While visitors to San Francisco might first think of the natural beauty, a certain stunning bridge, and amazing food options, here's a little tip: It's also an excellent place to shop. The Bay Area metropolis features everything from world-class malls and bustling record shops to famous vintage stores and hole-in-the-wall finds. You just need to know where to look—and we’re here to help with that part. Along the way, don't forget to secure some San Francisco souvenirs.
A Plan for Shopping in San Francisco
Every great trip starts with a concept, and a shopping adventure is no exception. In San Francisco, you're starting in Union Square, the downtown mecca where visitors can shop-shop-shop. But don't drop because the San Francisco Centre is a mall that shouldn't be missed—a blend of high-end emporiums and cute stores made for casual browsing. Then it's on to the wider world of S.F. shopping where specific neighborhoods offer their own special flavors such as the hippie and vintage aesthetic of Haight-Ashbury, the boutiques of Hayes Valley, and the imported excellence of Japantown. Let's go shopping.
San Francisco’s Top Shopping Hub: Union Square
Shopping in San Francisco must begin in Union Square. The centrally located hub has a little bit of everything. The biggest stores in the world are well represented—think Bloomingdale’s, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. Designer brands are well represented too, including Bulgari, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany. If that's not enough, Apple, Nike, and other major retailers have outposts where visitors can peruse and purchase the latest and greatest options. Want a custom pair of Levi's? Yeah, you can get that in Union Square at the famous denim company's store. (Levi’s, founded in San Francisco in 1853, secured the patent on blue jeans in 1873.)
But Union Square isn't just about shopping. It's an easily walkable area, featuring historic architecture, ever-changing art, and a plethora of eating options. With many hotels nearby, visitors can stay within steps of the dozens and dozens of stores on offer. (Why get weighed down by shopping bags when you can bring them back to your room?) Union Square is the place to buy something for you, something for your loved ones, something to remember the trip by, and something else for you.
Parking: While there are plenty of parking garages in Union Square, the area's central location makes for easy access on public transportation. The bus, the Muni, and the BART all have multiple stops nearby.
Top Tip: Maiden Lane, lined with chic boutiques, is pedestrian-only during the day and offers many café options for a mid-spree pick-me-up.
San Francisco’s Top Mall: San Francisco Centre
Occupyingthe former Westfield Mall at 865 Market Street and just a short walk from Union Square, the nine-story San Francisco Centre boasts more than 70 stores, ranging from Aēsop and H&M to Lulumon, Coach, and Zara. Are there scores of options for fashion, shoes, jewelry and watches, and luxury retailers? You bet there are. Kids will love checking out the gaming at Razer and the chance to go home with a photo from Marvel Adventure Lab. Adults may gravitate toward Oak + Fort to freshen up their wardrobe or Kiehl’s for high-end self-care products. San Francisco Centre is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, giving visitors ample time to wander.
When you get hungry, and you will get hungry, hit up one of the two dozen food and beverage choices from South Asian cuisine at MashaAllah or six-cheese pie at Blondie’s Pizza to smoothies at Jamba Juice or coffee and cocktails at Executive Order Bar & Lounge. There's also a cineplex in the mall. Shop ‘til you drop...into a plush theater seat. Or just plop down and look up at the impressive domed atrium at the top of the building. Westfield has secrets to spare.
Parking: San Francisco Centre has four public parking garages conveniently located nearby. Any of the numerous public transportation options running along Market Street will work too.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to check their Events page before your visit—you don’t want to miss a special prvate sale or a live music performance.
San Francisco’s Top Shopping Neighborhoods
Hayes Valley
What Hayes Valley lacks in size—the main shopping drag is a handful of blocks centered around Hayes St., Laguna St., and Octavia St.—it makes up for in high-quality boutique shopping: clothing at Reliquary, jewelry at Rebecca Overmann, lingerie at Alla Prima. For a caffeine break or light bite, head to local favorite Mercury Cafe; for something more substantial, consider the steak frites at Absinthe. Or head to Alamo Square, home of the Painted Ladies, a quick hike up the Hayes St. hill from the corner of Steiner St.
Parking: It's possible to find on-street parking if you're patient and willing to circle. Otherwise, take advantage of rideshare services or the bus, Muni, and BART at Civic Center.
Top Tip: Hayes is a short, easy walk from Union Square and the relaxed setting provides a nice contrast to the bustling shopping scene downtown.
Japantown
Japan Center Malls (open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is the fulcrum of shopping in Japantown. Designed by World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki and originally opened in 1968, this cultural destination is the place for Japanese items such as silk kimonos, antique folk art, skincare, manga, and more. Beyond JCM, you'll find clothing at Sou Sou Kyoto San Francisco and delicious bakery items (must-order: coffee crunch cake) at Yasukochi’s Sweet Shop. Stay at Hotel Kabuki, one of S.F.'s best boutique hotels.
Parking: A parking garage at Japan Center Malls is your best bet or take the #2, #3, #22, or #38 bus.
Top Tip: Time your trip to April's Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival for the full Japantown experience.
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury might be better known for its ties to the counterculture revolution, but it's also one of the best shopping destinations in the city. Amoeba Music is more than an independent record store; it's a mecca for music lovers. Love on Haight, an "Artist Collective supporting over 175 artists from around the world" that claims the world's largest collection of tie-dye, is bright, bold, and not to be missed. Wear your new threads as you wander by Victorian houses where Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead lived during their heyday.
Parking: Parking can be difficult in the area so take advantage of the buses that run along Divisadero St. and Haight St.
Top Tip: Decades of Fashion and other stores make the neighborhood the center for vintage clothing finds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Shopping in Fisherman's Wharf takes place mostly at the shops in the fabulous Pier 39 complex and along Jefferson St. Visit Alpaca Fashion for some new threads, Gigi + Rosie Children's for the latest in kids’ clothes, and Cable Car Souvenirs to take home something for your train-loving friends. Real Old Paper and ZK Gallery are just a couple of the many places to purchase fine art in Fisherman's Wharf.
Parking: There are more than a half dozen parking garages in the area, and the F-Line streetcar runs from downtown.
Top Tip: Live crab and fresh-caught fish are sold daily, directly from the boats where they were caught.
Mission District
Men’s clothing brand Taylor Stitch has its flagship store in the Mission while Topdrawer is the place to accessorize any new outfit and Luz de Luna is the spot for gifts. In addition to a great name, Dog Eared Books lets visitors discover future favorites on the shelves. When you need a rest, do as the locals do and find a spot for people-watching on the grass at Mission Dolores Park.
When traveling to San Francisco, be sure to save room in your bag so you can bring all of your goodies home. The world of shopping, however, doesn't end in San Francisco. There are countless stores to experience across California. Perhaps even consider a trip to one of these four awesome shopping destinations? If and when you tire of shopping (it happens to the best of us), there are numerous San Francisco outdoor adventures as well as family-friendly vacation ideas that will keep everyone smiling. A little adventure, a lot of shopping, a perfect trip.
Parking: Parking is scarce but the #14 and #49 buses run right through the heart of the Mission so access is easy.
Top Tip: Pirate Supply Store has some of the quirkiest gifts in a city full of quirk, and proceeds go toward supporting writing workshops for local children.