san francisco tourist shops

16 Best San Francisco souvenirs + where to buy them (2024)

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San Francisco is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many unique San Francisco souvenirs that out-of-towners can take back with them. Once you’ve fallen in love with The City by the Bay, you’ll want something to help you remember it.

The best souvenirs and gifts always reflect the culture of the place from where they originated. San Francisco is known for a great many things including infamous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or historical sights like Alcatraz.

Something simple like a mug from Alcatraz or a magnet depicting that iconic red bridge is easy to fit in your suitcase back home. These are great San Francisco cheap souvenirs under $10 that you an get at many shops around the city.

San Francisco is well known for its cable cars, pulling locals and tourists alike up and down its hilly streets. It is also home to delicious items like Ghiradelli chocolate, wine, and coffee. All of these make for unique gifts from San Francisco.

The city is home to a variety of artists and artisans as well. Why not take home a piece of art? From hand-blown glass to jewelry to pottery, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye at a gallery or market.

➡️ Read: Best day trips from San Francisco

Best San Francisco souvenirs: overview

You can find tons of souvenirs at a variety of stores and gift shops throughout San Francisco . Magnets, posters, mugs, keychains, and apparel are easy to find at the many shops along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

You can also find unique San Francisco souvenirs like hand-made ceramics, hand-blown glass, and locally-made jewelry in local artisan shops. For those with a sweet tooth, San Francisco boasts the most loved chocolate in the country. Wine drinkers can taste their way through the Bay without ever leaving the city limits, and take home special bottles from nearby regions.

Whether you’re looking for a standard tourist souvenir or a special gift from San Francisco, you are spoiled with choice!

➡️ Check: Los Angeles vs San Francisco : what city should I choose?

1. Ghirardelli chocolate

This is arguably one of the most scrumptious San Francisco souvenirs and it’s easy to get. Ghiradelli Square is located right between Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate. Within it, there are three shops where you can experience Ghiradelli in different, delectable ways. (More on those shops below).

✅ GET DELICIOUS GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE

2. San Francisco hoodie

San Francisco hoodies can be found in almost any San Francisco souvenir shop. I recommend shopping around to find the style and price that works best for your budget. There’s even a $10 Hoodie Store near Fisherman’s Wharf. Or, the nearby Anchorage Square Mall has plenty of options for apparel.

San Francisco hoodies can be found on Amazon for $25-$40.

✅ GET THIS COZY SAN FRANCISCO HOODIE

3. A magnet

It won’t be difficult to find a fun, colorful magnet in any of the souvenir shops you pass by. This is probably one of the best cheap San Francisco souvenirs. But if you want a greater selection of magnets to choose from, stop by Magnetron. They also have deals for buying multiple magnets, like 3 for $12.99 or 8 for $30.

Amazon sells a variety of San Francisco magnets, including this adorable one depicting windy Lombard Street.

✅ GET THIS CUTE SAN FRANCISCO MAGNET

A mug depicting the Golden Gate Bridge or other landmarks is an easy-to-find gift from San Francisco. All of the stores along the piers will have them stocked and you can’t go wrong. If you want something hand and locally made, take a trip to Local Take in The Castro.

Here, those on the hunt for the perfect souvenir can find a funky piece of pottery to bring home.

✅ GET A SAN FRANCISCO MUG

5. Alcatraz License Plate 

Souvenirs and gifts depicting Alcatraz and its infamous inmates can be found in many tourist shops.  The Alcatraz Gift Shop though, will have license plates and more including inmate garb, books, and beanies.

Pier 39, Beach St P214/B1, San Francisco, CA 94133

✅ GET ALCATRAZ LICENSE PLATE

6. A San Francisco key chain 

On Pier 39 there are endless options when it comes to finding this cheap San Francisco souvenir. “Only In San Francisco” has a big variety, or try one of the smaller boutique shops for something more unique.

✅ GET A SAN FRANCISCO KEY CHAIN

7. San Francisco cable car 

The Cable Car Museum store offers a collection of cable car apparel, pins, patches, and hats. More importantly though, cable car enthusiasts can purchase cable car toys, models, bells, cables, and ornaments. Those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift can find it here .

Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

8. A bottle of wine from the Bay Area vineyards 

The Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant has everything for a wine connoisseur. Not only can you choose from a sprawling variety of California wines starting at only $11 per bottle, guests can taste over 25 different wines in 2 oz. pours. Wine is served with snacks and cheese plates.

Address: 1 Ferry Building Shop 23, San Francisco, CA 94111

✅ GET THIS ETCHED GLASS WINE WITH CALIFORNIA MAP

The Winery Collective is also another tasting room where you can try wines from boutique wineries. These options cover every region from Napa Valley to Santa Barbara .

Read about the best day trips from San Francisco

Address: 485 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109

9. San Francisco T-Shirts

Various San Francisco logos, both vintage and modern, adorn t-shirts at San Francisco Citywear. They have everything from classic designs to silly shirts that will make you smile.

✅ GET THIS POPULAR SAN FRANCISCO T-SHIRT

10. Chinatown Souvenirs San Francisco 

Along Grant Avenue, shoppers will find a plethora of storefronts with Chinatown souvenirs. Canton Bazaar, Bargains of Chinatown, and Butterfly’s Gift Shop are just a few options. Take home some wind chimes, fans, jewelry, and trinkets of every shape and size.

✅ GET CHINA TOWN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

11. Golden Gate memorabilia 

San Francisco’s marvel of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is a memorable sight worth bringing home. Under the Golden Gate is the perfect shop for finding that perfect Golden Gate souvenir. A Golden Gate poster would be an eye-catching addition to your home, or a set of stackable bridge cups would be fun to use with family and friends.

✅ GET THIS GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE POSTER

12. Coffee from local roasters 

Union Street Coffee Roastery is for those always looking for the perfect cup of Joe. It is a beloved coffee shop but they have a wall of 20+ types of beans that they will bag up and give you to take home.

✅ GET THIS SAN FRANCISCO BAY GROUND COFFEE

Address: 2271 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

13. A hat 

Most shops have hats, but if you’re looking for something funkier, have some fun perusing the racks at Krazy Kaps. A more traditional San Francisco souvenir might be a baseball-style hat , but they have whimsical hats featuring cartoon characters and superheroes as well!

✅ GET AN ADJUSTABLE SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL HAT

Address: 2 Pier N1, San Francisco, CA 94133

14. 49’ers Memorabilia 

49ers gear is scattered throughout the city, but there’s one store where sports fans can find sporting goods, plus memorabilia from San Francisco’s professional sports teams. Sports Basement Presidio is located in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.

✅ GET THESE COMFY 49’ERS FLIP FLOPS

Address: 610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129

15. San Francisco Coasters 

Why not remember your San Francisco moments every time you pour a drink back at home? Coasters are cheap San Francisco souvenirs that are easy to fit in your suitcase. Lola of North Beach carries coasters and other playful gifts.

✅ GET THESE ADRABLE SAN FRANCISCO COASTERS

Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109

16. Poster 

San Francisco has no shortage of galleries and stores where visual art is on full display. Image Arts has prints and posters of all different sizes. These prints feature sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and multicolored cable cars, amongst other cityscapes.

