San Francisco

Best shopping in San Francisco - Boutiques, outlet malls & more

San Francisco is one of the top shopping destinations in the US.
By Casey Makovich

Where are the best places to shop in San Francisco? Well, to answer that question, we've made a list of the top 12 places and areas to shop in San Francisco, including popular outlet malls, shopping centers, hip boutiques and more.

Visitors can find everything from locally created artisan crafts to name-brand retailers. Did you know? Gap Inc., which owns and operates Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, is headquartered in San Francisco.

So, a shopping spree on vacation? Let's go!

Union Square

Union Square is San Francisco's premier destination for shopping. Besides Bloomingdale's and Macy's, Union Square boasts a large collection of department stores, upscale shops, and brand-name retailers, conveniently in downtown San Francisco.

Westfield Centre is Bloomingdale's West Coast flagship store, offering designer fashion with department store variety. Whether you're shopping for the latest fashions or the home, Bloomingdale's has it all. Plus, in-store services include package delivery to your hotel - no need to drag all those bags around!

The Macy's store takes up almost two city blocks, making it not just a top shopping destination, but a must-see shopping experience. Macy's offers a wide selection of top brands, including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Levi's, and more.

Union Square

Petaluma Village Premium Outlets

Located north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, Petaluma Village Premium Outlets offers steep discounts of 25%-65% off over 60 brand-name stores, including Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and more in a picturesque, outdoor open setting.

Napa Premium Outlets

The Napa Premium Outlets are an easy side trip to add to a day trip to Napa Valley - this area is around 45 minutes from downtown San Francisco. Stores feature everyday savings of 25%-65% off stores like Cole Haan, Ann Taylor Factory Store, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach Outlet, Timberland, and more. Perfect for stocking up on the season's essentials.

Napa

Gift Center and Jewelry Mart

Catch a little sparkle with exclusive access to wholesale prices typically only available to registered trade professionals at the San Francisco Gift Center and Jewelry Mart. You'll be able to shop unbeatable prices on a large selection of merchandise, including gifts, jewelry, and accessories from over 25 countries. From diamonds and pearls to custom designs, you'll find it all.

Wondering how to fit shopping into your San Francisco trip?

Our itineraries and guides will help you slot your shopping crusade in between activities and sightseeing. The below suggestions are a great way for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the city, all while saving a bunch of money on top attractions, tours, and more.

Embarcadero Center

Embarcadero Center is a large, mixed-use building complex home to over 100 retail shops, restaurants, and even a cinema. Located in San Francisco's waterfront area, also known as the Embarcadero, it's conveniently close to lots of attractions and sights in the Bay Area. You're bound to find something that catches your eye here.

Embarcadero

Chestnut Street

For more of a classic San Francisco neighborhood shopping destination experience, head to Chestnut Street for higher-end boutique shops and look for a unique find to bring home with you. If you're flagging during your shopping expedition, there are a myriad of eclectic restaurants and sophisticated coffee shops for tasty treats and refreshments.

Chestnut Street

Fillmore Street

Fillmore Street features countless upscale brands from around the world, like Eileen Fisher, Jonathan Adler, Joie, Scotch & Soda, and more. This street also has plenty of hip, eclectic boutique shops and cafés to dip in and out of.

Haight Street

Famous for the role it played as a hippie hangout in the 60's and 70s, the Haight Ashbury area's progressive culture is apparent in its store offerings. You'll be able to find lots of high-end vintage shops, hip boutiques, innovative dining establishments, and lots of pride on display.

Haight Street

Polk Street

Polk Street is a popular destination for second-hand and thrift shopping in San Francisco. Whether you're looking for knick-knacks or a new wardrobe staple to remember your trip by, Polk Street is a great place to unearth an unexpected gem.

North Beach

Famous for being San Francisco's Italian neighborhood brimming with food that rivals that of Italy and some of the best boutique cafés, it's no surprise North Beach is a shopping destination that offers visitors more of a European vibe than other parts of the city. You'll find artisan pieces and charming bookstores in this area.

