Where To Find Santa's Mailboxes in San Diego
This is one question I get asked a lot during the holidays, but many don't think about this until it's crunch time. I'm sure you've even walked by one and didn't realize it because you weren't looking for it right then. But when you're ready for it, you realize you have no idea where they are.
I haven't updated this list for 2021, but I'm pretty sure most of these locations are still the same. I'll be updating this list throughout the month, and as I confirm each one you know with a √. Please send me a DM here if you have any updates, thank you!
Here's a list of where to find Santa's Mailboxes all around San Diego!
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GENERAL
Wherever you see Santa Photos happening will usually have a Santa's Mailbox nearby or they will accept letters handed to them in person.
Some MAILING CENTERS like the UPS Store, FedEx or Postal Annex locations may have a Santa Mailbox. This varies based on location. Call your local mailing center to ask if they have one before you go.
MOST MALLS have a Santa Mailbox...either by the main customer service office or a main entrance, but usually near the Santa Photo station.
Some San Diego PARKS & REC CENTERS have Santa Mailboxes (sorry I don't know specifically where, but if you find out please let me know)
US Postal Service has OPERATION SANTA (going since 1912!) where kids can mail a letter to Santa through the US Postal Service. These letters will get uploaded into USPSOperationSanta.com website and Dec. 4-15th, allows for these Wish Lists to be "adopted" by anyone. Children can wish for clothing, toys, books, games, etc. (be specific) and postal customers are encouraged to "adopt a letter" to purchase something from their wish list for them. In many Postal Service facilities around the country, postal employees respond to the letters with a handwritten response signed by Santa, while other offices might purchase gifts for the children. Letters received by Dec. 15th will be uploaded and made available for "adoption", but the sooner your letter is received, the more likely it is to be answered.
Only letters with a complete mailing address, return address and proper postage will be uploaded.
MAIL TO: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888
NORTH
ESCONDIDO: The California Center for the Arts - Northern Lights Display
340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
COASTAL
CARLSBAD: Gepetto's Toys at The Forum Shopping Center
1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Mailbox will be outside until Dec. 24th
ENCINITAS: Sunshine Gardens
155 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
SOLANA BEACH: Fletcher Cove Park
111 S Sierra Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
DEL MAR: Del Mar Highlands Town Center
12925 El Camino Real, Del Mar
CORONADO: Hotel Del on the Windsor Lawn
1500 Orange Ave.
CORONADO: Coronado Community Center - in front of the WEST building entrance
1845 Strand Way, Coronado
Children will receive a WRITTEN RESPONSE FROM SANTA!
When: Only available from Dec. 1-16
Be sure to address all letters to Santa Claus, North Pole Express Mail and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Phone Call From Santa / North Pole Hotline – Santa will make a personal phone call to all the boys and girls in your house...whether they have been naughty or nice. To set up a call, register online at www.coronado.ca.us/recreation or call 619-522-7342 to book a date and time. Dates to select from are between Dec. 14-18 between 3-5pm.
OCEAN BEACH: Ocean Beach Business Center
4876 Santa Monica Ave San Diego Ca 92107
Mailbox is outside. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the elves can write back!
INLAND
MISSION VALLEY: Mission Valley Mall
One is located next to the Santa Photo Shop. Another is located at the North entrance next to the large Christmas Tree next to Nordstrom Rack.
RANCHO PENASQUITOS: Canyonside Rec Center
12350 Black Mountain Rd.
(This one is next to the Canyonside Playground AND Rancho Penasquitos Adobe Historic House that has farm animals like goats that you can feed!)
RANCHO PENASQUITOS: Hilltop Rec Center
9711 Oveido Way
POWAY: Old Poway Train Park
14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
RANCHO BERNARDO: Rancho Bernardo Inn Hotel
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, Rancho Bernardo
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I can't be everywhere all the time so your input is greatly appreciated. If you have any updates to this place or post please send me a message or a DM here.
If you like a place that I've suggested please share it and tag me on Instagram @famdiego. 🤗 I always LOVE to see everyone getting out to enjoy all the fun in our wonderful city and making special memories together with your kids. 💕 I put a lot of time and work into all that I share and it truly helps me if you can spread the word to others. That will keep partnerships coming in so I can share new updates, host fun giveaways and help you discover fun new places. Thank you so much. 💛
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