✅ GET THIS GORGEOUS SAN FRANCISCO POSTER

San Francisco gift shops

San Francisco is home to hundreds of shops. Here’s a list of some of the best San Francisco gift shops, where you can purchase popular tourist souvenirs and special, local gifts.

1. Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

Ghiradelli Square is actually home to three different shops. First is The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.  Here you can choose from fifteen different kinds of sundaes, including Ghirardelli’s World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae.

✅ GET THIS DELICIOUS GHIRARDELLI PEPPERMINT BARK

The shop also has antique chocolate-making equipment and a seating area in the shape of a San Francisco cable car.

Address: 900 North Point St Ste 52, San Francisco, CA 94109

2. The Chocolate Experience Store

is wall-to-wall chocolate, maybe the closest thing to meeting Mr. Wonka himself. The biggest draw may be their Pick & Mix, the largest in the world, with the widest selection of Ghiradelli squares. You can customize and personalize the mixes too, making it a unique San Francisco souvenir.

Address: 900 North Point St Ste F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

3. Ghirardelli-On-The-Go

Ghirardelli On The Go is the smallest shop but very convenient for grabbing an ice cream and taking it to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park or for a walk along a nearby pier. They also have a smaller variety of chocolate and gifts if you’re still looking for a cheap San Francisco souvenir.

Address: 801 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

4. Only in San Francisco

Pier 39 is pretty much the go-to spot for shopping when exploring the waterfront. Only in San Francisco won’t have the most unique San Francisco souvenirs, but it’s where you can find anything you’re looking for, from apparel to keychains and magnets, and everything in between.

Address: 39 Pier #A01, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133

5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Store

Just southeast of Union Square is the Museum of Modern Art . If you’re an art fan and looking for a less touristy souvenir the store here is for you.

The Museum store features a curated collection of gifts. This includes exclusive SFMOMA apparel plus products from their special exhibitions and collaborations with artists. You can also find puzzles, children’s books, art supplies, and games.

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

6. Alcatraz Gift Shop

For many visitors, Alcatraz is at the top of their itinerary. Alcatraz is infamous, with an interesting but dark history. This shop is where you can snag one of the best souvenirs in San Francisco. A cheeky, history buff may just love an ‘Alcatraz Swim Team t-shirt’.

Address: Pier 39, Beach St P214/B1, San Francisco, CA 94133

7. Foggy Notion

This little shop is filled with sustainable, hand-made goods. Here you can find items from local companies like Destination Fragrance which manufactures candles that capture the essence of San Francisco’s different neighborhoods. You can also find bath bombs, body oils, and other eco-conscious gifts.

Address: 124 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

8. Old Shanghai

Old Shanghai is a wonderful place for Chinatown wares, including kimonos, tea sets, bags, and spices. In this San Francisco gift shop, you can find a small trinket or porcelain.

Address: 645 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

9. City Lights Booksellers

City Lights was founded in 1953 and is revered as one of the best independent bookstores in the country. Its three floors are stocked with hardcover and paper books, some of which they actually publish themselves. Of course, a book could be a perfect San Francisco souvenir, but they also carry literary merchandise and gifts like tote bags, t-shirts, and onesies.

Address: 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

10. Cliff’s Variety

The Castro District is the main LGBTQ neighborhood in San Francisco. It is renowned worldwide as a progressive and accepting community. Cliff’s Variety is a staple in this area, selling unique and unusual home goods.

They are also a local hardware store, offering re-keying and lock repair. You could buy Halloween decorations, a hammer, or a pair of glittery knee-high boots. Cliff’s is worth a stop on your hunt for the perfect San Francisco souvenir. 

11. The Cable Car Store

This is another standby on Pier 39 for not only cable car merchandise but San Francisco souvenirs in general. The cable cars are so unique and the perfect gift from San Francisco could be a cable car ornament or a small replica.

There’s also all things San Francisco – hats, hoodies, magnets, keychains, and stuffed animals.

Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, Pier 39, Floor 1

12. The Exploratorium Store

Calling all ocean lovers and science geeks! The Exploratorium is a huge science museum. They call themselves a “public learning laboratory”. Whether you make a stop or not, the gift shop is chock full of creative and uncommon San Francisco souvenirs.

These items showcase technology, science, and art, perfect for anybody who relishes learning or tinkering with something new.

Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Unique gifts from San Francisco

The most unique gifts from San Francisco represent the unique sights and landmarks of San Francisco like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies. Anything made locally and by hand is also going to be very unique to San Francisco. In the markets, visitors can find goods like soap, ceramics, art, and jewelry. One shop that sells just that is The Perish Trust , conveniently located around the corner from the Painted Ladies. San Francisco also has some quirky shops with unique souvenirs. Lefty’s is a haven for, you guessed it, lefties. Their goods cater to the lefthanded, with kitchen tools and other home goods. Well-known establishments like Ghiradelli also offer options to personalize gifts, making them more unique.

So, what are the best cheap souvenirs from San Francisco?

The best cheap souvenirs from San Francisco include small gifts like magnets, keychains, shot glasses, and candy. You can also find good deals on mugs, coasters, apparel, and hats if you shop around for cheap souvenirs.

San Francisco souvenirs: FAQ’s

What souvenirs to bring from San Francisco?

The best souvenirs to bring from San Francisco are ones that can easily be transported. This includes Ghiradelli chocolate, jewelry, and clothing items. Model cable cars, postcards, collectible spoons, and other art are also great souvenirs to bring home from San Francisco.

What to gift someone in San Francisco?

If visiting someone in San Francisco, try to bring something from your home city, or find something that you know they like. Even though they’re locals, they may not always have time to explore their own city and find a special handmade gift like soap, wine, candy, or jewelry.

What is San Fran famous for?

San Francisco is famous for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz. It is also famous for cable cars, fog, Ghiradelli chocolate, seafood, and steep hills. It is known for being a progressive city, and home to celebrities like Jerry Garcia, Joe DiMaggio, and Clint Eastwood.

This article was written by Tara from Tour Guide Tara

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Best Shopping in San Francisco

LAST UPDATED BY Tom Molanphy July 1, 2022

Whatever you're looking for, San Francisco has it. Need that particularly authentic California knick-knack to bring back home to remember your trip? Then wander up and down Haight Street for a whiff of San Francisco in the '60s and a spectacular collection of tie dyes and trinkets. Or hustle shoulder to shoulder through bustling Chinatown, where precious jade and one-of-a-kind jewelry can make the perfect gift for friends and family back home.

Although the Mission is known for Latin food and North Beach for Italian food, both of these famous neighborhoods have plenty of outdoor vendors and charming, unique boutiques.

Not sure what you're looking for? Well, that's why there are malls. San Francisco proper has two, Westfield and Stonestown, but the beautiful Ferry Building has to be the most enjoyable shopping option in the city. If the weather cooperates, then head to Union Square, the city's best outdoor mall, with local galleries often featuring their work.