North Beach

Left your heart (or your wallet) in San Francisco?

We hope we've given you some inspiration and spots to check out (and hit the checkout!) These areas have the best shopping in San Francisco, including popular affordable options, outlet malls, and designer brands.

 

Shop til' you drop in San Francisco and save up to 50% on attractions  

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Iconic row of houses on Alamo Square
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San Francisco in December

Already one of the United States’ most recognizable cities for its iconic architecture, vibrant culture, complex history and wealth of excellent activities, San Francisco adopts a whole new festive persona throughout December. Whether you’re keen to explore one of California’s most culturally diverse cities or cash in on some unique festive spirit, a trip to San Francisco in December could be just the ticket. Visiting San Francisco in December Average Temperature: 46 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day As the winter period begins to unfold, San Francisco waves off the final few shoulder-season tourists enjoying the idyllic conditions of fall, while beckoning in a whole new wave of holiday season revelers. Though certainly quieter than the peak months of the year, San Francisco in December remains a bustling metropolis. Airfare and hotel rates tend to rise throughout this period, though may still come at something of a discount on summertime rates. Entering into December, the Golden City adopts a more modest climate, with temperatures averaging between cool and mild. Though you can expect somewhat regular sunshine, you’ll want to pack appropriately for the likelihood of at least two days of rainfall per week. For those looking to experience a festive wonderland, San Francisco unfortunately tends to see very little snow throughout December. Things to do in December Families and the inherently inquisitive alike are bound to get a kick from the Golden City’s wealth of educational hotspots. The California Academy of Sciences, for example, boasts a digital planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum and even an immense indoor rainforest. Meanwhile, the Exploratorium stands as the intersection between art and science, offering a wide range of engaging interactive exhibits to scratch your curiosity. Those looking to embrace their inner Dolittle should head to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued creatures from around the world, alongside 100 acres of tranquil gardens populated with stunning plant species both local and exotic. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some 20,000 beautiful marine animals, then follow up with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay. If you’ve a hunger for the arts, San Francisco has you covered there, too. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores various mediums of contemporary art, hosting established artists such as Andy Warhol alongside more experimental pieces. And nestled among much of the largely Asian influence throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the continent, complemented by a selection of delicious and traditional cultural dishes served at the in-house café. History buffs should find their way to the California Historical Society, exploring various facets of the state’s history, with a general focus on San Fran itself. The USS Pampanito and USS Hornet each offer unique insights into American naval and nautical history, while the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various aspects of Jewish pop culture, history and art. Of course, much of what San Francisco has to offer comes in the form of its architecture and landscape. If you’re looking for an engaging way to explore the city, then a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour offers both flexibility and expert insight throughout the day. For something a little more authentic, you simply can’t go wrong with a Bay Cruise, allowing you to sit back while you glide past many of the city’s top waterfront landmarks. With the holiday season in full swing, why not make the most of the festive spirit by exploring Union Square? Each year, Union Square becomes the epicenter of San Francisco’s holiday scene, boasting an awe-inspiring Christmas tree alongside a popular ice skating rink, making for an overall warm and jovial winter atmosphere. Round of the experience with a trip to Westfield Mall around the corner to bag yourself some holiday bargains! What’s On in December Dickensian Festivities Credited for having pioneered modern holiday spirit, Charles Dickens has permanently etched his place among worldwide Christmas tradition. In San Francisco, locals and visitors alike celebrate the holiday season with tickets to a Christmas Carol theater performance. Each year, the American Conservatory Theater puts on a delightful adaptation of the popular story, complete with a bubbly cast, vibrant costumes and a host of spooky ghosts. Tickets sell out very fast, so be sure to act quickly if you’re interested in catching one of these lauded performances. That isn’t the end of San Francisco’s Dickens-mania, though. For a series of weekends throughout the holiday season, the city hosts The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, complete with festive market stalls among an impressive replica of Victorian London. Visitors can enjoy various Victorian-themed events and pick up some treasures while exploring the world which so inspired the famous nineteenth-century writer. SantaCon You’d better watch out, as Santa Claus is coming to town in his masses! Each December, Union Square and its surrounding streets, bars and venues become overtaken by a colossal procession of Christmas characters, most of which end up in quite the drunken state as the day rolls on. This Santa-themed celebration comes complete with caroling, costume contests and stockingfuls of merriment. Though entirely free to enter, SantaCon asks that visitors bring unwrapped toy donations of any size and value to help local charity drives aimed at disadvantaged families across the city. And, of course, festive fancy dress is highly encouraged! New Year’s Eve The Golden City is considered to be among the top five destinations in the United States to spend New Year’s Eve, and that certainly isn’t without merit. Like many cities, San Fran veritably lights up with activity for the twilight hours of the year, with many of its top restaurants, bars and venues filled to the brim with jovial revelers. Throughout the night, the city hosts a number of popular live events and concerts to beckon in the turn of the new year. As the night reaches its peak, many flock to the waterside to watch as barges 1,000 feet out in the bay set off a magnificent firework display, illuminating their surroundings in a blaze of vibrant color. The most popular site to catch the show is typically just south of the Ferry Building near Pier 14.
Robert Heaney
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Solo Travel Tips in San Francisco

