The 7 Best Places To Go Shopping in San Francisco, California

Shopping in San Francisco is an absolute treat. While exploring the city, you’ll be happy to find a delightful array of stores, shopping malls, designer boutiques, and bustling shopping districts, which cater to every taste and budget. 

The city’s shopping hub is the centrally located Union Square, a bustling area dotted with big-name department stores such as Barneys NY, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Within a walking distance of the square lies the famous Westfield SF Cent, an indoor shopping mall where you can buy items from famous brands such as H&M, Banana Republic, Guess, Kate Spade, and more.

For a unique shopping experience, head over to districts such as Haight Ashbury, and Mission District, where you’ll come across a selection of trendy boutique stores & vintage shops.

Whether you’re seeking to find thrift store clothes, high street apparel, gift items, or home decoration, you’re sure to find them in the lively Bay Area. 

To help you have a memorable retail experience, we’ve created a guide to the top 7 places where you’ll get the best shopping in San Francisco. Read on to learn more!

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The Top 7 Places To Go Shopping in San Francisco, CA

Westfield San Francisco Centre

Considered one of the best shopping malls in San Francisco, Westfield SF is home to a dazzling selection of over 200 stores. There, you’ll find big-name department stores like Bloomingdale’s and the second-largest Nordstrom in the country, as well as worldwide known brands such as Zara, H&M, Sephora, Addidas, Vans, The Body Shop, and Victoria’s Secret.

This indoor mall is also home to a fine selection of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Rolex.

Address: 865 Market St

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 8 pm | Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

Union Square

Gloriously located in Downtown San Francisco, Union Square is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious shopping destinations. This bustling square is dotted with famous stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom, as well as high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Giorgio Armani.

Need to take a break from all the window shopping? Then, refuel your energies by having a delicious meal in one of Union Square’s lip-smacking selection of restaurants and cafes, which range from Italian to Indian and Thai.

San Francisco Premium Outlets

If you’re seeking to find luxury items at affordable prices, with discounts up to 65% off, San Francisco Premium Outlets is the place to go. High-end stores located within this outlet mall include Gucci, Tory Burch, Prada, Coach, and Bottega Veneta, just to name a few.

The outlet mall is also a go-to destination for shopping items by fast-fashion and mid-range brands such as Forever 21, American Eagle, Nike, and H&M.

Address: 2774 Livermore Outlets Dr

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 am to 7 pm | Friday to Saturday 10 am to 8 pm | Sunday 10 am to 7 pm

Hayes Valley

Located near the San Francisco Ballet, Hayes Valley is home to one of San Francisco’s most coveted commercial stretches: Hayes Street. This burgeoning stretch is filled with local boutiques, stylish antique shops, and quirky book stores, making it a prime destination for those seeking a unique shopping experience.

Arlequin Wine Merchant is a prime spot for shopping for rare wines, while Maker + Moss has a selection of eye-popping home decor items. Looking for trendy sustainable clothes? Then head over to Amour Vert, which is specialized in a sustainable fashion that utilizes zero-waste philosophies.

But there’s more to Hayes Street than just shopping. The stretch is lined with independent art galleries, Insta-worthy cafes, and great restaurants where you can go take a break from all the retail therapy.

Haight Street

Located near the eastern entrance to Golden Gate Park, Haight Street is the main street in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. This iconic stretch became well-known in the 1960s, and it was once home to revolutionaries, hippies, and famous singers such as Janis Joplin.

The blocks of Haight Street between Stanyan Street and Divisadero are filled with funky shops and thrift stores where you can find an array of stylish items such as hippie tie-dye clothes, posters, and knick-knacks.

A must-visit store in Haight Street is Amoeba Music, which features an eye-opening selection of legendary vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, vintage posters, and books.

Mission District

Also known as “The Mission”, this vibrant neighborhood has been historically related to the Latin communities of San Francisco, and it’s best known for boasting colorful murals by a variety of street artists.

There, you’ll also stumble upon a selection of unique shops that will get your creative juices flowing. Must-visits include Dog Eared Books, where you shop for a variety of used books at bargain prices, Reformation, which sells trendy items made with natural or recycled fibers, and Luz de Luna, known for their colorful mixture of Mexican crafts, artwork, and jewelry.

Pier 39

In Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the heart-warming San Francisco skyline provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable shopping experience. Located at the edge of the Fisherman’s Wharf district, close to North Beach, the pier flaunts an enviable collection of 50+ one-of-a-kind stores selling everything from sports gear and memorabilia to fine jewelry and classic San Francisco souvenirs.

Some of the Pier’s most popular stores are Houdini’s Magic Shop, which offers a wide selection of magic trick supplies, Lefty’s San Francisco, and even a shop just for left-handers!

Pier 39 is also a prime shopping spot to visit with the kids, as it features an array of fun-filled attractions such as the Aquarium of The Bay, a mirror maze, escape rooms, and the famous San Francisco Carousel.

Address: Beach Street and The Embarcadero

Opening Hours:

Full-Service Restaurants: 11 am – 10 pm*

Retail Stores: 10 am – 9 pm

Fast Food Eateries: 10 am – 9 pm

Retail & Food Carts: 10 am – 8 pm (weather permitting)

Attractions: 10 am – 9 pm (excluding Blue & Gold Fleet and Aquarium of the Bay)

Recommended Read: 13 Amazing Kid-Friendly Attractions in San Francisco, California

FAQ

What are the best places to go shopping in San Francisco?

The 7 best shopping destinations in San Francisco, California:

Is San Francisco good for shopping?

Yes. Shopping in San Francisco is an absolute treat. While exploring the city, you’ll find a delightful array of stores, shopping malls, designer boutiques, and bustling shopping districts, which cater to every taste and budget. 

What is San Fran known for?

San Francisco is known for being home to instantly recognizable landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Victorian houses of Alamo Street. The city is also famous for its world-class museums, tempting shopping spots, and multicultural neighborhoods.

What is the name of the heart of the San Francisco shopping area?

Located in the city center, Union Square is considered San Francisco’s shopping hub.

Does San Francisco have any outlet malls?

Yes. San Francisco is home to the famous San Francisco Premium Outlets, where you can find luxury items with discounts up to 65% off.

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