8 Neighborhoods Perfect for Holiday Shopping in the Bay Area | San Francisco Travel
Shoppers walk through San Francisco's Union Square.

8 Neighborhoods
Perfect for Holiday Shopping in the Bay Area

Uncover where to cross the most items off your holiday shopping list in San Francisco and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a special gift or secretly splurging on yourself, San Francisco is home to a number of shopper-friendly neighborhoods and commercial districts brimming with high-end boutiques, trend-conscious local shops, quirky vintage stores and everything in between.

Union Square

Ringed by hotels and theaters, with the Powell Street cable car running up its western flank, Union Square is as much a shopping Mecca as a public plaza. Prominent department stores such as Macy’s and Neiman Marcus command outsized attention, but other savvy high-profile stores have given the retail-rich neighborhood a fresh gloss. Premier luxury boutiques (Prada, Burberry and Dior) and shopping experiences like CH Carolina Herrera, St. John Knits and Cuyana keep Union Square on top of most San Francisco shoppers’ list

PIER 39

Yes, PIER 39 is San Francisco’s top visitor attraction. And, yes, the sea lions are very popular. But PIER 39 also offers more than 60 specialty shops throughout two levels. While the kids explore the Aquarium of the Bay or take a boat ride on the Blue & Gold Fleet, you can pick up Nautical Antiques at Frank's Fisherman or find wooden puzzles and games at Solve It!. There’s even a shop just for left-handers! If you have a thing for the beach, check out Shell Cellar, where you'll find shells and unique jewelry. Looking for that perfect San Francisco gift? Look no further than Only in San Francisco.

Mission District

In the Mission District, thriving retail can be found in Valencia Street thrift shops and specialized bookstores. Check out uber-hip boutiques like Aggregate Supply, or vintage focused No Shop. Peruse terrariums and taxidermy at Paxton Gate, and explore affordable fashion staples at Everlane. If you want something really niche, check out the Japanese denim at Self Edge, or fine fragrances at The Ministry of Scent. Off of Valencia Street, you'll find local shops Creativity Explored and Mission Art 415, among the best for great San Francisco artworks, and Sports Basement, the perfect spot to find something for that outdoorsy person in your life. 

Haight-Ashbury

If you're looking for quirky and vintage gifts this holiday season, Haight-Asbury is your one-stop shop. Everything tie-dye from Love on Haight, 1960s vintage style clothing from Held Over, and collector's vinyls from Amoeba Music are just some of the treasures you'll find in the neighborhood.

The Fillmore

While it's famed for its long history of jazz, the Fillmore is also known for unique shops, both vintage and luxury. From cultural gifts and hand-crafted products at Cottage Industry to the trendiest fashions at  L'Appartement Sézane  and Intermix, you can find a gift for just about anyone and any taste in the Fillmore's nine blocks of shops.

The Ferry Building

From its commanding center spot along the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building offers a great place to shop for gifts while supporting farmers, small businesses and specialty shops. Ferry Building vendors sell a variety of fresh produce, coffee, and goods, making it a perfect place to find gifts for every foodie. It is widely acclaimed for its fresh products and artisan goods from shops like Epicurean Trader, Dandelion Chocolate, and many others. Don't miss the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cow Hollow

While it might be confusing to some visitors, Union Street is nowhere near Union Square. This strip of Cow Hollow is home to lavish health-and-beauty emporiums such as Lash Lab. Similar offerings include specialists in juice cleanses, pilates and yoga apparel. Other neighborhood gems include Marine Layer; Mishka Dog Boutique, possibly San Francisco’s fanciest pet shop; Japanese & Korean treasures at NikoNiko Gifts; and women's fashions at ANOMIE.

San Francisco Premium Outlets

Okay, this one is a little bit beyond city limits; but the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore are so extensive, the shopping center feels like a neighborhood unto itself! San Francisco Premium Outlets is now the largest outdoor outlet center in California. Located 42 miles east of San Francisco, it holds 170 stores, including luxury and brand-name retailers like Gucci, Versace, Tod’s, Ted Baker, Bally, Roger Viver, A/X Armani Exchange, and more. Tri-Valley Rapid buses connect to the Pleasanton/Dublin BART station. Check out other outlets in Vacaville, Gilroy and Napa.


Share
The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
Stay Connected with SF

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Be the first to know about upcoming events and festivals, new restaurants, special deals, and everything else happening in the City by the Bay.