Although the 140 stores are indistinguishable from the ones in any U.S. shopping malls, Horton Plaza's unique architecture of staggered levels, balconies, nooks, towers and bridges gives it an urban festive atmosphere. It draws shoppers from suburbs back to San Diego’s historic core. By breaking the mold of focusing on merchandise with bland architecture, Horton Plaza started the trend of malls as entertainment destinations.

Opened in 1985, it was designed by architect Jon Jerde, who also designed the Universal City Walk, the Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel, and the 1984 LA Olympic.