Casey Makovich

Best Shopping in San Francisco - Trendy, Cheap, Outlet Malls & More

Looking for where to find some of the best shopping in San Francisco? This list covers many of the popular outlet malls, shopping centers & more.

San Francisco is one of the top shopping destinations in the US. 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, are all headquartered in San Francisco.

We've put together a list of the top 12 places and areas to shop in San Francisco. Go ahead and enjoy a fun shopping spree during your vacation.

Fun Ways to Spend Your Days in Between Shopping:

Before we get started, want to fit in some fun activities and sightseeing alongside your shopping crusade? Of course you do. 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.

And now, on with our shopping suggestions...

Union Square

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Union Square is San Francisco's premier destination for shopping.

In addition to Bloomingdale's and Macy's, Union Square boasts a large collection of department stores, upscale shops, and brand name retailers, conveniently right in downtown San Francisco. Westfield Centre is Bloomingdale's West Coast flagship store, offering upscale brands and department store variety.

Whether you're shopping for the latest fashions or the home, Bloomingdale's has it all. Plus, in-store services and package delivery to your hotel. Another great shopping option in Union Square, 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.

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

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Conveniently located in Napa, the Napa Premium Outlets are an easy side trip to add to a day trip to Napa Valley. Stores feature everyday savings of 25%-65% off name brand stores, like Cole Haan, Ann Taylor Factory Store, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach Outlet, Timberland, and more.

Gift Center and Jewelry Mart

Get 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.

Embarcadero Center

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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.

Chestnut Street

For more of a classic, San Francisco neighborhood shopping destination experience, head to Chestnut Street for higher end boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, and sophisticated coffee shops.

Fillmore Street

Fillmore Street features upscale name brands, like Eileen Fisher, Jonathan Adler, Joie, Scotch & Soda, and more, and hip, eclectic boutique shops and cafés.

Haight Street

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Famous for the role it played as a hippie hangout in the 60's and 70's, 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.

Polk Street

Polk Street features a variety of stores and 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 find the unexpected gem.

North Beach

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Famous for being San Francisco's Italian neighborhood brimming with food that rivals that of Italy and some of the best boutique cafés, North Beach is a shopping destination that offers visitors more of a European vibe than other parts of the city.

Let's Recap on Our 'Cheap' San Francisco Shopping

So there are a handful of spots to checkout if you're looking for some of the best shopping in San Francisco, including popular cheap options, outlet malls, and other hotspots.

Remember, with a Go San Francisco pass you'll make huge savings on attraction admission to a bunch of popular places near to these shopping havens. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your vacation itinerary.

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