Searched high and low all day, and still didn't find that perfect gift? Don't despair, just try again tomorrow. No walk is ever a waste in San Francisco!

Mission District

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : The Mission District offers an eclectic mix of boutique and second-hand shops.

Tom's expert tip : Valencia Street is really hot, with new restaurants and bars popping up right and left.

Read more about Mission District →

Ghirardelli Square

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : "Shop until you drop" is a fantastic day for the whole family at Ghirardelli Square because it offers such a soft landing!

Tom's expert tip : For those who prefer beer over chocolate - or chocolate AND beer - stop by the locally owned and operated San Francisco Brewing Company.

Read more about Ghirardelli Square →

Haight and Ashbury Streets

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : The classic the-dye shirts of Haight Street are a popular souvenir for tourists.

Tom's expert tip : Hike to the top of nearby Buena Vista Park for a spectacular but often overlooked view of the city.

Read more about Haight and Ashbury Streets →

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, 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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Fisherman's Wharf offers all kinds of fun San Francisco shopping mementos to bring back home.

Tom's expert tip : Be sure to check out Seasons on Fisherman's Wharf, a store wholly dedicated to the holidays.

Read more about Fisherman's Wharf →

Fillmore Street

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Fillmore Streets has one of the best selections of boutique shops in the entire Bay Area.

Tom's expert tip : Fillmore is also famous for jazz, so be sure to check out iconic hotspots like Yoshii's and the Boom Boom Room.

Read more about Fillmore Street →

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Shopping in bustling Chinatown is a unique and memorable San Francisco experience.

Tom's expert tip : If you happen to be in town for Chinese New Year's, don't miss the fantastic parade.

Read more about Chinatown →

Landmark Embarcadero Center

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : The Landmark Embarcadero Center is a smaller, more intimate shopping experience than the other downtown malls.

Tom's expert tip : Be sure to skip across the street to the renovated Ferry Building for a fantastic selection of locally -made goods and crafts.

Read more about Landmark Embarcadero Center →

Westfield San Francisco Centre

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Recently renovated Westfield is a great shopping option, especially for those rainy San Francisco days.

Tom's expert tip : You can enter Westfield Mall directly from the Powell Street BART or MUNI exit, so use public transit!

Read more about Westfield San Francisco Centre →

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. 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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Union Square has more shopping options than any other block of San Francisco.

Tom's expert tip : Take a ride on the glass elevators of the Saint Francis Hotel for an unbelievable view of downtown.

Read more about Union Square →

Ferry Building Marketplace

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.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : The Ferry Building is a must-see, even for those who have no interest in shopping.

Tom's expert tip : Check out the Farmer's Market on the weekend for fantastic California produce.

Read more about Ferry Building Marketplace →

The only thing that Tom Molanphy loves more than the food, art, music, and culture of San Francisco is sharing it with others. San Francisco never gets old for Tom.

Tom has lived in the San...   More About Tom

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• SF Shopping

San Francisco Shopping: 15 Top Places to Shop in San Francisco

by Jill Loeffler   •

You will find several places for San Francisco shopping. They range from high-end shops around Union Square to the inexpensive stores in Chinatown.

Here you will discover a shopping guide for the city. Below is a list of the top places to shop around SF. You will find both a brief description and some of the types of shops you will find in each area. Additional information is also available for many of the options listed.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

The most popular place for visitors to shop is Pier 39. This restored pier on the water sits on the eastern side of Fisherman's Wharf .

On the pier, you will find a variety of places to shop including both name-brand and local stores. You will find everything from jewelry to apparel to gift shops. You can also buy some sweet treats and local wines.

In addition to shopping, Pier 39 is also home to a number of family-friendly activities including the Aquarium of the Bay , the 7D Experience , and the Mirror Maze.

You will also find some great places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

>>   Pier 39

2. Union Square

All around Union Square and the surrounding streets, you will find dozens of shops. This downtown San Francisco shopping area includes high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany's, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Right on the square, you will also find an Apple store and a large Nike shop.

If you take a few steps off the square, you will find other popular retailers and luxury shops such as Cartier, Valentino, Dior, and Burberry.

Down Maiden Lane, you will find even more high-end retailers including Hermes, Saint Laurent, and Maison Margiela.

This area also features art galleries where you can check out art from both local and international artists. 

>>   Union Square Shopping

3. Chinatown

If you are looking for VERY inexpensive items, then head over to Chinatown . The main shopping area is on Grant Avenue. Here you will find gifts, jewelry, luggage, and more.

If you want to see what the locals buy, then head over to Stockton Street.

While you are here, you can also sample some tasty dim sum , stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , or visit one of their colorful temples . You will also find dozens of inexpensive restaurants with a large menu of traditional Chinese dishes .

>>   Tips to Shop in Chinatown

4. Ferry Building

Pier 1 along the SF waterfront is home to the Ferry Building. Here you can sample and purchase tasty treats, as well as enjoy a great view of the waterfront and the Bay Bridge.

Many of the stores here dedicate their space to gourmet foods such as artisan breads, chocolates, and cheeses. You will also find a great wine shop and a few specialty stores for books, the kitchen, and the garden.

More and more wonderful restaurants are also opening up in the Ferry Building. Some of my top picks include the Slanted Door, Gott's Roadside, and the Hog Island Oyster Company.

>>   Ferry Building

5. Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is on the western side of Fisherman's Wharf . The original San Francisco chocolate company is almost as old as the city itself, founded by an Italian immigrant in the 1850s, and located at this historic factory-turned-shopping area since the 1890s.

There are three Ghirardelli chocolate shops here, as well as retail shops such as ElizabethW, Lola of North Beach, and Gigi Rose. You will also find some great restaurants, including the San Francisco Brewing Company, which offers indoor and outdoor seating.

A new popular attraction is Subpar Miniature Golf, a fun place to unwind with games and snacks. There is a free walking tour for those interested in learning about the history of this old factory. 

>>   Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman's Wharf

6. The Cannery

As you can see, the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is full of places to shop. Another option in this area is the former Del Monte factory, which was converted into a shopping center known as The Cannery.

This beautifully renovated red-brick building houses only a few stores, but makes for a pleasant stroll. It's not unusual to find street performers entertaining guests as they peruse the shops and enjoy the 130-year-old olive trees in the courtyard. 

Also housed here is the Argonaut Hotel with its award-winning restaurant, the Blue Mermaid, as well as the Academy of Art with its extensive gallery.

Learn More : The Cannery in Fisherman's Wharf

7. Japan Center

This mall is located at the heart of San Francisco's Japantown , which is sandwiched between the Pacific Heights and Fillmore districts. It features Japanese architecture, a Peace Pagoda, and lots of Japanese shops and eateries.

This is a fun place to wander around just for the cultural experience, but there's also plenty of shopping here. The selection of stores ranges from the very inexpensive Daiso (sort of like a Japanese dollar store) to more boutique clothing shops, from beauty products to specialty incense and housewares.

You can find all sorts of edible Japanese treats here, including sushi, ramen, and mochi. Another interesting element of the Japan Center complex is the Kabuki theater, designed both as a traditional 17th century Japanese theater, as well as the city's first multiplex for showing films. 

