Best Shopping in San Francisco

The Mission District takes its name from Mission Dolores, the Catholic church and settlement founded by the Spanish in 1776. The neighborhood, centuries later, still has a strong Hispanic flavor which is seen abundantly in its vibrant exterior murals and in its Latin cuisine. Check theMission scene out for its eclectic ambiance, intriguing goods and hip appeal. You can even find some truly old school craftsmen, such as cobblers and belt makers, who can create, right before your eyes, a really memorable San Francisco memento. Popular places to shop on the always bustling Valencia corridor include the Mission Workshop, The Voyager Shop, and the beloved locally but worldly famous 826 Valencia, where your shopping dollars go to a good cause.

Ghirardelli Square is the place to go when you're seeking top-tier San Francisco malls. The open-air complex affords great views of Angel and Alcatraz Islands and features art galleries, clothing shops and specialty stores. Shoppers can enjoy a meal at savvy spots like McCormick and Kuleto's and Ana Mandara. Afterward, dessert at Kara's Cupcakes or the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop provides the perfect finish. There's even a Wattle Creek Winery tasting room on-site. It should go without saying that this is a very kid-friendly environment for those shoppers with children in tow. For a truly San Francisco shopping experience, head to Ghirardelli Square.

In the 1960s, this intersection was famous for its bohemian life. Today, remnants of the hippie era mix with beautifully restored Edwardian and Victorian homes. One, now a private residence, was formerly the Grateful Dead house (710 Ashbury Street). Other famous neighbors included Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane. Wander the many parks, thrift stores and coffeehouses for current ambiance, which is still rich with hippie influence. You'll find occult shops and venues that explore alternative medicine, natural foods, the environment, and performance art. Haight and Ashbury is just up from "the panhandle", making it easy to top off your day with a stroll through Golden Gate Park.

Like the cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf is quintessential San Francisco. It's often the first destination for tourists, and its particular brand of energy mixes newcomer excitement, retail kitsch, strong maritime heritage and a vibrant West Coast welcome. Fisherman's Wharf invites passers-by to sample Dungeness crab and clam chowder, to cruise the Bay, to pick up requisite souvenir t-shirts, and â€" best of all â€" to soak in the temperate sunshine or marvel at the fog as it rolls in across the water. While it's likely not the most sublime experience you'll have, Fisherman's Wharf is definitely an unmissable opportunity to see local color, commerce and cool.

Squeezed largely between Jackson and Geary Streets, this stretch of Fillmore Street features an assortment of fascinating shops that offer everything from skin care products to fresh-ground coffee and specialty teas. A theater, a club, and an assortment of restaurants and home design places draw folks to the trendy area too. Fillmore itself is on a fairly steep hill, so be sure to bring your walking shoes. Or, better yet, pick up some new, nifty ones along the way. Besides cute boutiques, this is a great stretch of San Francisco to sit with a latte and observe some of the latest Northern California styles.

Whether you make the grand entrance into Chinatown beneath the dramatic portal at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, or perhaps just happen upon the district while making your way about San Francisco, you can't help but be impressed by this city-within-a-city. Along its streets, exotic ingredients are hawked, silks and jade are proffered, and colorful mementos are sold to tourists. The community is more than show, however, and residents celebrate the Chinese New Year with verve, take pride in their beautiful Miss Chinatown, and hold fast to time-tested traditions. Give yourself over to it all while you're there, even if it's just to nibble on dim sum delicacies, and be swept away by the bustle and the fun.

The Landmark Embarcadero Center is an underutilized downtown shopping area, often overshadowed by The Westfield Mall and Union Square. But if you're on Embarcadero and want a smaller, more intimate shopping experience, stroll through the interconnected four buildings that make up the center. From Ambassador Toys to Boudin Bakery to Edward's Luggage and Gifts, the stores may be a bit more expensive than local malls but the quality is worth it. Like the products sold, the Embarcadero Cinema plays only independent, thoughtful films and is a favorite movie house for locals. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, head over to the Ferry Building for their farmer's market.

One of the best shopping malls in San Francisco, Westfield Centre is ideally located just two blocks from Union Square and features more than 170 alluring boutiques. Inside, you'll find Bloomingdale's and the second-largest Nordstrom in the country, as well as Betsey Johnson, Herve Leger, Kenneth Cole and H&M. Delightful sit-down and quick-serve restaurants stand poised to meet refreshment needs of all kinds, and the complex also includes a nine-screen movie theater. This mall underwent a recent renovation, so it's a must-visit. Since it's in the heart of downtown, once you've finished your shopping, head across the street to the Powell Street cable car for an unforgettable ride all the way to Fisherman's Wharf.

The Union Square neighborhood centers around Union Square, a great little urban park, which is itself surrounded by a host of upscale shopping venues. In fact, the district is generally acknowledged as the city's main shopping haven. In the vicinity are Macy's, Saks, Gumps and Gucci; they, along with other retail standards, keep shoppers busy for hours. Restaurants and theaters are also found here, as is convenient garage parking. Transportation is easily accessible, and public concerts are an occasional diversion. Even better, the busy district affords great people-watching. It's accurate to consider Union Square the heart of the city, so be sure to spend at least an afternoon there to complete your San Francisco trip.

Most malls are usually enclosed, maybe for protection against summer's heat and winter's cold. Although a lot of the Ferry Building's artisanal shops are inside, many booths also spring up outside on the weekends to take advantage of the Ferry Buildings glorious location right on San Francisco Bay with a view of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. If you want more out of your shopping experience than just a pile of stuff, head to the Ferry Building, an iconic San Francisco structure. A popular destination for anyone who loves to cook or eat, the Marketplace offers a variety of specialty food stores and restaurants. A farmers market is held outside on Tuesdays and Saturdays.