San Francisco is a known haven to all shopping lovers. This urban city is full of retail options and it is not just the iconic luxury outlets and designer boutiques. There are so many things to buy that you might need to stay in one of the Airbnb tiny houses or beachfront hotels as you go over each shopping spot for days. When you are there, expect to go on a hunt for vintage stores, one-of-a-kind artisan boutiques, and local produce at farmer’s markets. Do not forget the awesome culinary options that range from authentic Californian fast-food chains, mouth-watering cuisines from all over the world to luxury high-end restaurants. In this guide, we are going to explore some of the very best shopping malls in San Francisco Bay Area, California you would not want to miss.
1. Westfield San Francisco Centre
One of the shopping centres managed by the famous Westfield Group, Westfield San Francisco Centre is conveniently located on the very busy Market Street and is just a stone’s throw from Union Square. This mega mall houses over 200 upscale brands including Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and Zara. For the crazy shoppers, you’ll be pleased to find not just one, but two retail giants - Nordstrom (and it is the second largest Nordstrom in the whole of the States) and Bloomingdale’s in the mall. There is also a huge range of eateries, cafes, and restaurants for you to choose from. For the non-shoppers, you can either catch a movie at their theatres or do your work right inside the mall in their state-of-the-art, technology-centred co-working and event concept space called Bespoke. There is literally something for everyone and it’s no wonder why Westfield San Francisco Centre is one of the favourite malls among the locals.
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Website: Westfield San Francisco Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
2. Anchorage Square
Looking for an all-in-one shopping mall? You might want to consider Anchorage Square. Although this is a smaller mall, it has everything you need and is also the perfect destination for you to shop, dine, or simply enjoy a day tour around the Bay area. If you are looking for a hotel, Courtyard by Marriott is conveniently located right by Anchorage Square. Rent a bike or go on a Segway tour to explore the scenic views of the Fisherman’s Wharf and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge while exploring the rich history and heritage of San Francisco.
Anchorage Square
Address: 333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: Anchorage Square
Opening hours: 6:30am - 12:30am (daily)
3. Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero Center is a mixed-used architecture that spans across five buildings and two hotels right in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Over there, you can find luxe office spaces, more than a hundred retail stores, a variety of bars, dining options and a multi-plex cinema. If you are a tourist, you’ll be glad to know that Grand Hyatt San Francisco and Le Méridien San Francisco is just a stone’s throw away from the main building complex. It is definitely one of San Francisco’s ultimate shopping destinations. Though it is a pretty large space, you don’t have to worry about getting lost because all the buildings are connected so you can do your shopping in ease. Visit Embarcadero Center in winter months and you can try ice-skating on their very cool outdoor holiday ice-skating rink. Look out for the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market that happens every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We advise going on a Saturday because there is a larger selection of vendors and products for you to choose from.
Embarcadero Center
Address: San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Website: Embarcadero Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
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4. Metreon
Metreon is a four-story vertical shopping mall located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Target is on the second level - and nobody says no to shopping at Target because you are definitely going to find something you want in there. The AMC Theatre in Metreon features a 16-screen theatre and offers the largest IMAX in North America so it is pretty worth it to enjoy a movie if you are not in the mood to shop. Featuring more than 20 restaurants and eateries, you can find an array of different cuisines from Japan, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, and of course, authentic American food. If you are not that hungry, grab some snacks or try some authentic Taiwanese boba tea at Share Tea. This mall is definitely a great hangout to grab a meal, watch a movie, and catch up with your friends and family.
Metreon
Address: 135 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Website: Metreon
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 9:30pm
5. Japan Center
Japantown in San Francisco is an area with rich Japanese heritage. This is where the first Japanese-American community settled down in the United States. Japan Center is located right in the heart of Japantown and its architectural structure was inspired by the traditional Japanese features and architectures. The mall is right beside the San Francisco Peace Pagoda, a concrete stupa that is also a famous tourist attraction in Japantown. The mall consists of three buildings - Kinokuniya Mall, Kintetsu Mall, and Miyako Mall. It is also home to an abundance of Japanese shops and restaurants. If you are looking for authentic Japanese products, Japan Center is the place to go. Expect to find Japanese homewares, apparel, accessories, and beauty products. Or you could step into Daiso because everything is priced USD 1.50. For the foodies, you’ll be delighted to find a huge array of authentic Japanese food choices.
Japan Center
Address: 1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Website: Japan Center
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
6. Stonestown Galleria
Stonestown Galleria is a mid-sized, two-storey mall located near the San Francisco State University and although it is not a mega shopping mall, you can find everything you need. They have a good variety of retail outlets such as Target, Trader’s Joe’s, as well as a good lineup of dining options that includes a relatively big food court with lots of food options. Stonestown Galleria is definitely the perfect family mall for you to spend some quality time with your family while getting all your shopping done in one place.
Stonestown Galleria
Address: 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States
Website: Stonestown Galleria
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
7. NorthPoint Centre
NorthPoint Centre is a small shopping plaza that caters to Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Telegraph Hills neighbourhoods. They have a two-storey garage so you do not have to worry about parking. Free 90-minute parking is also provided if you have made a purchase over there. You can expect to find all the essentials such as banking, dry cleaning, postal services, and dining options at NorthPoint Centre. It is also good to know that most of the stores operate until midnight daily. For those who are looking to get a workout in late in the night, their fitness centre is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
NorthPoint Centre
Address: 320 Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: NorthPoint Centre
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Diamond Heights Shopping Center
Located at the West Side of Sans Francisco, Diamond Heights Shopping Center is a two-storey shopping center that serves the Diamond Height neighbourhood in San Francisco. Over there, you can expect to find an array of retail stores, a grocery store, and even dry cleaning services. They provide free parking as well so it is a great go-to place if you need to get your errands done.
Diamond Heights Shopping Center
Address: 5214D Diamond Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States
Website: Diamond Heights Shopping Center
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
9. Laurel Village
Laurel Village is a new kid on the block, with construction completed only in January 2019. This plaza is designed to improve the shopping experience for the surrounding neighbourhood. Small as it might be, here is an exciting surprise for the ladies out there - there is actually a Sephora Studio right on this shopping plaza! Definitely some good news for all the makeup junkies out there. Aside from that, there is also a small variety of dining options, a supermarket and banking services. Get ready for a pretty intimate shopping experience at Laurel Village.
Laurel Village
Address: 3445 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Website: Laurel Village
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
10. Crocker Galleria
Crocker Galleria is a specialty three-storey retail centre in the financial district of San Francisco that features a magnificent arched glass pavilion at the top of the mall. Locals love to enjoy their meal at the rooftop terrace, right under the glass ceiling where you can just chill, enjoy your food, and do your work at the same time (free WiFi is available). This is also the place to go if you are looking for local artisan brands and unique mini boutiques. Looking for some fresh local organic produce? Crocker Galleria holds a farmer’s market every Thursday, from 11am to 3pm.
Crocker Galleria
Address: 50 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 7pm; Sat: 7am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
San Francisco, a shopaholic's haven
San Francisco is really a magical city. Golden Gate Bridge and museums aside, the shopping options are endless. One-of-a-kind vintage and antique stores in Hayes Valley, luxury boutique brands in huge, grand shopping malls, or unique local artisan brands on Union Street - the city has it all. There is definitely something for everyone so don’t be afraid to release that inner shopaholic in you! While you’re here, be sure to experience the best waterfall hikes as well as cooking classes available in San Francisco.