several times to be more appealing over the times. Which is nice but I think that should be expected with the times changing of the years to come. read more

Not my first choice to go shopping at, but it is one of few indoor mall here in San Diego and when it's summer time it's definitely crowded then other times throughout the year. They still have the core stores still Forever21, H&M, Tillys, Bath and Body Works and Ulta to shop at. a lot of the other stores and food court have close down tho, but overall you can find good deals and keep cool here. read more

A Fuck you and your mom to whoever hit my truck today and said fuck it. No note no nothing. Thanks made my day

Watch out for this company.They have a company called PROFESSIONAL SECURITY CONSULTANTS and I called and talked to a guy named BRIAN...apparently when I was attacked at the mall in January I was suppose to call the POLICE instead of SECURITY because as BRIAN stated "we are not suppose to do anything we are just there to observe". ....SO why have security guards there ???? I was attacked at this mall, and they did not do anything to detain the person who attacked me. I was told by BRIAN "next time call the police instead we are not suppose to do anything"... SO ENTER THIS MALL AT YOUR OWN RISK....B/C their SECURITY IS JUST FOR SHOW AND DECORATION APPARENTLY. read more

They took out the old kid's playground and put in a new one with benches within it with cell phone charging stations. The playground just seems dangerous for kids. I saw a boy trip and hurt his foot. The set up for the playground is small and big kids should not go in here. This mall is still ghetto to me but there are a few stores that I do like when coming here. JC Penney is one of them. One time I came here, an older gentleman was chatting with me. I normally don't like chatting if I'm trying to take a break from shopping. My daughter had a boy literally bother her. No parental guidance with this boy harassing my daughter. We ended up getting up and leaving the rest area. At least at Plaza Bonita, my daughter and I don't get bothered. I just want to spend time with my daughter. The stores are your average stores you see at every mall. Descent but not the best mall I have been to. I only come here if I'm in the area. read more

Have been coming here since I was a kid, it's underwent so many changes. Gone the giant carousel is now having been replaced with various benches and folding table areas where a few modern era mall rats and teens hang out. Read a lot of reviews about not feeling safe but there's still plenty of families, kids and older folk still milling about. My 71 year old mom comes here alone at least twice a week and she feels completely safe. It's definitely an El Cajon mall lol its got an East County vibe that you might not understand if you didn't grow up here. It's more blue collar and salt of the Earth kind of people, not the hipster kind you find at other San Diego area malls. Sometimes that vibe might seem odd to outsiders lol The emergence of Walmart has taken a bite of out some stores here. There are a lot of empty store spaces but they seem to be doing their best in filling them in. Retail Armageddon hasn't quite hit this mall yet but give it another 15 years and places like this might be gone in favor or online shopping. Im hoping lol watching the slow decay of Horton Plaza has been rough. Just recently one of my favorite stores here in Parkway, Yankee Candle, will be closing soon It's got plenty of variety, Coffee Bean & a Starbucks, Comics N Stuff is huge, good anchor stores like Walmart, Macy's, JC Penny, Dicks and Chuze Fitness. Plenty to eat with Rubios, Five Guys, Panda Express, O's, Hawaiian BBQ, Subway, Sbarros (the carmel corn store is still alive and thriving), McDonald's, sushi, Greek food and a Ghensis Khan's. It's mostly clothing stores with the usual mall spots like Game Stop, Hot Topic, Ulta, Victoria Secret, Zales and a nice sized Regal movie theater. I do agree with other Yelpers that the mall definitely could use a remodel, especially during Christmas season, I want to see more lights and festive decorations. I'm sure no doubt all the bad things you've heard about anything in El Cajon is probably true haha but I love this mall and in my 25+ years coming here I'm still coming back! read more

I've been coming here since I was a teenager and the mall has certainly seen it changes over the years. Its single level is easy to browse and since the addition of the Walmart, one of the few multi level stores, parking has become a challenge especially during peek hours. The movie theater is fairly new and a good upgrade from the old one which I have been to a couple of times. The food court has a decent selection but there always seem to be a vendor rotating out. There is a Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, so that is always a good thing. If you check their website and click "deals" you get the latest on what stores are having sales and a preview of the up coming month's specials. The main eateries include an Apple Bee's, a Five Guys, On the Border, O's American Eatery, and a Rubio's. Famous Foot Wear is the store I visit here the most. In the end, the mall is typical and okay place to go. Oh yes, I do like that they have security driving around the parking lot and parking structure in the back. read more

If you're out and about, and decided to find a place to hang out, this might be the place, the structure are pretty old, a lot of departments stores had been closed down and replaced by some mom and pop stores, giving you the vibe that it won't be staying for a while, at least they still have a movie theater, a food court and a Walmart to keep the traffic coming. The most confusing part is to find the restroom as they got tucked in between the restaurants in the food court, basically the employee bathroom as well, also the first time I have seen the men's bathroom got busy, especially this biker guy in the picture I took, he did his business longer than 5 mins, not because he had a health problem, but when he's done he refused to pull up his pants and staying on the phone obstructing traffic of people waiting to use his spot, smh. Then when he decided to leave he gave everyone a dirty look like he owns this bathroom or something read more

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McDonald's serving raw burgers. They served my son a raw quarter pounder. I took it back and the "Manager " barely spoke English read more

