San Francisco is one of the most popular cities in the whole world. Tourists from all over the world love this city for its constant weather, tourist destinations, and the Golden Gate Bridge. There is one other reason why visitors go to the City by the Bay – shopping. Wandering through one shopping mall after another is a favorite tourist activity. From designer items to thrift shops, this city has it all. Shopping malls around the city are the best places to find these and more. To help you out, read through our list of the top shopping malls in San Francisco, California, listed below and choose the kind of shopping mall you would like to shop at.
Popular picks
If you’re visiting San Francisco, you don’t want to miss riding cable cars. This is an iconic mode of transportation and is the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Riding a cable car will provide gorgeous views while you travel up and down San Francisco’s hills.
Vintage lovers, make sure to visit Haight-Ashbury so you can truly experience “Summer of Love.” The neighborhood is filled with vintage shops where you can feel the 1960s nostalgia.
1. Metreon
Metreon is owned by Sony and is a popular mall for games, watching movies, and all types of relaxing activities. But shopping is the top priority here for visitors. Most of the shops are small in size but big in offerings. There are two main stores here. City Target - that carries favorite fashion and accessory brands. It also offers food products locals and foreigners go for. The other carrier store is Chronicle Books. You can find unique titles published under the company name. The mall is a showcase of cutting-edge technology, noting its proximity to Silicon Valley. It is the best place to shop for personal stuff and gifts.
Metreon
Address: 135 4rth Street, San Francisco, CA 94564
Website: Metreon
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am – 9:30pm
2. San Francisco Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For shoppers visiting the city, San Francisco Centre is at the top of their lists when it comes to shopping. It houses 170 stores that sell anything from clothes to gadgets to food. Two of the most successful department stores in America are located here. These are Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s both carrying local and international designer brands. Boutiques in this mall include the likes of Kenneth Cole and Betsey Johnson. An impressive collection of casual and fast-food restaurants are ready to fill up your appetite. If movies are your thing, it’s nine theaters surely have a number of films that you can watch.
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Website: San Francisco Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
3. The Cannery
The Cannery shopping mall is located in a historic spot. This alone makes it a destination for tourists. It houses a fine selection of entertainment venues, gift shops, fashion boutiques, casual restaurants, fast-food eateries, and art galleries. Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, the mall is just a short distance from Pier 39. Its history states that the structure was built in 1907 and used by Del Monte as a canning facility. Today, shoppers of unique items come in throve. If you are looking to snack on something, The Waterfront Bakery is the place to go to. History and shopping make Cannery a destination for visitors.
The Cannery
Address: 2801 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: The Cannery
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
4. Stonestown Galleria
Stonestown Galleria has several anchor stores in it. These are housed in two-floor areas located in the plus-shaped mall. Target, Olive Garden, Chase, and Trader Joe’s are some of its big-name tenants’ visitors shop at. The building includes four wings filled with shops selling clothes, leather goods, gadgets, and more. A food court serving a variety of cuisines stand waiting to feed all hungry souls of the mall. The interior is washed in natural lighting made possible by a few skylights. The center court is a gathering place for visitors and is adorned with four beautiful columns made of marble.
Stonestown Galleria
Address: 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States
Website: Stonestown Galleria
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
5. NorthPoint Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for a place to shop for all your basic needs on your visit to San Francisco, look no further than NorthPoint Centre. This is basic shopping at its best. Practical items are on display for visitors to grab their hands on. It houses a fitness center open 24-hours a day, a Safeway for some grocery needs, a Subway and an Asian restaurant to fill your bellies, and a few personal services to pamper you. A big plus for shoppers is the huge parking lot where they can find parking easily.
NorthPoint Centre
Address: 320 Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: NorthPoint Centre
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm (daily)
6. Embarcadero Center
The Embarcadero Center used to be the Barbary Coast. This shopping mall is rich in history and dates its lineage to the Gold Rush. Ships carrying gold seekers during this period moored in the bay. The hulls of these ships were used to build offices, warehouses, and bars. The Embarcadero sits right on the same spot. The Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market is Embarcadero’s biggest draw. Fresh produce is what this market is all about. You can buy every vegetable found in the whole country right here. There is a whole difference between buying in a regular market and shopping at Embarcadero Center.
