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Spotlight on Union Square | Spotlight on The Haight | Spotlight on The Mission
Updated by Fiona G. Parrott
From its grand department stores to its funky secondhand boutiques, San Francisco summons a full range of shopping experiences. Deep-pocketed buyers and window-shoppers alike mob the dozens of pricey shops packed into the blocks bordering Union Square, while bargain hunters dig through record shops and thrift stores in the Mission District and the Haight. From the anarchist bookstore to the mouthwatering specialty-food purveyors at the gleaming Ferry Building, the local shopping opportunities reflect the city’s various personalities.
Visitors with limited time often focus their energies on the high-density Union Square area, where several major department stores tower over big-name boutiques. But if you’re keen to find unique local shops, you should definitely move beyond the square’s radius. Each neighborhood has its own distinctive finds, whether it’s ‘60s housewares, cheeky stationery, or vintage Levi’s.
If shopping in San Francisco has a downside, it’s that real bargains can be few and far between. Sure, neighborhoods such as the Lower Haight and the Mission have thrift shops and other inexpensive stores, but you won’t find many discount outlets in the city, where rents are sky high and space is at a premium.
Seasonal sales, usually in late January and late July or August, are good opportunities for finding deep discounts on clothing. The San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner advertise sales. For smaller shops, check the two free weeklies the San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly, which can be found on street corners every Wednesday. Sample sales are usually held by individual manufacturers, so check your favorite company’s site before visiting. Splendora (www.splendora.com/cityguide/san_francisco) is a good site to check for upcoming sales and promotions around the city.
Spotlight on Union Square
The tall elegance of the high-rises here radiates a style and grace that vibrates through the busy streets. This is a place for strolling and noticing the intricate details of doorways, quaint cobbled lanes, and unusual sidewalk stalls.
Perennially popular, this neighborhood becomes a holiday hub during the wintertime. There’s a giant Christmas tree and outdoor ice rink that draws in excited families and love-struck couples. As for stores, anything and everything you would hope to find is here, and then some. From Prada to Banana Republic to Cartier and Macy’s, all the big and little shops call this area home. There are dozens of art galleries, indulgent eateries, linen and kitchen stores, as well as hundreds of one-of-a-kind boutiques. The most popular stretch is the physical square that reaches around Stockton, Geary, Powell and Post streets, but don’t limit yourself to this small area; there is so much to shop for north, south, east, and west of its limits. Grant Street, in particular, has dozens of charming shops to get lost in. TIP The views from The Cheesecake Factory on Macy’s eight-floor balcony are breathtaking. Order an enormous slice and enjoy the rush.
Best Time to Go
Aim for Tuesday through Friday afternoons—all the stores and galleries are open, the fog has lifted, and the streets aren’t too crowded.
Best Souvenir for Your Friends
Lush.
Ginger sugar-scrub balls, lemon soap bars, vegan chocolate lip tint—Lush makes bathing sound like dessert. | 240 Powell St.,
Union Sq. | 94102.
Refueling
Cafe Claude.
The perfect place to rest your kitten heels after a morning of hard shopping, this quaint French restaurant serves a wide range of salads, soups, sandwiches, and cheese plates at reasonable prices. | 7 Claude La.,
Sutter and Bush Sts. | 94108 | 415/392–3505.
Cafe Dolci.
For a fast grab-’n’-go meal, head to Cafe Dolci, one of the best Vietnamese sandwich shops in town. | 740 Market St.,
near Grant Ave. | 94102 | 415/392–9222.
Best for
Department Stores, SF Style
Gump’s: Elegant and refined, this San Francisco institution sells carefully selected housewares, fine antiques, and jewelry.
Nordstrom: From contemporary to classic to teen fashion, there truly is something here for everyone.
Neiman Marcus: Stunning architecture surrounds this haven of designer clothing, to-die-for shoes, and “it” handbags.
Beautiful Boutiques
Diptyque: With gorgeous candles and teas in indulgent French country scents, this is a fashion editor’s go-to gift shop.
Metier: An eclectic array of clothing and jewelry by well-known and soon-to-be-discovered designers.
Tory Burch: For adorable ballet flats and elegant cut classics, just right for any time in fashion.
Gallery Gazing
Hackett-Mill Gallery: Modern, abstract, figurative art with historical undertones.
Hespe Gallery: A good place to find representational art from local artists.
Spotlight on The Haight
Remembered most for being the epicenter of the ‘60s Flower Power movement, today’s Haight has changed significantly. Incense, music, and musicians still decorate the district, but so do international chains like Starbucks and the Gap.
