What To Buy In San Francisco, California

1. Mexican food

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

2. Spark and Pepper cuffs

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

3. Bob's Donuts

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

4. 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

5. Cookies from Mariposa Bakery

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

6. Destination Fragrances

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

7. Coffee from the diaspora

The Diaspora Coffee and Chai Company started out in 2015 by two passionate individuals brought together by their love of coffee, immigrants, and refugees. It’s both an online and offline retailer that specializes in roasted single origin beans. The company is based in Portland, Oregon, and they don’t have a dedicated store in San Francisco, but their products are available at the Bi-Rite Market. Pick up a bag of Diaspora coffee beans while knowing that your purchase will help empower refugees.

Diaspora Coffee & Chai Co.

Address: Bi-Rite, 3639 18th Street, San Francisco, California, USA

Website: Diaspora Coffee & Chai Co.

Prices: 14 USD - 65 USD

8. Street Gloss

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

9. Dandelion Chocolates

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

10. Lush specialty soaps

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

Many unique and quality products

San Francisco is an upmarket destination, and that’s reflected by the types of businesses and products available in this city. Many establishments specialize in handmade and high-quality products such as Dandelion Chocolates, Destination Fragrances, and Mariposa Bakery. Others deal in high-value and elegant products such as Pacific Precious Metals and Spark and Pepper. However, there are outlets such as Bob’s Donuts and La Taqueria that offer affordable foods without skimping on quality.