Embarcadero Center
Address: Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Website: Embarcadero Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
7. City Center San Francisco
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
City Center San Francisco shopping mall is an answered prayer to the shopping needs of both locals and tourists. Its anchor store, City Target, answers to the shopping needs of every type of tourist in the bay area. From 2008 to 2013 the spot lay lifeless with no anchor store and big-name brands closing shop here. When City Target opened its doors, it drew mammoth crowds every day and night. The most popular stores include GNC, Chipotle, and Best Buy. The turnaround is huge. This proves that a mall anchored on several branded stores turns into a successful venture.
City Center San Francisco
Address: 2675 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 11pm
8. Crocker Galleria
Shoppers with discerning taste favor Crocker Galleria over other shopping malls in San Francisco. No less than 40 high-end brands can be found within its walls. Most of these boutiques display classic fashion items mostly for women. The glass dome adds a touch of class while letting natural light into warm shoppers. Distributed on three floors, shops at Crocker Galleria include Polo and Aricie Lingerie. Hungry souls should jump in glee as their hunger pangs are satiated by eateries like Leila Mediterranean Cuisine, the San Francisco Soup Company, and New Asia Asian Cuisine. If it is luxury items you are looking for, Crocker Galleria will not disappoint you.
Crocker Galleria
Address: 50 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94104
Website: Crocker Galleria
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
9. Diamond Heights Shopping Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Diamond Heights Shopping Center is the ultimate neighborhood mall everyone loves. Whatever it is you are looking for, chances are this place has it. Aside from clothes, this mall is known for having a long line of stores to provide for your needs. There is plenty of parking space for everyone. Safeway provides you with grocery items of high quality. If you and your family want a taste of Asian fare, Diamond’s in-house Chinese eatery and Japanese-Korean restaurant have so many tasty treats for everyone. This mall has no-frills in it. It is the type where you go in, get what you need, then go home.
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)
10. Japan Center
Japan Center is one of the underrated shopping malls in San Francisco. It is located inside Japantown, where culture and tradition mix with top-class shopping sprees. You can find unusual Japanese antiques that should make your home look better. Because this mall is all about Japan, cosplay items run to the thousands of choices for the avid cosplayer. Aside from this, souvenirs, pottery, and other personal items are found here. For the sweet tooth, a dessert shop lets you in on sinful, sweet creations you will adore. Japan Center provides an experience you will not forget.
Japan Center
Address: 1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Website: Japan Center
Opening hours: 7am – 12am (daily)
Other shopping spots in San Francisco
Shopping malls aren’t the only places where you can spend all day on some retail therapy. You should check out these spots to score some unique souvenirs!
11. Ashbury Street
Ashbury Street is the most happening street in San Francisco, with funky coloured houses and a really chill vibe. If you want to check out some upscale local boutiques or maybe buy some vintage clothes, this is the place to go! Head over to Goorin Bros for some really cool and authentic Victorian looking accessories. With many eateries, cute little cafes, and local restaurants this is a great place to shop, eat, and shop some more. Just enjoy a relaxing day strolling and shopping along Ashbury Street.
Ashbury Street
Address: Ashbury Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
12. Chestnut Street
If you want to buy some trendy clothes, then you have to head to Chestnut Street. This place is hustling and bustling with people catching up over coffee, walking around with shopping bags, and eating a meal. There are many eyewear stores, health and beauty stores and salons, jewellery stores, and footwear stores all along Chestnut Street. There are some great boutiques and one-off stores that you must check out!
Chestnut Street
Address: Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
13. Mission District
Mission District is one of the most extravagant neighbourhoods in San Francisco. If this is your first time visiting, I highly recommend going to Mission District. There are some really nice local boutiques and cafes. But my personal favourite is the Dandelion Chocolate factory – while you’re shopping, why not go chocolate shopping in San Francisco? And don’t forget to check out The Voyager Shop to buy some really minimalistic and chic clothing.
