San Francisco is known for its booming tech industry, world-renowned culinary scene, internationally-acclaimed museums, and distinctive attractions. But people from around the world visit the city for another reason – fabulous shopping.
Shopping is one of the best things to do in San Francisco. From luxury brands to local artisan boutiques, the city’s shopping malls offer a diverse array of retail offerings. They are also among the best places to go to experience San Francisco’s colorful history and one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
Here’s a list of the shopping centers you simply have to visit.
Union Square
Union Square, Geary-Powell St.
Union Square is Northern California’s largest shopping destination. It features some of the most famous high-end brands in the world, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co, and Saks Fifth Avenue. This historic destination is also the center of the city’s theater district and is home to a number of upscale hotels, cafes, and dining establishments, making it a truly one-stop luxury haven.
Ghirardelli Square
900 N. Point Street
There’s more to Ghirardelli Square than delectable chocolate treats for you and your family. Besides upscale shops, the area’s artisanal food markets and fine-dining restaurants are simply worth a visit.
Ghirardelli Square also offers family-friendly fun. You can rent a bike or rollerblades, experience virtual reality games and eSports, and have fun playing miniature golf.
Westfield San Francisco Centre
865 Market Street
Head three blocks south of Union Square, and you’ll find Westfield Shopping Centre, a 9-story premier shopping destination. Your shopping list is covered with over 200 top brands to choose from, such as Bloomingdales, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, and Banana Republic.
Explore the Nordstrom side of the mall, and you’ll be amazed at its magnificent spiral escalators that climb over five stories. The Bloomingdale’s side features a historic 102-ft-wide glass dome that serves as the backdrop for a daily light and sound show.
Westfield San Francisco Centre also has an array of restaurants offering everything from fine-dining to kid-friendly choices.
Crocker Galleria
50 Post Street
The 1.7 acre Crocker Galleria is an upscale hub for art, fashion, culture, and food. This local favorite is home to about 40 curated shops featuring fashion and accessories, jewelry, home decor, and more.
People come here to marvel at the magnificent glass pavilion soaring above three stories of specialty shops, as well as the open space seating on both ends of the building. The mall also has a level dedicated to food, where you can choose from local favorites to ethnic cuisines.
Embarcadero Center
4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
Spanning eight blocks right in the heart of downtown San Francisco, Embarcadero Center is one of the biggest mixed-used complexes in the country.
The center includes five skyscrapers with award-winning architectural designs housing residences, offices, restaurants, and retail space. There are over 120 shops and restaurants, as well as a high-tech multiplex cinema.
But it’s not all steel and concrete in this urban destination. Anytime you feel like taking a break, you can retreat to one of the Urban Patios in the district and be surrounded by lush greens and fragrant blooms, as well as amazing art pieces from one of the largest art collections in the country.
Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley Road, Gilroy
The Bay Area is also known as a mecca for premium outlets. Just a little over an hour’s drive away from the city is Gilroy Premium Outlets. Known as the “premium of the premium” retail outlets, Gilroy has over 150 designer stores to choose from, with prices discounted up to 65% off.
You’ll snag the best deals for high-end brands, such as Calvin Klein, Coach, Kate Spade, Lane Bryant, and True Religion.
They also have a selection of excellent restaurants where you can rest and replenish your energy after a day of bargain shopping.
Stanford Shopping Center
660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
Just less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco is the 31-acre Stanford Shopping Center. You’ll find it right in the heart of Silicon Valley, just a stone’s throw away from the Stanford University campus.
With its open-air design, this shopping haven is a refreshing respite from the typically enclosed malls. The place also features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and fountains that you won’t find in many other shopping malls.
There are over 140 world-class stores in this shopping mecca, from well-known brands to local favorites. Despite the endless rows of shops, Stanford Shopping Center is rarely crowded, making it the perfect place for a relaxing retail adventure.
You’ll also find numerous restaurants and cafes, many of which have outdoor seating.
For more fun things to do in San Francisco, Nina Hatvany Team Hatvany and can provide you valuable recommendations. This team of seasoned real estate agents has been serving the San Francisco area for more than two decades and are the local experts you can trust with all your real estate needs.
Call them today at 415.710.6462 or email team(at)teamhatvany(dotted)com.