Traveling alone can be intimidating for some. You won’t have someone to read you the directions, someone to split that massive ice cream sundae with, or someone to frame that perfect Instagram photo of you by the pier. But relax! It’s easy to enjoy solo travel in a place like San Francisco. You’ll find that this city has everything from convenient public transit to many selfie-worthy spots. To make it even smoother for you, we’ve put together a quick guide to traveling solo in this fantastic American city. Should you be planning any solo travel in San Francisco, read these tips before your trip... 1. Use Public Transit San Francisco is a compact city, with many of its top attractions grouped together in neighborhoods like Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll still need to get between those neighborhoods, however, and that’s where public transit comes in. Driving by yourself is not only difficult but inadvisable in San Francisco, where parking is at a premium and directions are pretty confusing. Their Muni system, run by the SFMTA, has a trip planning feature that can help you navigate the city and figure out which routes to take. You’ll pay less than you would for repeated Uber rides, too. 2. Take a Bus Tour of the City Solo travel in San Francisco could feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city. The best way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn more about the top neighborhoods and attractions is with a bus tour. We like this hop-on hop-off tour option from Big Bus, which showcases everything from Chinatown to Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. Included with your ticket is a complimentary city map and a free walking tour of Chinatown. Just be careful when consulting the map in public—it may be better to look discreetly at a map on your phone. 3. Visit the Best Museums Museums are some of the best attractions for solo travel. You can truly tailor your explorations to your own tastes and no-one else’s—no need to worry about what your wife, your best friend, or your kids would rather be doing. So spend hours roaming the SFMOMA, snap endless selfies in the café at the de Young Museum, or film make short videos of tiny creatures in the indoor rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. All of these are good options for folks traveling alone, with plenty to do and relaxed atmospheres with no pressure to be social. 4. Explore Different Restaurants We know dining alone can be intimidating, but this is the perfect opportunity to try that new fusion cuisine, or indulge in a little cheat day. Explore different culinary hotspots in San Francisco like the Richmond, the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, SOMA, and Marina/Cow Hill. If you’d prefer to avoid sitting at a table by yourself, opt for a booth or a seat at the bar. Most restaurants these days serve their full menu to patrons at bar seats, and you don’t need to order anything alcoholic to sit there. 5. Allow for a Little Spontaneity While planning is key to a successful vacation, it’s equally true that a little flexibility can be invaluable. Sometimes plans change, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (especially relevant in San Francisco), and sometimes we just change our minds. So leave a little wiggle room in case you want to take in a baseball game after your tour of Oracle Park, do a little shopping in Union Square, or pop into a restaurant in Nob Hill for an afternoon drink and snack. Tip: if you’re looking for a good shopping area, read our guide to San Francisco shopping. 6. Find a Hotel in Union Square You’ll find hotels all over the city, but there are multiple factors to consider when traveling solo. While you won’t be splitting the cost with someone, it’s still important to think beyond price. Stay within your budget, certainly, but it’s often a better idea to spend a little more for a hotel that’s clean, safe, and convenient. We like Union Square as a place for those traveling alone—there is plenty of shopping, dining, and night life there, as well as easy access to mass transit. And be sure to choose a place with plenty of good reviews! 7. Try Something New So you’ve never been much of a wildlife person, or really seen a lot of historical pieces of art. Push your boundaries a little when traveling alone! Go see the impressive array of colorful marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay and reflect on the marvels of biodiversity. Stroll through the Asian Art Museum and wonder how such ancient work has been so carefully preserved. Hop on a cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, or just snap photos of the sea lions on Pier 39. Whatever you do, try to fit in at least one thing you wouldn’t normally do per day. 8. Take Lots of Pictures Our last tip is a simple one—take plenty of photos! As a solo traveler you won’t have someone with you who can help you remember the things you did and saw. And although programs, maps, and guidebooks can be helpful, they don’t tell the whole story of your amazing adventure. If you’re relying upon a smartphone, turn on your cloud storage. For those with a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards (or one with a lot of storage). Don’t forget any chargers, either! Save on Things to do in San Francisco While Traveling Solo Make the most of your solo travel in San Francisco with Go City You can save up to 60% vs buying your tickets individually. Plus, you’ll get included admission to the city’s best museums, tours, cruises, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too.
Katie Sagal
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Things to Do in San Francisco in Summer