8. Union & Chestnut Streets in the Marina

Another great place for San Francisco shopping is in the Marina District, which sits along the city's northern waterfront near the Presidio. The area is best known for the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts. 

There are two streets in particular, Union Street and Chestnut Street, lined with a number of cute shops. You will find small, locally-owned boutiques as well as retail chains such as Sephora and the Gap.

Both streets also offer a number of bars and restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.

Learn More : Marina District Activities & Attractions

9. Stonestown Galleria

Another large mall for San Francisco shopping is Stonestown Galleria. This shopping center is located on the western side of the city near SF State University. Most people who come here to shop are from the local community.

Inside, you will find popular clothing stores such as Express, Uniqlo, and Forever 21. You will also find a large Target, several places to grab a bite to eat, and so much more. In total, there are over 100 retailers here. 

Stonestown Galleria is located at 3251 20th Avenue in the Outer Sunset neighborhood.

10. Embarcadero Center

The Embarcadero Center is a four-block-long indoor-outdoor mall with several buildings in the Financial District between Clay and Sacramento Streets. They start at Battery Street and run almost all the way to Embarcadero Street.

Some of the largest retailers here include Sephora. There are also several great restaurants and a few specialty shops such as San Francisco Gift Baskets and others where you can find flowers, stationery, and cigars.

The official address is 1 Embarcadero Center.

11. Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights

Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights is another one of the popular places to go shopping in San Francisco. This cute street features local designers, small boutiques, and some great coffee shops. You will also find excellent restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Shopping on this street starts on the north end at Jackson Street and continues for about a half-mile down to around Geary Boulevard. 

On the northern end, you will find more high-end boutiques with women's clothing, shoes, and jewelry. As you near Geary, you will find some less expensive places, including a great Goodwill thrift shop. 

>> More about shopping along Fillmore in Pacific Heights

12. Haight Street in the Haight Ashbury

Haight Street is another fun place for San Francisco shopping. People come to this area for the hippie vibes that take you back to the 1960s Summer of Love.

Here you will find funky shops with costumes, tie-dye clothing, and inexpensive jewelry. It is also home to one of the best music stores in San Francisco, Amoeba Music. 

In addition, this is where you will find a wide variety of second-hand stores. It's a great place to find a deal. 

The shopping on Haight Street starts at Masonic (eastern side) and runs to Golden Gate Park or Staynon Street (west side). This shopping district is about a half-mile long.

>> More about visiting the Haight Ashbury District

13. Mission District

The Mission District is also full of fun shops and places to buy gifts. You will find a number of funky, eclectic stores here, including unique book stores, local chocolate shops, and jewelry. 

You will also find some pawn shops, discount stores, and plenty of interesting places in between.

While you are here, make sure to also stop by to check out the colorful murals all around this district .

You will find most of the shopping along Valencia and Mission Streets between 16th and 24th Streets. You will also find some cool places along 24th Street between Mission and Harrison Streets.

>> More details about visiting the Mission District

14. Hayes Street in Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley, located between SF's iconic Alamo Square and the Civic Center/Theater District, offers three blocks of shopping along Hayes Street.

Most of the stores in this small, cute neighborhood can be found between Laguna and Franklin Streets. They mostly offer high-end goods including clothing, home décor, and shoes. 

I like to stop by here for a nice lunch and then do a little shopping for an hour or two. 

>> More about visiting Hayes Valley

15. Polk Street in Nob Hill

My final recommendation is along Polk Street in Nob Hill. In recent years, this neighborhood has become known for its upscale hotels and mansions, Michelin-starred restaurants, and other luxury services.

However, it continues to feel like a very local district with a handful of cute boutique shops. Here you will find some small gift shops, clothing stores, and a nice thrift store. 

Most of the shops here are between Pacific and Bush Streets. 

>> More things to see and do in Nob Hill

Five Great Places to Buy Costumes

You will find dozens of places to buy costumes throughout San Francisco. 

To narrow them down, I created a list of my five favorite places to buy costumes.

Their selections range from traditional Halloween costume sets to places where you can pull together your own unique look.

>>   Five Best Places to Buy Costumes

Where to Shop on Black Friday

Are you visiting San Francisco over Thanksgiving weekend? Are you interested in picking up some great deals on Black Friday?

If so, check out my list of the eight best places to shop for this occasion.

They include some of the best larger malls as well as a few local favorites.

>> Find a list of the best places to shop for Black Friday

More Shopping Recommendations

• Best SF Bookstores
• Top Outlet Stores Near SF

Other Popular Things to Do in SF

SF Theater Calendar

Fun Comedy Shows in SF

Top Festivals & Street Fairs

More Popular Pages

A Perfect Day in North Beach : If you love Italian food and other goodies, then you will love spending the day in North Beach. In addition to San Francisco shopping, this fabulous district features Coit Tower, one of the best Italian delis in the city, and a step back in time at the Beat Museum. This self-guided tour is the perfect way to see it all in just one day.

A Perfect Day in Chinatown : As I mentioned above, Chinatown is one of the best San Francisco shopping options. However, do you know about all the other great attractions in this district? Follow me as I walk you through the colorful Chinese Temples, take you to one of my favorite Dim Sum restaurants, and give you a chance to learn more about this community's history.

A Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf : On my perfect day in Fisherman's Wharf, I take you to some of its top attractions and shopping areas. In one day, you will visit Pier 39, check out the Aquarium of the Bay, and stop by Ghirardelli Square. You will also sample the best Irish Coffee in the city, and enjoy fresh fish for lunch on Fish Alley.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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SHOPPING WITH A VIEW IS THE BEST SHOPPING IN SAN FRANCISCO

PIER 39 is home to two levels of unique specialty shops that are surrounded by stunning views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz Island and the famous San Francisco city skyline. Treat yourself to a memorable shopping experience like none other in San Francisco: stroll The PIER and shop ‘til you drop at 50+ one-of-a-kind stores with everything from sports gear and memorabilia to fine jewelry and classic San Francisco gifts and collectibles. There’s even a shop just for left-handers!

Alcatraz Book Store

Alcatraz gift shop, aleenk technologies, aquarium of the bay gift shop, biscoff coffee corner, bow wow & kitty too, bubba gump shrimp co. gift shop, build-a-bear workshop, candy baron, carmel honey company, charms by the bay presented by s.f. gold, christmas in san francisco, enlightenment, fairy tales, green planet cbd, happy bubbles, hard rock cafe rock shop, hidden dragon, kwak san francisco, lefty’s san francisco – the left hand store, magic shop by vanishing inc., only in san francisco, pearl factory, s.f. city wear, san francisco u.s.a., scrumptious, solve it think out of the box, sunglass hut, the cable car store, the crystal shop, the fudgery, the san francisco keychain store, the san francisco sock market, the shell cellar, the spice & tea exchange, trish’s chocolate, under the golden gate, we be knives, wilder west, urban western outfitters.

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Gift & Specialty Shops

Gift & specialty shops in san francisco.

