San Francisco Shopping Guide
San Francisco offers a ton of upscale shopping options. From high-end department stores and independent retailers to fine antiques, vintage clothing, and home decor - San Francisco has it all! Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf are the most obvious choices, but San Francisco has plenty of other neighborhoods that offer a variety of shopping experiences.
Union Square
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco Residence Club is located in Union Square, offering direct access to this amazing shopping center. There are high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and a new Barney's CO-OP. The huge new Westfield Shopping Centre is definitely worth a visit.
Jackson Square
Go there for fine antiques, charming cafes, and showrooms. Those who are avid collectors of tribal rugs and antique silver will love Jackson Square. Stores are located in old brick buildings that date back to the Gold Rush.
The Marina District
This shopping destination features the biggest cluster of independent retailers, making it a great place to find unique items that aren't sold in department stores. Union Street and Chestnut Street are especially popular.
Hayes Valley
This neighborhood is located west of Civic Center. The shops are trendy and feature housewares, jewelry, and independent boutiques.
Cow Hollow
Cow Hollow refers to the valley that lies west of Van Ness, between Russian Hill and Presidio. It was cow country at one time, but is now a charming neighborhood with 7 blocks of shopping. The restored Victorian buildings are filled with shops that sell home furnishings, antiques, art, linens, books, specialty food, and custom clothing.
The Castro & Noe Valley
This is a major shopping destination that features men's clothing, high end home decor, and kitsch items. Just south of The Castro is Noe Valley, a charming neighborhood that offers specialty food stores, bookshops, women's clothing, and specialty gift stores.
North Beach
North Beach is like a smaller version of NYC's Greenwich Village. It's located near Washington Square and Columbus Avenue and offers small restaurants and cafes, antique shops, clothing, and vintage items.
Pacific Heights
One of San Francisco's wealthiest neighborhoods can be found here, at Fillmore and Sacramento Street. There are local clothing ateliers and luxury international brands.
Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown is located at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, where you will find 24 blocks of shops, restaurants, and markets. Chinatown is a great place to get souvenirs.
The Mission
This hipster neighborhood has plenty of vintage finds, thrift stores, alternative bookstores, and delicious bakeries and cafes.
Japantown
Japantown consists of 3 blocks of shops. Most notable are the Kintetsu and Kinokuniya buildings, where you will find bonsai trees, jewelry, and antique kimonos.
SoMa
You can find discount outlets here (a rare occurrence in San Francisco) and shop at the Museum of Modern Art Gift Shop.
Embarcadero Center
Head downtown to the end of Market Street to shop at the upscale national chains found at the Embarcadero.
Fisherman's Wharf
This tourist attraction features Pier 39, the Anchorage, and Ghiradelli Square. There are shops and entertainment, and it's a great place to find souvenirs.