2018-12-18 05:03:12
San Francisco is known for its creativity, ingenuity and style, all of which make for some of the best shopping in the world. Discover local art, fashion and more as you explore the city’s diverse shopping districts. With charming boutiques and world-famous flagship stores, every kind of shopper can find a little piece of San Francisco to take back home. Here is a mix of classic and quirky picks you won’t find anywhere else. SF MERCANTILE 1698 Haight St. The vibrant culture of California inspires the gifts and keepsakes at SF Mercantile, located in the heart of the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Choose from carefully curated San Francisco souvenirs, including apparel, ceramics and collectibles, designed by local artists who know and love the City by the Bay. In the Neighborhood: Haight St. has an eclectic array of vintage clothing boutiques, record shops and bookstores that reflect the neighborhood’s independent heritage. Get in the psychedelic spirit at legendary tie-dye shop Love on Haight. Its kaleidoscopic rainbow façade is impossible to miss. SHELL CELLAR PIER 39, Space P-9, Suite 232 For a store befitting beach lovers, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and check out Shell Cellar, a PIER 39 favorite since it opened in 1978. You’ll find sustainably harvested shells of every size, shape, color and species, as well as fanciful aquatic jewelry, knickknacks and décor to remind you of your time by the bay. In the Neighborhood: Along with unbeatable views, eateries and entertainment, PIER 39 offers more than 60 shops. If you’re searching for the perfect San Francisco gift, stop by the souvenir superstore Only in San Francisco for everything from T-shirts to cute collectible cable car ornaments. CREATIVITY EXPLORED 3245 16th St. Get inspired at Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center and gallery in the Mission District, where local artists with developmental disabilities make, exhibit and sell art. Shopping their unique creations supports an empowering community where they can hone their craft and pursue work as artists. Peruse original prints, notecards, apparel, wrapping paper and more. In the Neighborhood: While you’re in the Mission, stroll along hipster-heavy Valencia St. to check out dozens of other boutiques, galleries and shops. Wonder at taxidermy and terrariums at Paxton Gate and hunt for mid-mod treasures at Harrington Galleries. SCHEIN & SCHEIN 1435 Grant Ave. Nestled in North Beach on one of San Francisco’s oldest streets, Schein & Schein’s thousands of antique maps and prints will feed your wanderlust. This fascinating shop offers products from the 14th through 20th centuries, including maps of San Francisco and wine country. In the Neighborhood: North Beach is San Francisco’s “Little Italy,” packed with delicious dining and interesting history. Continue your stroll around the neighborhood to discover vintage boutiques, picturesque parks and intriguing side streets. Grab an afternoon cappuccino or gelato at one of the many inviting cafés. MARGARET O’LEARY 2400 Fillmore St. The Margaret O’Leary clothing company has been based in San Francisco for more than two decades and is beloved for its rich collection of fashion-forward knitwear. Stop by the boutique in Pacific Heights to stock up on elegant-meets-casual staples that will give your wardrobe a Californiachic upgrade. In the Neighborhood: Fillmore St. is a fashionista’s dream, with many international designer names, including Rebecca Minkoff, Alice + Olivia and rag & bone. Just down the street lies the Japan Center, a multilevel shopping mall filled with an amazing selection of imported items in the heart of Japantown. 3 FISH STUDIOS 4541 Irving St. Located amid the oceanside quiet of the Outer Sunset, 3 Fish Studios is the workspace and shop of artists Annie Galvin and Eric Rewitzer. Their original prints are brightly colored love letters to the city, affectionately showcasing its neighborhoods, landmarks and culture. Don’t miss their collaboration with another local maker, Rickshaw Bags. The two companies teamed up to create beautiful totes printed with some of 3 Fish Studios’ favorite designs. In the Neighborhood: Close to both the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Park, the Outer Sunset neighborhood has a cool, creative vibe and an eclectic mix of shops and cafés. General Store on Judah St. offers the choicest handmade goods, art and local fashion. BRANDS GALORE In addition to quaint neighborhood retail districts and one-of-a-kind boutiques, San Francisco is also home to busy shopping destinations where you’ll find dozens of popular brand-name stores concentrated in one locale. UNION SQUARE This historic park is the heart of San Francisco’s downtown shopping and hotel district. Virtually every top fashion label in the world has set up shop in and around Union Square. Its extensive collection of luxury stores includes Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co. and St. John Knits. Take a walk down its charming alleyways for more hidden treasures. Maiden Lane, a pedestrian-only street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., features outdoor cafés and upscale retailers like Chanel and Marc Jacobs. Head south on Powell St. to reach Uniqlo, which features stylish and colorful basics. For those who fancy classics with an edge, Brooks Brothers Group offers clothing, sportswear, accessories and shoes, or make a timely purchase at Tourbillon. At locally owned Alexander Book Store, explore 50,000 new books spread over three floors. After a full day of shopping, enjoy an evening in Union Square when its theaters and cocktail lounges light up. WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE A two-block walk from Union Square, this massive indoor mall offers a mix of acclaimed brands and local treats. It’s home to more than 200 shops and restaurants, including the second-largest Nordstrom in the U.S., the West Coast’s flagship Bloomingdale’s, Levi’s®, and the made-in-America-focused Makers Market. Finish the day with a spa treatment or movie on level five, or head back down to level four for the mall’s signature happy hour under the building’s breathtaking glass-dome ceiling. OUTLETS NEAR SAN FRANCISCO Just a short drive from San Francisco — to the north, east and south — are some of the West Coast’s premier outlet malls, where you can find great discount prices on top brands. NORTH Combine wine country sightseeing with a visit to Premium Outlets in Napa or Petaluma. The enticing list of brand names include Coach, Cole Haan, Banana Republic, Barneys New York Outlet and Michael Kors. EAST East of the city, swing by the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore. With 180 stores and the addition of 185,000 square feet, it’s now the largest outdoor outlet center in California. Go deal-hunting at The Bloomingdale's Outlet Store, Tory Burch, Versace, Jimmy Choo and many more. SOUTH A southbound visit to Monterey means a stop at Gilroy Premium Outlets where you can find bargains from BCBGMAXAZRIA, Calvin Klein, Disney Store Outlet, J. Crew, Le Creuset, and Lululemon Athletica. In late July, stop by the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival to try garlic-flavored everything.
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