• Gift & Specialty Shops
• Art Galleries
• Shopping Malls
• Antique Stores
• Department Stores
• Flea & Street Markets
• Shopping Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Fashion Shows & Tours
• Airport Shops
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Downtown San Francisco
• Union Square
• Mission District
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Lights Booksellers

2. Casa Bonampak

3. Cliff's Variety

4. Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co

5. Boudin at the Wharf

6. Embarcadero Farmer's Market

7. Xela Imports

8. Vital Tea Leaf

9. Amoeba Music

10. Barbary Coast Dispensary

11. Green Apple Books

12. The Cannery

13. Molinari Delicatessen

14. Gump's

15. Britex Fabrics

16. Downtown

17. Moe Greens

18. Red Blossom Tea Company

19. Z. Cioccolato

20. Williams-Sonoma

21. Candy Baron

22. Napa Valley Winery Exchange

23. Paxton Gate

24. The Spice & Tea Exchange

25. Beard Papa's

26. Globus Books

27. Pepper Palace

28. Flax Art & Design

29. 826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store

30. The Booksmith

What travelers are saying.

The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Famously beautiful,  San Francisco  is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Pictures can never capture the taste of mouthwatering, farm-fresh dishes, the clang of the cable car and the truly joyous celebrations of individuality you’ll find on any visit here. But where do you start your urban exploration? From world-class museums to the best in LGBTIQ+ culture and incredible city vistas, here are the best things to do on any visit to San Francisco.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field ), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point , make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

Planning tip:  Head to the Marin County end of the bridge as the late-afternoon fog rolls in, and you’ll witness the ultimate magic show: now you see the Golden Gate Bridge, now you don’t. Return tomorrow for its dramatic unveiling, just in time for the morning commute.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The  de Young Museum  offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby  California Academy of Sciences  is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the  San Francisco Botanical Garden , Japanese Tea Garden , Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake . Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

Planning tip:  With its myriad attractions, you could wander the park for a week and still not see them all. Select a few, take your time, and end your day enjoying the sunset over the Pacific with a fresh-brewed beer at the Beach Chalet .

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood .

Planning tip: Head to  Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, while 24th St and the landmark San Francisco Women’s Building are covered with glorious portrayals of community pride and political dissent.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl . Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the  cable car , San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building , the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market , where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Take a trip to Pier 14, where you can make a picnic from food truck finds as you overlook the sparkling bay – and let lunch and life exceed expectations.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

Planning tip:  For maximum chill factor, book the spooky night tour .

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America . Walk Waverly Place , Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

Local tip: Finish your tour by refueling with some tantalizing traditional dim sum.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

Planning tip:  If you want to visit all seven floors, it's best to set aside a whole afternoon.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the  Rainbow Honor Walk , get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June .

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower . Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

Detour:  SF has 41 peaks, and as you scale those steep hills, your calf muscles will strain, and gravity will seem unkind – but persevere. All grumbling will end once you reach the summit and feel like you have the world at your feet. For different angles, head to hilltop green spaces like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park , San Francisco’s crowning glories. Alternatively, go to  Corona Heights  and  Buena Vista Park  for wind-sculpted trees and Victorian turrets.

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39 , San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

Planning tip:  These giant mammals can be found on the docks between January and July (and whenever else they feel like sunbathing). 

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the  Exploratorium , San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique  in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon , Devil’s Acre  and  15 Romolo . Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

This article was first published Feb 3, 2015 and updated Feb 5, 2024.

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > San Francisco Travel Guide > A Guide to the Best Shopping in San Francisco

A Guide to the Best Shopping in San Francisco

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Times have changed and even though now we are used to finding everything we want at the click of a button, selecting prices and suppliers, we think that the most exciting aspect of shopping even in a city like San Francisco is to still be able to do it the old-fashioned way, in person, in the corners of the world where we go, in search of something typical of that place, and maybe haggling a bit. In San Francisco, you can search for a particular store, or for unlikely or extravagant items that cannot be found elsewhere, but there are also outlets and shopping malls where you can get good deals and buy designer clothes at affordable prices.

So what should you buy?  Which are the good shopping areas in San Francisco? Where to go in search of the best bargains? Here is a shopping itinerary that we hope will make everyone happy, even those who are not particularly fond of shopping, who will still be able to admire the beauty of the neighborhoods and streets that we will pass along the way. Are you ready to do the best shopping in San Francisco ?

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

Union square, union street, fillmore street, shopping malls and outlets near san francisco, embarcadero, mission district, haight-ashbury, hayes valley, souvenirs and curiosities.

Whether your trip is just beginning or ending soon, at some point, you will start thinking about getting some gifts for family and friends back home. Here is a selection of the most unusual shops where you can buy souvenirs and special items.

When you resume the tour of Fisherman’s Wharf, like many other visitors, you may be attracted to Pier 39 (Beach St and Embarcadero), the famous pier with sea lions, the Sea Lion Center, the aquarium, and boat tours to meet the whales, which we highly recommend. However, today you will be dedicated to browsing through the most unusual shops that are nothing like the boutiques that sell “common” items.

Alcatraz Gift Shop has items related to the famous prison, such as black and white striped uniforms of inmates. At Fairy Tales , you will find magical and enchanted accessories in a mystical atmosphere. While on the subject of fantasy and magic, at Houdini’s Magic Shop , there is everything you need to perform magic tricks, such as books and manuals specializing in tricks of the trade. The strangest hats can be found at Krazy Kaps , such as a pirate hat or a hat in the shape of a cake.

As you stroll by the various shops, you come across musicians and street artists performing masterful acts, and then a merry-go-round that children will love. Before you leave Pier 39, go to the Hard Rock Café and enter to look at the merchandise in the gift shop. Depending on the time of day, you may also want to stop for a bite to eat.

Fashion and Clothing

When writing an overview of the shops in such an important city as San Francisco, we could not leave out the countless clothing stores that you will find all around San Francisco.

During our travels, we like to take a look at local designer shops that, in our opinion, deserve to be visited not only out of curiosity but also to take home some unique items. When we visited Union Square, we noticed some works of art and we were told that every year these sculptures are auctioned and the proceeds are donated to the foundation of San Francisco General Hospital . Besides being a noble cause, the layout changes every year and this only increases the curiosity of visitors and citizens even more.

It is nice to take a walk in the streets around the square and other noteworthy streets, such as Maiden Lane (from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm it is closed-off to traffic and becomes a pedestrian area), a pretty street with its wide variety of shops. There are plenty of shops to choose from here too, but out of all of the shops, we recommend Levi’s at 815 Market Street, one of the few places in the world where you can buy a custom pair of Levi’s.

There are also Burberry, Guess, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Microsoft, H&M, Banana Republic, Zara, Adidas, American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, Samsonite, Lego, Sunglass Hut, and Aveda. This mall is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Our tour continues on Union Street , which starts from the Embarcadero, continues to Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill and extends all the way to the Presidio . It is a very interesting street, especially because in some places, there is an authentic local atmosphere. If you are curious to know how locals live in San Francisco and want to know where they love to shop or stop for coffee in a café with sidewalk tables, visit Cow Hollow , between the Presidium and Russian Hill.