Southern California may get a lot of hype. But if you are looking for some summer fun, don't count Northern Cali out either - there's plenty to do! While it’s a beautiful city to visit year-round, summer in San Francisco is the best time to plan a trip. Summer in San Francisco is the warmest, most festive and arguably most fun time of year in the Bay Area. There are tons of special street festivals, events, races, attractions, tours, museums, and more that happen all summer in San Fran. So, if you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in San Francisco for summer 2020, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including... San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Escape from the Rock Cruise California Academy of Sciences California Wine Country Tour and more... Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in San Francisco 4th of July Weekend. In the Bay area towards the end of summer? Here are a few fun things to do in San Francisco during Labor Day Weekend. Escape from the Rock Cruise Exploratorium San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Madame Tussauds San Francisco Madame Tussauds is your chance to get closer to your icons than ever before. With seven different themed areas that range from Hollywood classics to sports to music and even Bay Area entrepreneurs and historic figures, this is a totally unique way to experience San Francisco history. Step onto the court and shoot hoops with Steph Curry or jam on stage with Jimi Hendrix to experience the full “Spirit of San Francisco.” Whether you want to take a selfie with Mark Zuckerburg and Bill Gates , or strike a pose with Beyoncé and sparkle center stage with Adele –- there's a star studded line up for everyone to enjoy. Fisherman’s Wharf Aquarium of the Bay Golden Gate Park California Academy of Sciences Union Street Festival Get your summer started with the Union Street Festival. One of the city’s most enjoyable and well-known free arts festivals, the Union Street Festival is quite eclectic. Featuring not only a wide selection of arts and crafts made from sustainable materials, but an organic farmers market, gourmet food booths, and live entertainment, it's easy to see why it has gained such popularity. See over 20 live bands perform and explore the five entertainment areas that showcase Jazz, Blues, Country, Bluegrass and Local Bands! Then peruse the sponsor tents, Arts & Crafts exhibitors, food vendors and more. North Beach Festival The North Beach Festival is considered one of the oldest and original fairs in the country. You’ll find a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and objects for purchase, including the area’s best arts and crafts. Known to locals as San Francisco's Little Italy, the North Beach area is the perfect place to spend a day perusing all the booths and local vendor options. There are also activities like face painting and more for children to enjoy. With over 125 options packed with paintings, vintage knick-knacks, and gourmet food and two stages for live entertainment, it's sure to be a summer day well spent. Save on Summertime Activities So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in San Francisco in during the summer. A number of these attractions are available with Go City, where you can save on admission vs paying at the gate. Click here to explore your options. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.
Katie Sagal

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