Best Areas for San Francisco Shopping

It’s hard to visit San Francisco for the first time and not come home with souvenirs like an Alcatraz Island T-shirt or a cable car keychain. But if you want to branch out beyond the tourist areas and find some more authentic local items, what are the best areas for San Francisco shopping, and which should you avoid?

Here’s where to go to find the best shopping in San Francisco, from the luxury shops in Union Square to the eclectic storefronts of Haight-Ashbury.

Union Square

Union Square is a true shopper’s paradise, with more stores than you could possibly visit on a weekend in San Francisco. Brand-name shops and restaurants radiate out from Union Square in all directions, and you can catch live music in the summer and holiday decorations in the winter.

When the shops close in the evening, the San Francisco nightlife takes over the area, and the bars and restaurants will be packed with people. On the weekends, you’ll find theatregoers in full regalia on Geary, Post, and Sutter Streets.

San Francisco Centre

The San Francisco Centre (formerly Westfield’s) is one of San Francisco’s biggest shopping malls: it’s nine stories tall and connected to public transportation via Powell Street Station. While the mall is still open for business, it’s worth noting that many of its big-name occupants (such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s) have vacated in recent years, and it’s no longer the San Francisco shopping destination it once was.

Union Street and Fillmore Street

Not to be confused with Union Square, Union Street is a shopping strip with dozens of fashion boutiques, jewelers, and a few salons that runs from Gough Street to Fillmore Street. After the lights go down, there are a few places to eat and drink, catering to a younger crowd than the daytime shoppers.

Four blocks down the hill, Chestnut’s commercial row starts at Fillmore and goes west. It’s similar to Union Street, but with more of an emphasis on neighborhood merchants. Head north on Fillmore and you’ll end up in the Marina District. From there, head west to see the Palace of Fine Arts or east to Ghiradelli Square.

If you head south on Fillmore Street (past Washington Street), you’ll end up in Lower Pacific Heights. Here, you’ll find plenty of places to shop for coffee, chocolate, jewelry, housewares, shoes, fashion, and more.

Haight-Ashbury

Now home to Ben and Jerry’s and other national brands, Haight Street was once the center of San Francisco’s counterculture. It’s still one of the more eclectic commercial districts for San Francisco shopping, with plenty of new and used clothing stores, and Amoeba Music, which has one of the largest selections of CDs and LPs you’ve ever seen. There are also organic groceries, and an eclectic variety of shops selling curios, collectibles, paraphernalia, and mementos. There’s basically nothing left from the 60s, but the neighborhood somehow manages to maintain its hippie vibes.

Chinatown

Only a few blocks separate Union Square and the Chinatown Gate, but this iconic San Francisco shopping experience couldn’t be more different. Walking along Grant Street through Chinatown will give you a feel for this historic district, but take a left on Pacific and another left on Stockton to truly explore the neighborhood. Grant Street is full of shops, many of which cater to tourists with imported crafts and mementos.

FAQs

Does San Francisco have good shopping?

Yes, San Francisco is known for its good shopping, ranging from world-famous luxury brands to local artisanal products. You can get chocolate from Ghirardelli, wines from California wine country, and of course, souvenirs from San Francisco’s top attractions. Avoid shopping in the most touristy areas to avoid high prices and scams.

What is the main shopping strip in San Francisco?

The main shopping area in San Francisco is Union Square. Other popular shopping strips include Haight Street in Haight-Ashbury and Fillmore Street in Lower Pacific Heights. Hayes Valley is also known for its high-end boutiques.

Does San Francisco have sales tax?

Yes, there is sales tax in San Francisco. California has a state sales tax of 7.25%, and the City of San Francisco has a tax of 1.375%, for a total of 8.625%. Some items, such as medicines and grocery products, are exempt from sales tax in San Francisco