Guide to Westfield Valley Fair Mall

BIGMallrat's Editorial Review

Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose is considered to be the best enclosed shopping center in Northern California. It has knocked the pants off nearby Cupertino Square and Sunnyvale Town Center. Even giving the desirable Stanford Shopping Center some healthy competition.

Look for an expansion and two new anchor stores soon!

Occupancy

Of course, this mall is bursting at the seams. We can't even recall a vacant store front.

Atmosphere

With Westfield, it's all in the details. The interior architecture is inspired by the Art Deco and Arts & Crafts movement. Beautiful light fixtures and unique metal designs on every column.

Stores

With over 200 stores, how could you go wrong? Valley Fair is filled with many upscale shops rarely found outside of San Francisco. The Macy's is very large (there are two). You'll even find a state-of-the-art Nordstrom.

Food

You'll find a stunning food court on Level Two. It especially shines with its gorgeous lodge appearance, complete with expansive ceiling, fireplace, and outdoor dining. A fine collection of eateries is sure to satisfy even the most discriminating palates.

Parking

Parking is a test of patience. Take my advice and get the valet. A few bucks will free up time and considerable frustration. The valet is usually at the middle entrance from Stevens Creek Blvd.

Later, take a walk to Santana Row across the street.

Location

Valley Fair mall is conveniently located at I-880 and Stevens Creek Boulevard on the border of San Jose and Santa Clara. The area is highly congested due to the popularity of this mall and Santana Row, across the street.

Brief history

Valley Fair was formed when they knocked down the old Valley Fair Shopping Center in San Jose (leaving Macy's) and Stevens Creek Shopping Center (leaving The Emporium and I. Magnin) in Santa Clara. In 1986, they built a new mall to join the remaining department stores. For that reason, half of this mall is in Santa Clara and the other half is in San Jose.

Stats

Stores: 226

Type: Superregional center

Enclosed: Yes

GLA: 137,087.725 m2 (1,475,600 sq. ft.)

Levels: 2

Developer: Macy's California/The Capital Company

Architect: Victor Gruen Associates

Owner: Westfield Centres/JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management

Management Company: Westfield Centres

Grand Openings: 1956 (Macy's and Valley Fair shopping center); 1957 (The Emporium and Stevens Creek Plaza); 1964 (I. Magnin); 1986 (new mall); 1987 (Nordstrom); 1996 (Macy's second location); 2003 (56,000 sq.ft. expansion and new Nordstrom)

Anchor Closures: 1992 (I. Magnin); 1996 (The Emporium)

Renovated: 2001

Ratings

Size: Large

Architectural Appearance: Chic

Cleanliness: Hospital clean!

Occupancy: Bursting at the seams!

Stores: Upscale/Mainstream

Store Quality: Flagship

Parking: Parking Jihad! What do you expect for a mall this popular? (-1)

Location: Very convenient

Services: Website, personal shoppers, free stroller rental, free balloons, free wheelchair rental, free scooter rental, free bags, package carry-out, Westfield Playtown & Family Lounge, and WI-FI.

Uniqueness: One-of-a-kind gem!

+1 Personal Opinion point for being the best mall in the Bay Area.

See our rating scheme

Last Visit: January 2006

Last Update: March 2009

Photographs

View of center court:

Beautiful fireplace in food court:

View of new wing:

View of Macy's wing:

Map and Directions

View Larger Map

Click marker for driving directions.