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San Diego: Authentic Shopping Guide Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

The best local handicrafts and artisanal items, from our online worldwide Authentic Shopping Guide.

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Beer and Ale
Stone Brewing Company has been brewing distinctive beers and ales in San Diego since 1996; for sale at the company’s Escondido brewery and at better liquor stores throughout San Diego—bring home a bottle of Arrogant Bastard Ale. Factory tours. www.stonebrew.com

San Diego and Mexican Wines
San Diego County (including San Pasqual Valley) has more than a dozen wineries, including Deer Park and Witch Creek, producing increasingly noteworthy wines. The Wine Bank in the Gaslamp Quarter also has a selection of fine bottles from Baja’s Guadalupe Valley. www.sdwinebank.com

Chocolates
Southern California’s only artisan chocolatier, Chuao Chocolates, uses Venezuelan cacao for its fine products; sold at an Encinitas retail outlet and other specialty shops. www.chuaochocolatier.com

Surfboard
Bring home a custom-shaved California board crafted exactly for your style. Pacific Beach (www.pacificbeach.org) has the greatest concentration with around a dozen surf shops.

San Diego Multimedia

Know Before You Go: San Diego

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