For those who love casual and minimalist boutiques, there are Anomie and Marmalade . Instead, those who are looking for specialty shops can go to Sugarfina , an elegant candy shop for adults where the managers always have some to give as a gift to customers, or Union Street Papery , a whole shop dedicated to the sale of greeting cards (they have all kinds of cards for all occasions).

But there’s more. Do you like dancing? Then check out 1887 Dance Shop , which specializes in clothing and shoes for adults and children who want to try tap dancing, salsa, ballet, and modern dance. The great thing about this store is that here you can also find costumes for plays and for Halloween. Who hasn’t heard of Nike ? There is a Nike store here where you can look for products at competitive prices. As you walk around, you may happen to see the beautiful Edwardian-style building of the Union Street Inn B&B and the Octagon Home , a house museum where there are historical documents of American history and decorative arts from the Colonial and Federal period.

Fillmore Street , a street that covers ten blocks, is named after the 13th U.S. President and crosses Lower Haight, the Fillmore Shopping District, Pacific Heights , and the Marina District . Along this energetic street, there are cafes such as Starbucks, restaurants, lounges, theaters, jazz clubs, hotels, and shops.

Stonestown Galleria (3251 20th Ave), near San Francisco State University in the suburbs of San Francisco, offers pleasant culinary, artistic, and architectural “distractions”. This shopping mall, which has a movie theater, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

When we went, we did some window shopping and looked at the jewelry at Swarovski and Pandora, the products at Apple store, the clothing of Zara, H&M, and Banana Republic, the beauty products of Bare Minerals, Aveda, L’Occitane, Lush, Sephora, and, last but not least, the sophisticated and seductive lingerie at Victoria’s Secret.

Shopping in San Francisco doesn’t stop at the city limits. In fact, near San Francisco, there are some of the best outlets in the region where you can find designer clothes at discounted prices of brands such as Adidas, American Eagle, Banana Republic, Bose, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Guess, Levi’s, Michael Kors, Nike, Old Navy, Prada, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsonite, Skechers, Swarovski, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, and Versace to name but a few. If you are already planning to go on a day tour around San Francisco , it would be a good idea to also go shopping at the outlets on the same day. Here are the shopping centers we recommend:

• At Gilroy : Gilroy Premium Outlets is very large; it is divided into 4 zones and 5 buildings. Needless to say, there is an impressive amount of shops and it takes some time to get around the outlets. Every year during the last weekend of July, Gilroy Premium Outlets hosts the Gilroy Garlic Festival where you can taste all kinds of dishes that are all seasoned with garlic. It is located off I-101 at 681 Leavesley Road (1 hour and 10 minutes south of San Francisco). A stop at Gilroy Premium Outlets is a good addition to a trip to Monterey .
• In Livermore : San Francisco Premium Outlets is at the I-580 exit at 2774 Livermore Outlets Drive (40 minutes east of San Francisco) going towards Yosemite. It is an outdoor outlet that is pleasant to walk around and has many great discounted brands.
• In Napa : Napa Premium Outlets is located off of Highway 29 at 629 Factory Stores Drive, in the direction of the famous wine region (1 hour north of San Francisco). And if you want to take the opportunity to purchase some wine, according to the international rules on the purchase of alcohol, you can take home 2 liters of wine per person if the alcohol content is less than 22% of alcohol, otherwise, you can take only one.
• At Petaluma : Petaluma Village Premium Outlets , located at 2200 Petaluma Boulevard North, is an ideal place to go shopping before visiting the wineries in Sonoma, another area renowned for wine tastings (about 50 minutes north of San Francisco). For more information, please refer to our guide to Napa Valley and Sonoma .

Gifts to Buy in San Francisco’s Picturesque Neighborhoods

Would you like to furnish your home with a small designer item or one that will remind you of your trip every day? Here are some items that you can find while browsing through the most characteristic neighborhoods.

If you also would like to get something special for your kitchen, Sur la Table can be a shop for you where you will find tablecloths, towels, dishes, and accessories for many different uses. For home decor, Glassybaby offers handmade colored glass items, for example, candle holders and glasses. While there are a few exceptions, the shops in this complex are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Nearby there is the Ferry Plaza Market , the open-air market of the Ferry Building where farmers sell their products. The market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, while on Saturdays (the most important day) it opens at 8:00 am.

• Read also our tips on the best things to do in the Embarcadero

At 826 Valencia, the Pirate Supply Store sells clothes and various items from the pirate world. We also recommend a visit to Casa Bonampak , a place committed to the preservation of Latin culture and craftsmanship.

If I were trying to think of another neighborhood with a strong identity in San Francisco, it would be Haight-Ashbury , the heart of the Summer of Love. In 1967, all the flower children at that time came here, and in the shops on the main street, Haight Street , there are still signs of that time period. On this website, we have already provided a detailed guide to shopping in Haight-Ashbury, which you can find here .

The neighborhood has several points of interest. To find out more, make sure to read our guide to Chinatown in San Francisco .

If you get the chance to go shopping in Hayes Valley (Haynes St, Laguna St, Octavia St), between Alamo Square and the Civic Center, you will pass by buildings built in various architectural styles, including Victorian and Queen Anne. There are 2 shops we recommend:

• Flight 001 (525 Haynes St): Here you can buy travel items, luggage, accessories, and tour guides;
• Lavish & Rifle (549 Haynes St.): This store sells gifts, home decor, party supplies, and stationery.

While shopping in this beautiful city, you can take the opportunity to ride a cable car . We enjoyed strolling and shopping around a huge square, looking and commenting on the shop windows in Victorian palaces, discovering and appreciating vintage shops, and then driving outside the city to shop at the outlets and to explore the surrounding area. Shopping in San Francisco is an experience that goes beyond just buying items.

• The best areas where to find accommodations
• How to get around the city
• How to plan a visit to Alcatraz
• The main attractions

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Marianna Licia e Paolo

There are two passions that we share: photography and traveling, especially in the United States.

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San Francisco   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is only 7 miles square, but it's packed with activities to delight outdoorsy types, art and culture lovers, foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. San Francisco offers so much more than its iconic landmarks. While Coit Tower and

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops free

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio Tunnel Tops is the nation’s newest national park space and reconnects the city to the bay. The 14-acre park, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations (the same team behind NYC ’s High Line ) bridges over the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway. The parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) separated the historic Main Post from the waterfront. Connecting pathways, bluff landscapes and overlooks have made the park a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 

One of the park’s largest areas, the Golden Gate Meadow, is a popular spot for families for picnics, kite-flying and other outdoor activities. Gardens and accessible cliff walks border the meadow, which also offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the bay and the Marin Headlands. A 2-acre play space called the Outpost features huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders and other things inspired by nature, allowing children to swing, crawl and climb. 

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of the visitors its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes more than 42 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 24 million yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available, it's best to map out what you want to do ahead of time, though some attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. It features 5 acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, a Zen garden and a tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home. 

