Shopping in San Francisco
What to Buy
Local & Artisan Products:
- Ghirardelli Chocolate - San Francisco's famous chocolate brand since 1852. Visit Ghirardelli Square for factory-fresh treats and shopping
- Blue Bottle Coffee - SF-born specialty coffee roaster, now with locations worldwide
- Anchor Brewing merchandise - America's first craft brewery (since 1896)
- Sourdough bread - Boudin Bakery's famous SF sourdough in decorative shapes
- Local wines - Napa and Sonoma valley wines from Ferry Building wine shops
- Artisan foods - Olive oils, preserves, and gourmet items from Ferry Building Marketplace
- Tech gadgets - Latest innovations from Apple Store, Silicon Valley brands
Unique SF Memorabilia:
- Golden Gate Bridge souvenirs and artwork
- Cable car replicas and models
- Beat Generation literature from City Lights Bookstore
- Local artist prints and photography
- SF Giants and 49ers sports merchandise
Shopping Districts
Union Square - Premier shopping destination with department stores (Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue), luxury brands (Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton), and popular retailers. Maiden Lane features upscale boutiques.
Ferry Building Marketplace - Gourmet food hall with 50+ artisan food vendors, specialty shops, and acclaimed farmers market (Tue, Thu, Sat mornings). Perfect for foodie gifts and local products.
Haight-Ashbury - Vintage clothing, record stores, head shops, and counterculture memorabilia. Unique bohemian shopping experience with independent boutiques.
Hayes Valley - Trendy neighborhood with local designers, boutique fashion, home décor, and specialty shops. More upscale than Haight with contemporary aesthetic.
Valencia Street (Mission) - Independent bookstores, vintage shops, record stores, and eclectic boutiques. Very hip, local feel.
Fillmore Street - Upscale shopping in Pacific Heights with boutique fashion, jewelry, home goods, and beauty products.
Chinatown - Authentic Chinese products including tea, herbs, jade, silk, ceramics, and traditional goods. Grant Avenue for tourist shops, Stockton Street for authentic local shopping.
Japantown - Japanese goods including anime, manga, ceramics, kimonos, and authentic Japanese food products in Japan Center.
Shopping Tips
- Sales Tax: California state + SF local = 8.625% sales tax added to purchases (not included in displayed prices)
- Bargaining: Not customary in established stores. May work at some Chinatown shops for multiple purchases
- Hours: Most stores open 10am-7pm daily. Some stay open later Thursday-Saturday. Sunday hours often shorter
- Farmers Markets: Ferry Building (Tue/Thu/Sat), Alemany (Sat), Heart of the City (Wed/Sun) offer fresh produce and artisan goods
- Outlet Shopping: Premium Outlets in Gilroy (1 hour south) or Livermore (45 min east) for designer discounts