Fenton Marketplace
2345 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
2345 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Nestled in the vibrant Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego, Fenton Marketplace stands as a sprawling outdoor retail destination at 2345 Friars Road, just west of SDCCU Stadium. Opened in the year 2000, this open-air power center sprawls across approximately 45 acres and offers nearly 600,000 square feet of leasable space, all seamlessly woven into a cohesive, pedestrian-friendly environment. The thoughtfully designed stone columns and trellises that frame its facades pay homage to the site’s quarrying history, while concert planter bowls pay tribute to the nearby San Diego River Valley, creating a sense of place that feels both authentic and welcoming. Backed by developer Sudberry Properties, Fenton Marketplace blends national big-box anchors with an eclectic mix of local retailers and restaurants, resulting in a dynamic urban village that serves both neighborhood residents and the broader regional trade area.
From the moment you arrive, the ample 1,986-space surface parking lot underscores the center’s commitment to convenience, whether you’re making a quick stop at the gas station inside Costco or spending a leisurely afternoon browsing the expansive showrooms at IKEA, the only location of its kind in San Diego County. Beyond these flagship stores, Lowe’s Home Improvement anchors the center’s offering for home renovators, while a vibrant corridor of casual eateries, fitness studios and service providers lines the pedestrian promenades. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean flavors at Luna Grill, a stack of world-famous pancakes at IHOP or a refreshing coffee at the on-site Starbucks, you’ll find dining options that cater to every taste and budget. The inclusion of family-friendly casual dining like Island’s Restaurant, fast-casual favorites like Subway and gourmet ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery creates a well-rounded food scene that keeps foot traffic steady throughout the day and into the early evening.
The true strength of Fenton Marketplace lies in the balance between its big-box anchors, which drive robust destination traffic, and the curated mix of neighborhood-serving tenants, which foster repeat visits. Shoppers can easily run daily errands filling prescriptions at the on-site SDCCU Credit Union branch, mailing packages at Postal Annex, or picking up vitamins at GNC before indulging in retail therapy at Mattress Firm or pampering themselves at Amazing Lash Studio and Le Nails Salon. Meanwhile, the adjacent fitness- and wellness-oriented tenants such as The Joint Chiropractic ensure that even health and self-care needs are met within the same convenient footprint. This integrated tenant mix reflects the center’s identity as more than just a retail hub; Fenton Marketplace functions as a community gathering place where errands, dining and experiential shopping come together in one place.
Strategically sited within a three-mile radius that encompasses over 227,000 residents earning an average household income of approximately $66,570, the property draws from a strong demographic base for both everyday errands and intentional shopping trips. Its proximity to major freeways Interstate 8, Interstate 15 and Interstate 805 ensures ease of access from nearly every direction in the San Diego region. Meanwhile, the adjacent Friars Road corridor, with daily traffic counts exceeding 40,000 vehicles, provides high visibility for center signage and storefronts. These locational advantages translate into high daytime and evening visitation, with a robust mix of office workers, local families and regional tourists all contributing to the center’s lively weekday and weekend atmosphere.
Even as a power center, Fenton Marketplace achieves a village-style ambience with its open-air layout, shaded seating areas and water-feature focal points. The landscaping, seating nooks and public art installations encourage visitors to linger, whether they’re grabbing a latte before work, enjoying a quick lunch with friends or unwinding over dinner. Seasonal events ranging from live music evenings to holiday promotions further strengthen its position as a local social destination, inviting passersby to explore its walkable environs and discover new dining or shopping options with each visit.
The forward-looking design and management of Fenton Marketplace reflect a careful balance between scale and intimacy. By anchoring the center with nationally recognized retailers and complementing them with neighborhood-focused services and dining, Sudberry Properties has crafted a retail center that remains relevant more than two decades after its grand opening. It effortlessly adapts to evolving consumer preferences by welcoming new tenants in health, wellness and specialty retail while preserving the everyday conveniences that keep locals coming back. As San Diego continues to grow, Fenton Marketplace stands poised to meet the changing needs of its community with the same ease and hospitality that have defined its first twenty-plus years.