Coit Tower Coit Tower

Rising from its position on the peak of Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, Coit Tower serves as a vantage point to take in the northwest corner of San Francisco. Visitors might think the 210-foot-tall tower was designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. While Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned the tower as a monument to volunteer firefighters, the concrete pillar's nozzle-like appearance is coincidental. The tower was completed in 1933, while artists painted the murals around its base (and repainted them due to some illustrations containing communist imagery) in 1934. The Coit Tower currently resides on the list of San Francisco Designated Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places.

Recent travelers enjoyed the murals and 360-degree views of San Francisco from the top of the tower, but have complained about paying to climb stairs. The easiest way to access the Coit Tower is via the N line of the Muni. From downtown, you can take either the No. 30 or No. 45 line to Washington Square, located at the corners of Union & Columbus and transfer to the No. 39 Coit Tower bus.

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Lands End Lands End free

One of the top places in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Lands End offers whimsical, winding trails through rocky cliffs. Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the park sits inside of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park encompasses multiple historic sites, monuments, multiple trails and a shoreline labyrinth with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

Visitors often rave about the park’s trails and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco landmarks. Many have appreciated the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, which San Franciscans used as a recreational swimming facility from 1898 to 1964. The baths were demolished in 1964, then further destroyed by a fire in 1966, leaving the structure that travelers can visit today. Similarly, the park's iconic Cliff House was destroyed twice by fire, but it was rebuilt each time. Cultural hounds will want to stop by the nearby Legion of Honor museum, which displays European paintings, European decorative arts and sculpture and ancient art from the Mediterranean basin, among other works. The Legion of Honor is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Admission costs $20 for adults and is free for children 17 and younger.

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. 

There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties ( Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.

Ferry Building Marketplace Ferry Building Marketplace free

Attention all foodies: this delectable attraction needs to be at the top of your San Francisco to-do list. The Ferry Building Marketplace is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, a honey shop and an organic bagel shop.

Many travelers who stopped by the Ferry Building Marketplace enjoyed the lively atmosphere and were impressed with the amount, variety and overall quality of eats available on-site. The Saturday farmers market was a standout for many. Though there are formal restaurants available, some visitors say the best strategy is to pick up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront. And if you're not one for lines, don't come on the weekends. For a different perspective of the marketplace, view it from the water on a narrated boat tour . Some of the best San Francisco food tours also make stops here.

Alcatraz Alcatraz

U.S. News Insider Tip: Depending on what time of year you visit, tours to Alcatraz can sell out months in advance. Play it safe by not waiting until the last minute to reserve your spot. – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

While riding a cable car and getting a snap of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must when visiting San Francisco, both visitors and travel experts tend to argue the same for Alcatraz. This is because Alcatraz is rich with history. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is best known as being a former federal prison that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Before that, it was a military prison that housed prisoners from the Spanish-American War and Civil War, as well as the site of the West Coast's first operating lighthouse. The prison closed down both times due to high operating costs and was handed over to the National Park Service in 1972 after the island experienced a short occupation from Native American activists. Today, the attraction welcomes more than one million visitors per year. 

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

Attention, families: recent visitors said this is the perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest. 

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses more than 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which plays "Tour of the Universe" shows daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator. 

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Palace of Fine Arts Palace of Fine Arts free

The only remaining structure from an early 20th-century world’s fair that helped put San Francisco on the international map, the Palace of Fine Arts is a faux palace surrounded by a lagoon frequented by snow-white swans. That setting combined with the building’s neoclassical design makes the Palace of Fine Arts one of the most popular spots in the city for wedding photos and Instagram shots. 

Described as a Beaux-Arts wonder, the palace was restored in the early 1960s, duplicating the original with a towering colonnade, bas-relief urns and a domed ceiling with allegorical paintings.

Hayes Valley Hayes Valley free

One of the best areas for shopping, eating, and people-watching, Hayes Valley is a cool, revitalized neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The main commercial strip, along Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin, teems with stylish and unique home decor shops and clothing boutiques interspersed with charming outdoor cafes, dessert spots and a wide array of well-established restaurants and trendy watering holes. The neighborhood also features beautifully restored Victorians, a community garden and an art park.

Past visitors enjoyed the eclectic, European feel of the neighborhood and the quintessentially San Francisco experiences they've had there. These include customizing your own bag at the original Timbuk2 store , grabbing a coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee 's first brick-and-mortar tucked into a garage or enjoying a made-to-order ice cream at Smitten's kiosk overlooking the lively urban park, Patricia's Green .

Dolores Park Dolores Park free

On the western edge of The Mission , this 16-acre park is billed as one of the city’s most popular – because of its views of the San Francisco skyline and beyond, as well its ample green space. On sunny days, the park is a favorite among families who flock here to picnic on the grassy lawns that are shaded by palm trees. There’s also a playground and two off-leash dog play areas, as well as several sports courts. If you’re hoping to bring a picnic to enjoy at the park, experts suggest stopping by Tartine Bakery, Rhea’s Market & Deli and Nopalito.

Interestingly, the park is situated on land that was once a Jewish cemetery. In 1905, the city purchased the land and created the park. A year later, it became a refugee camp for hundreds of residents who became homeless after the historic 1906 earthquake and fire. 

The Mission The Mission free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk along Valencia Street between 20th and 22nd streets for unique and creative shops and affordable restaurants. Check out local favorites like sustainable bag brand Baggu, Dog Eared Books and Paxton Gate. – Lili Weigert

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

San Francisco's Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Did you know that fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco? While in Chinatown, stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch the cookies being made and sample different flavors and toppings. – Lili Weigert

While New York City 's Chinatown tends to take center stage in the U.S., San Francisco's Chinatown is just as much of a star. San Francisco's Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia, and is considered one of the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants first started coming to California in search of fortune during the Gold Rush. After being driven out of the gold mines due to discrimination and restrictive legislation against Chinese immigrants, the Chinese moved to build businesses of their own in the area that is now Chinatown – one of the city's most visited neighborhoods. 

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Haight-Ashbury Haight-Ashbury free

Named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, this neighborhood is best known as the center of the 1960s counterculture movement. Remnants of the long gone hippie culture endure, including the former Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St., and the Jefferson Airplane house at 2400 Fulton St. Both are private residences, but remain perennial attractions. 

These days, trendy has replaced hippy. Colorful Victorian homes line the hillsides and restaurants and boutiques crowd the streets. Along Upper Haight, you’ll find flamboyant clothing shops, piercing and tattoo parlors, and hip restaurants. Downhill on Haight Street, you’ll find dive bars, consignment stores and music shops. 

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a walk along the beach, cross the Great Highway for brunch or happy hour at The Beach Chalet. Enjoy the ocean view from the spacious dining room or head around back to the Parc Chalet for outdoor seating and a more relaxed atmosphere. – Lili Weigert

Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, Ocean Beach separates attractions like the San Francisco Zoo and Golden Gate Park from the Pacific Ocean. This 3 ½-mile stretch of sand is a welcome respite from the city's bustling downtown. Visitors and locals can walk the beach, while experienced surfers brave the frigid water in search of the perfect wave. While swimming is not encouraged here due to strong currents, travelers can build a bonfire and hang out and soak up the scenery by one of the 16 fire rings that pepper the beach. Average temperatures at the beach typically hover around 50 degrees. Also, keep in mind that fog shrouds the shore during the late spring and summer, while the sunniest months are September and October.