Mission District
Address: Mission District, San Francisco, CA, USA
14. Union Square
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Union Square, San Francisco on Friday, 21 December 2018
Are you looking for high-end shopping areas in San Francisco? Union Square is the place for high-end luxury shopping in San Francisco. This place has stores like Barneys, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and more – so you know this is where the money is at! If you want to check out all the branded runway items, then you need to head to Union Square and if you’re lucky you might even find some great deals.
Union Square
Address: Union Square, San Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Union Square
15. Fillmore Street
Shop till you drop at Fillmore Street! This is a pretty long street with many local boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops, and some really good clothes. If you want to dress like a San Francisco local, then this is the place to start shopping! All the clothes are so chic yet so simple, so practical yet so fancy, so unique yet so you. Fillmore Street has some of the best luxury boutiques in the city, and you should definitely visit them all! Make sure to check out HeidiSays Collections for some really beautiful stuff.
Fillmore Street
Address: Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Fillmore Street
16. Sacramento Street
Think of Sacramento Street as this cute little district in itself with unique boutiques, cute and quirky cafes, and a really happy vibe going all around. Sacramento Street has everything you could possibly need – from jewellery shops to eyewear shops, from home decor to pet shops, from children’s shops to clothing stores. And there are some really amazing cafes and restaurants that you must check out, especially As Quoted Cafe for some gluten-free delights.
Sacramento Street
Address: Sacramento St,San Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Sacramento Street
17. Chinatown
Chinatown has some of the coolest shops in all of San Francisco. But that is needless to say because every country has it’s own little Chinatown and every Chinatown is always funky! If you’re looking for good deals and great bargains, then you have to go here. From clothes and accessories to houseware and flip flops, you can get it all and more – all at a really good price. And while you’re there, don’t forget to head to a karaoke bar!
Chinatown
Address: Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, USA
18. Haight Street
The Haight Street shops are known for their hip and cool collections! You’ll come across many funky boutiques which are selling some really amazing clothes. But, the one store that you have to check out is Scents-U-All – you can make your own custom scented perfume here! If you’re out shopping in San Francisco for accessories, then check out this store called Stuf for some reasonably priced and funky stuff.
Haight Street
Address: Haight Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
19. Hayes Valley
Think of Hayes Valley as retail heaven! This district has some of the fanciest local designers, boutiques oozing class, and styles and cuts like you’ve never seen before. If you’re looking for some really unique and classy homeware then check out Maker & Moss. You also must see the latest swimwear collections at Mara Hoffman and check out the sustainable, well-fitted, and good quality denim pieces at Convert.
Hayes Valley
Address: Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA, USA
Things you can buy in and near San Francisco
If you’re looking for some cool things to buy while you’re in San Francisco, you can scroll down to check out our suggestions!
20. Mexican food
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
La Taqueria is a popular Mexican eatery that has gained quite a reputation in San Francisco. It attracts everyone from tech workers through to families who enjoy the tasty burritos, guacamole, tacos, tortillas, salsa, and grilled meats on offer. It’s also popular with tourists, and it’s quite common to find long lines that go out the door. So get your order in early and bring cash as that’s the only form of payment they accept.
La Taqueria
Address: 2889 Mission St, 94110-3907 San Francisco, California, USA
Website: La Taqueria
Prices: 1.75 USD - 12.35 USD
21. Spark and Pepper cuffs
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for that unique gift to spoil yourself or that special someone, then consider the offerings from Spark and Pepper. This jewelry company specializes in beautiful and elegant bracelets, cuffs, earrings, necklaces, and other accessories designed by the talented Meredith Peck. You’ll love the craftsmanship and timeless quality of this jewelry collection that can be worn on a daily basis.
Spark and Pepper
Address: 740 Natoma St, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Spark and Pepper
Prices: 75 USD - 105 USD
22. Bob's Donuts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The exterior of this donut and pastry store seems underwhelming, but don’t let that put you off. Similarly to La Taqueria, Bob’s Donuts is something of an institution in San Francisco that ditches the frills and focuses on providing its patrons with great service and delicious donuts. It specializes in a wide variety of donuts, which include raised glazed, raised maple, raised chocolate, chocolate cake with sprinkles, cinnamon cake, cinnamon roll, almond ring danish, apple fritter, and a sticky bun to name a few. It’s open 24 hours a day, so there’s no excuse for not trying out these treats during your trip to San Francisco.
