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MARINA DISTRICT. Almost a mirror image of Union Street (as far as appeal goes), Chestnut Street has a distinctive personality, created by Art Deco architecture and hip, professional patrons. Plenty of shopping and dining venues are available, and brunch, followed by a lazy stroll, is a favorite pastime on quiet weekends. If you're looking to window-shop, hang out at a local cafe, or just soak in some local color and people-watch, head a few blocks north of Union Street to this exciting area.
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Chinatown
Grant Ave and Washington, San Francisco, CA
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CHINATOWN. 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.
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PACIFIC HEIGHTS. 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.
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FISHERMAN'S WHARF. 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, a 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 – best of all – 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.
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FISHERMAN'S WHARF. At charming Ghirardelli Square, you'll find a variety of gift, specialty, and souvenir shops for the entire family. The open-air complex affords great views of Angel and Alcatraz Islands, and seagulls pass by overhead, dividing their time between Ghirardelli and nearby Fisherman's Wharf. Art galleries, clothing shops, upscale restaurants, and informative walking tours are among the other attractions you'll find. Located between Beach and Larkin Streets.
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HAIGHT-ASHBURY. 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 ambience, 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.
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HAYES VALLEY. Concentrated between Octavia and Gough Streets, this district offers shoppers a great place to spend time (and money). Although not as in vogue and trendy as some of San Francisco's other hot spots, the area has its share of trendy specialty shops, juxtaposed against thrift stores and clothing boutiques. In fact, it's here that you'll likely uncover the best finds, given that it's a bit experimental and on the verge of coming into its own.
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UNION SQUARE. 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.
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COW HOLLOW. Union Street, as it cuts through the Cow Hollow neighborhood, is a much-favored shopping district. Its array of shops sells both necessary and luxury wares, including everything from shoes and clothing to pottery and jewelry. An assortment of cafes and bistros rounds out the streetscape and provides plenty of refreshment options when hoofing it for treasures gets to be too much. All in all, an enjoyable way to spend a free afternoon.
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UNION SQUARE. A renaissance of sorts for the shopping center already located here, Westfield San Francisco Centre incorporates old and new in a 1.5 million-square-foot retail destination. The reinvigorated complex features a huge Bloomingdale's, a Nordstrom, and a nine-screen movie theater. It also shelters a host of shops offering apparel, gifts, home furnishings, books, and services. A range of sit-down and quick-serve restaurants stands poised to deal with refreshment needs of all kinds. Office space also occupies the facility, which links Union Square and SoMa.
Our shopping categories guide you to the best places to find souvenirs and mementoes of a perfect trip. Where do you find a book on local history? How about a recording of that terrific zydeco band you heard? Maybe a trinket for the kids or spouse? Use our lists to narrow your search.
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