The mall was originally named Plaza Camino Real when it was built in 1969, but was rebranded several times when it was a Westfield Holdings property (1994-2015).

Originally named Plaza Camino Real, San Diego County's sixth mall was the first fully enclosed, regional-class shopping center in the metro area.

At its dedication in 1969, Plaza Camino Real encompassed 548,000 leasable square feet, making it nearly three times the size of the region's first fully enclosed shopping complex, Escondido Village Mall (1964).

The 90-acre Plaza Camino Real site was located 32 miles north of San Diego's urban core.

With the newly completed enlargement, Plaza Camino Real encompassed 1,148,400 leasable square feet.

The mall assumed the position as the largest shopping center in San Diego County with five department stores as anchors.

A glass elevator was installed in the Penney's Court, along with innovative water fountains in front of the May Co. and Sears mall entrances.

Anchor rebrandings at Plaza Camino Real commenced with the conversion of May Company, to Robinsons-May, in January 1993.

[10] Macy's was originally going to relocate into the Robinsons-May space, but its first level became a Steve and Barry's University Sportswear in September of the same year.

[12] The vacant May Company / Robinsons-May structure was to be renovated by San Ramon, California-based 24 Hour Fitness, who would refit 40,000 square feet as a Super-Sport club.