Locals come to this area for the secondhand clothing and music stores; and there are dozens to choose from. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind boutiques that sell funky clothing, toys, instruments, and shoes. Think unusual, big, and fun. The area’s laid-back vibe is most definitely represented in the stores, and it’s important to take your time in them. Be sure to walk the length and both sides of Upper Haight to get a good feel for the area.
Fodorites agree that this area contrasts sharply with Union Square. As Leely put it, “Union Square has good shopping, but it’s not what I’d consider funky. Hayes Valley, the Mission, and that old standby the Haight are all funkier.”
Best Time to Go
Monday through Friday late mornings or early afternoons are the most peaceful.
Best Souvenir for Music Lovers
Come to Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.) to score a one-of-a-kind music find. From posters to CDs and DVDs, new and old titles fill the enormous space.
Refueling
Cole Valley Cafe.
Here is a bright and warm place to stop for a hearty turkey sandwich, Caesar salad, or latte. | 701 Cole St.,
at Waller St. | 94117 | 415/668–5282.
Zona Rosa.
An authentic taqueria, Zona Rosa serves zesty Mexican fare. The burritos are enormous. | 1797 Haight St.,
at Shrader St. | 94117 | 415/668–7717.
Best for
Unusual Clothing
Buffalo Exchange: Fun and fabulous used clothing that’s been carefully selected for a second time around. The rails are neatly organized for hassle-free bargain hunting.
Held Over: Pristine clothing from various decades is a hit with vintage shoppers. Here’s where ‘70s suits meet sequin gowns.
John Fluevog: Chunky heels, square toes, and large shiny buckles adorn shoes that are not only well made but also extremely comfortable.
Feeding Your Head
Amoeba Music: Where music, posters, and films collide inside a space the size of a bowling hall. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, especially when you factor in time for people-watching.
Bound Together Anarchist Book Collective: A good place to stock up on anarchist theory and literature.
Recycled Records: You thought records were extinct? Think again. Prepare for a vinyl flashback and reunions with classic LPs.
Spotlight on The Mission
Giant vibrant murals of fields, flowers, and faces decorate building after building here. There is music in the streets, and the sweet smell of baking bread fills the air in the early morning, but at night this is where people come to drink, dance, and celebrate.
Once the artists’ hub, today’s Mission is quickly gentrifying, as are its shops. Yesterday’s thrift and vintage-furniture shops are slowly being replaced by trendy boutiques and gourmet eateries. These changes have created a patchwork of shopping areas instead of one central hub. Some of the best are along Valencia and Mission streets; 16th, 17th, and 24th streets are also good places to shop. Dorima of the Fodor’s forums says that “for funky, one-of-a-kind shops, my favorite area is Valencia Street, roughly between 16th and 22nd or so. Little artisanal boutiques selling cool clothing, objets d’art, etc. Plus you are in the ‘hot belt’ of some of San Francisco’s most forward-thinking restaurants.”
Best Time to Go
Monday through Wednesday afternoons are the most relaxed times. Weekends and late afternoons are hectic and full of energy, but that can be nice, too.
Best Souvenir for Mom
A small artists’ cooperative named for a beloved pooch, Ruby (3602 20th St.) sells original jewelry, candleholders, and handmade cards.
Refueling
Mission Pie.
With its sweet and savory freshly baked pies, along with salads, coffee, and yummy breakfast treats, this café will satisfy all of your needs. | 2901 Mission St.,
at 25th St., | 415/282–1500.
Philz Coffee.
After a hard day in the shopping trenches, drop by Philz for the perfect pick-me-up. It’s full of art, atmosphere, and scrumptious baked goods. | 3101 24th St.,
at Folsom St. | 94110 | 415/875–9370.
Sandwich Place.
The sandwiches served here are loaded with fresh ingredients, and they’re huge. | 2029 Mission St.,
between 16th and 17th Sts. | 94110 | 415/431–3811.
Best for
Books, Books, Books
Dog Eared Books: Used, new, travel, food, fiction, poetry—it’s all in here.
Omnivore Books on Food: For those who love to read, cook and eat lovely food.
Modern Times Bookstore: Hosts readings and literary events for all.
Funky Fashion
Bell Jar: Flowing dresses, rhinestone jewelry, paper, and art. This place is full of gorgeous little things.
Schauplatz: Vintage clothing from the ‘20s through the ‘80s, from Chanel suits to go-go boots.
Self Edge: Metal rods full of Japanese selvage denim.
Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts
Monument: Vintage furniture with true style.
Paxton Gate: Earthenware flowerpots, even outdoor artwork are on offer at this unusual shop inspired by nature and science.
Therapy: Retro kitchenware that’s quirky and fun.
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