Bob's Donuts
Address: 1621 Polk St, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Bob’s Donuts
Prices: 0.85 USD - 5.50 USD
23. California gold
With all the hype surrounding cryptocurrency in recent years, many have forgotten that precious metals, particularly gold, still remain an important investment option. San Francisco has been at the forefront of the Californian gold rush during the 19th century, so it’s not surprising that there are many outlets in the city that specialize in gold. Pacific Precious Metals is such an establishment that carries gold bars and coins from the region, but also bullion from Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, and South Africa. The staff is professional, and they’ll inform you about the market values of gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and precious gems.
Pacific Precious Metals
Address: 19638 Stevens Creek Blvd #270, Cupertino, California, USA
Website: Pacific Precious Metals
Prices: 142.21 USD - 1,341.29 USD
24. Cookies from Mariposa Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mariposa Bakery is a diminutive yet stylish establishment at the trendy Ferry Building. It’s popular with locals due to its range of delicious cookies, gluten-free pastries, scrumptious sandwiches, and vegan cupcakes. The Viennese tea cookies are a huge hit with customers, so it makes sense to take a few back home with you to enjoy with tea and good company. The store is open daily and typically operates between 8 AM and 6 PM during the work week.
Mariposa Bakery
Address: Ferry Building, One Ferry Building #32, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Mariposa Baking Company
Prices: 8.75 USD - 9.75 USD
25. Destination Fragrances
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Scents of San Francisco is a fragrance company that draws inspiration from the sights, sounds, and smells of San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods. Its key product range is Destination Fragrances, which consist of all-natural candles made from cotton wicks, essential oils, and soy wax. Their candles come in a variety of sizes named after the city’s popular landmarks such as Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, North Beach, Pacific Heights, The Presidio, and Sausalito.
Scents of San Francisco
Address: de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Scents of San Francisco
Prices: 10 USD - 40 USD
26. Street Gloss
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Elizabeth Street Cosmetics is a company that specializes in cosmetics and lip gloss such as their trailblazing Street Gloss. What makes this range of lip gloss stand out from the crowd is their eye-catching colors made from gluten-free, organic, and vegan ingredients. Customers have that extra assurance that this is a product without dyes, petrochemicals, and sulfates that could be harmful to their health.
Elizabeth Street Cosmetics
Website: Elizabeth Street Cosmetics
Prices: 16 USD - 24 USD
27. Dandelion Chocolates
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The holidays are fast approaching and our @ferry_building location will be closed December 25 and open through the holidays for retail items only. No drinks and pastries until January 2nd. ? @spottedsf
Posted by Dandelion Chocolate on Friday, 21 December 2018
Do you want to enjoy some of the finest handmade chocolate, brownies, and pastries in San Francisco? Then, look no further than Dandelion Chocolate who have gained a reputation for being one of California’s finest chocolatiers. Their stores are contemporary and stylish, and you can expect excellent service from their passionate staff. You can also grab a cup of coffee, and even attend one of their classes to learn how they make their gourmet delights.
Dandelion Chocolate
Address: Valencia Cafe, 740 Valencia St, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Dandelion Chocolate
Prices: 7 USD - 200 USD
28. Lush specialty soaps
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our new limited-edition, online-only Orangutan Soap has a decadent patchouli and orange scent, but that's not even the...
Posted by Lush Cosmetics North America on Friday, 30 November 2018
Lush is one of America’s premier producers and retailers of handmade cosmetics. Fortunately, there are three Lush stores near San Francisco’s bay area and financial district for your shopping convenience. They love introducing exciting and unique soap products such as their Iceshoggles - a herbal refreshment soap, Karma - a patchouli soap, and Snow Fairy - a cold-pressed soap. They also specialize in bath oils, body lotions, fragrances, shampoos, makeup, and even gifts for the holiday season.
Lush
Address: 240 Powell St, San Francisco, California, USA
Website: Lush
Prices: 4.95 USD - 15.95 USD
Experience the San Francisco way of shopping
The best shopping in San Francisco is at your fingertips. It does not matter what you need or what you are looking for, these malls provide the best shopping experience for all types of visitors. All you have to do is read through and choose.
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