I'm not a fan of shopping malls but the reason I do enjoy this one in particular is because I'm a Funko pop collector. With that being said you have Walmart, best buy, hot topic, FYE, Box Lunch, and Game Stop. It's a one stop shop for all my funk pop needs. If I had a target then I would be set. I hate paying for shipping and the fact I can come here and run around a mall and hit all the spots looking for my collectable figures makes me happy. read more

Absolutely wonderful stuff that went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and taken care of. And I had the Chinese congee soup and it was absolutely fantastic. Nice and hot and perfectly spiced with ginger. read more

Dang, I can't even hate haha. In the 7 years that I've lived in San Diego it was my first time visiting Parkway Plaza yesterday. The mall directory on their website didn't look that good but the only thing that drew me here was that they have Charming Charlie, the one I used to visit at Plaza Bonita recently closed. Parkway Plaza from the outside looks so dead and outdated. It's not fancy by any means however I did walk away with several purchases from their stores. Store Highlights: Charming Charlie Express Outlet Rue 21 Ulta Walmart Victoria's Secret They have a movie theater inside and there's also both Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The food court was decent and it has a Hot Dog on a Stick (One of the only 2 remaining in the San Diego area). I kept thinking to myself this place isn't bad haha I'm not sure why everyone down below is hating on it. I actually thought it was quite convenient too that there was a Walmart since I could go shopping for clothes/accessories then go buy some home supplies. read more

This was the seedy mall when I was a kid, so it was nice to see the elegant renovated bathroom when I went yesterday. And the family lounge with the private stalls is nice too. Although the faucets blowing air on my hands while I soap up is annoying. And the massage chairs with chargers are surprisingly good. Not to mention the charging desks and the grassy play areas for kids. But the area! I've heard the homeless have been bused from downtown and it shows! (You can especially see this at the Walmart end as with so many malls. ) From the panhandlers that repeatedly come in the mall to ask for money, many which don't even look homeless. And even a petitioner who sat down next to me and asked me if I was registered to vote and then cut me off while I was explaining I don't vote. Isn't there a grocery store he could've stood in front of? Just odd and rude. Makes me not wanna spend time here. Instead of just spending money remodeling I wish they could just try to make these places nicer. read more

Continuing my tour of the MTS Green line landed me north to this Westfield Parkway shopping complex. This one-level mall is an indoor mall, where the air-conditioning feels so good on the warm days; and the best facility to beat the heat The architecture is very similiar to the mall in Reno. Of course, I'm like George Costanza and guessing everything. The anchored stores are Macy's, Sears, JC Penney and Wal-Mart. Obviously, this mall is no where as nice Fashion Valley with families and students do their shopping and socialize. Just the stores carrying the needs. Businesses including Disney, Lane Bryant, Cinnabon, American Eagle, Radio Shack, Fyi, and Coffee Bean & Tea are the some of the stores I've visited. The food court is your basic with Subway, McDonalds, Sbarro, Hot Dog on a stick, Panda Express, and Mongolian Hot Wok. And for a fro-yo aficionado (you know who you are), there will be Tutti Frutti opening soon. Just what the mall needed to beat the heat. read more

Parkway Plaza - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I want to start by defending my rating by offering this. A two star by Yelp standards doesn't mean that this is necessarily a bad place, it just means in my experience with malls, I've seen better. Honestly, this mall cannot be compared to Fashion Valley or UTC here in SD or SC Plaza or Fashion Island up in OC. For a mall, I'm sure it serves its purpose and the community. One thing that struck me was how empty it was inside. I walked basically the entire perimeter and it was essentially a ghost town inside. I didn't make it to Walmart for reasons that only I can justify so I can only assume that everyone in the mall was there?? No clue. There all the same stores that you'd find at a Westfield center and your typical anchor stores, a smaller food court and a two story carousel to keep the little ones entertained. Its a mall so for me, I'm not going to get that excited about it. There just seemed to be something a little off at this particular one. read more

Parkway Plaza - Double decker merry go round. - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

This mall is so depressing. I came here as a child and recall coming into Mervyn's when it was still around. I am so sad for this mall it has become non-family friendly. The carousel is a delight but that is about the only thing. Their was a woman outside of Macy's, yesterday as I was pulling in. Her vehicle had been broken into. Make sure you hide everything and are cautious when you walk around. Bad people walk this place. It's scary! *at around holiday time it is nice to see the Sheriff's/EC PD / others presence there patrolling and with the sky boxes that over look cars like guardians. Big thanks to the law enforcement! read more

Parkway Plaza - WHY this guy chooses to have a "Gay Porn Star" sticker on his car at parkway is beyond me. Grow up, people. - Shopping Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

thank you to the security officer thomas at parkway plaza going above and beyon to assist me in getting some important information for my visit to this mall. i was unable to reach the shope i needed and he sent an office there to get my very much needed information thank you so much for your excellent customer service. read more

Took my Grand children to see Santa. How disappointing! Santa not only had to be 6 feet back for pictures (which I get, dumb covid) but when he came up and asked them what they want he just said ok and walked away. Didn't even pretend to care about the kids! Worst Santa EVER! And there was no line so it wasn't like we had to hurry. Loozer Santa! Baaaa humbug!!! Scrooge read more