Muir Woods National Monument Muir Woods National Monument

U.S. News Insider Tip: You won't find great cell service here, so download anything you need before you enter the park. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

What better exemplifies California's dramatic landscape than sky-high redwood trees? That's what you'll find at Muir Woods, the beautiful and expansive national monument just 16 miles north of San Francisco. This attraction is a must-see for anyone looking to get up close and personal with some of California's most famous topography, not to mention a nice break from the bustle of the city. The largest redwood tree in Muir Woods measures about 258 feet tall. To give you a better visual, imagine 45 six-foot-tall individuals stacked on top of each other. And if that wasn't enough to impress, the average age of redwoods in Muir Woods is 600 to 800 years, and that's not even some of the oldest in the park at the moment.

Japantown Japantown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Navigating this part of town can be hectic, so if you drive, the best place to park is the Japan Center Garage. As an added convenience, the garage's website shows the number of spaces available in real time. – Lili Weigert

There are only three Japantowns left in the country, and San Francisco's is both the largest and the oldest, dating back to 1906. It's a vibrant and colorful community where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and experiences. The neighborhood offers a huge variety of Japanese items calling out to be purchased or consumed, including plenty of affordable options for the budget traveler.

Cable Cars Cable Cars

Chances are, you've seen a television show, movie, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So, of course, to fully experience San Francisco's charm, you should hop on board. San Francisco's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, given the title of a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The cable car was conceived after Andrew Smith Hallidie, an immigrant from England, witnessed an accident involving a horse-drawn buggy trying to climb a steep San Francisco hill and failing. His father had a patent for wire rope in England and he used that to design a transportation system that relied on just that. Thus, cable cars were born in the late 1800s. 

Though cable cars are seldom used by locals (due in part to their small travel network and high fare), tourists flock to them in droves. More than 9 million visitors ride the cable cars each year, and according to recent travelers, it's easy to see why. Tourists had a blast riding the cable cars up and down San Francisco's vibrant streets. Even though some said they encountered long lines to board, the majority of visitors believe the wait to be worth the experience and a must-do in San Francisco. Though if you're not one for long lines, some say to board at one of the stops along the line instead at the beginning. 

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Presidio Heights Presidio Heights free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is a great neighborhood for consignment stores. Sprinkled among the many high-end fashionable boutiques, check out local favorites Goodbyes and The Designer Consigner. – Lili Weigert

Presidio Heights is an elegant and immaculate neighborhood known for its stunning views and beautiful homes. It also includes the Sacramento Street Shopping District, which stretches over seven blocks and is where you'll find some of San Francisco's most established and sophisticated design shops and fashion boutiques. Whether you're looking for gifts, keepsakes, ideas or inspiration, it's a lovely area to explore away from the hustle and bustle of the city's other shopping districts.

Oracle Park Oracle Park

The San Francisco Giants have been calling this stadium home since 2000, playing host to multiple World Series games. Oracle Park is regarded as one of the most scenic baseball parks in the United States for its picturesque placement along the San Francisco Bay. The majority of attendees are afforded prime views of the glittering water from their seats all the while being able to enjoy one of America's greatest pastimes. 

Although baseball season runs from April to October, the stadium holds tours year-round (except on game days), providing a behind-the-scenes look at the field, dugout, the press box, luxury suites and more. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the World Series trophies and rings, which are on display on the Promenade Level behind home plate. 

Baker Beach Baker Beach free

While San Francisco isn't known for being a beach town, the city's Baker Beach is often considered one of the best in California . Located in the northwestern area of San Francisco in the Presidio, Baker Beach is primarily known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the neighboring Marin Headlands. The mile-long beach offers travelers plenty of room to spread their legs and features picnic areas and access to nearby Presidio trails. Travelers flock here to snap photos of the bridge, however, if you're looking to catch some rays or get your feet wet, you should go elsewhere: Swimming at Baker Beach is dangerous due to large waves, undertow and rip currents, and the city's fickle weather means it's not always warm enough for sunbathing.

Travelers strongly recommend bringing an extra layer, no matter what time of year you visit. Reviewers also stress that those traveling with families should stick to the south side of the beach: North Baker Beach is clothing optional, and it's definitely practiced. 

Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens free

After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's weather and unique culture. The gardens include 5 acres of landscaped lawns complete with flowers, trees, water features and public art. The Cho-En Butterfly Garden attracts native San Francisco butterflies with plants (also native) that encourage butterfly growth from eggs to adults. Meanwhile, the Reflection Garden serves as a tribute to the Ohlone Indians as well as a performance area for various oral traditions. The Upper Terrace Garden and the Sister City Gardens, which include plants from San Francisco's 18 sister cities from around the world, are where visitors will find the area's cafes and most of its seating. Additionally, the East Garden houses a variety of sculptures and water features. There are also three spaces designed specifically for kids, including a children’s garden and two playgrounds. 

What's more, attractions like the Children's Creativity Museum and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center flank the Yerba Buena Gardens, so travelers could feasibly spend an entire day exploring this area of San Francisco. Due to the number of restaurants that also surround the gardens, many past travelers recommend stopping by the Yerba Buena Gardens after grabbing lunch or snacks nearby. They also find the park a great location to relax and enjoy the landscape,

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers. Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea level.

The Twin Peaks are open 5 a.m. to midnight and there is free (albeit limited) parking at the top of Twin Peaks Boulevard. The Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market Street). The most common way that travelers visit the area is by walking or biking to the north peak parking lot. Many guided tours also stop here. If you’re up for a little more exploration, hike the nearly mile-long trail that ascends the two peaks. There are also more trails that meander along the southern and eastern slopes of the 64-acre park. Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found in the area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks  website .

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North Beach North Beach free

Don’t let the name of this neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco fool you: There’s no actual beach at North Beach. The name is more of a geographical marker for the neighborhood’s location on the bay. It’s better known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and remains home to a vibrant Italian-American community, with streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Among the neighborhood staples is Original Joe’s , which has been serving San Francisco residents for nearly a century. If you want a little help navigating the neighborhood’s delectable dining scene, consider signing up for one of the best San Francisco tours ; many of the companies featured lead guided food tours throughout North Beach.

In addition to its Italian restaurants, North Beach also gained fame as the preferred neighborhood for the post-World War II Beat Generation, which included authors Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso, among others. You can still see remnants of the Beat Generation in the City Lights bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, which draws chess players, artists, poets and literary tourists. 

Union Square Union Square free

Situated a couple blocks north of Market Street and southwest of the city's Financial District, Union Square sits at the heart of downtown San Francisco's hustle and bustle. This area is loved by travelers and locals alike for its awesome location and incredible energy. Union Square Park is flanked by tall buildings (some of which are adorned with Times Square -size ads) and busy streets, offering people the unique opportunity to sit in the middle of a busy city and enjoy the atmosphere without the risk of getting hit by a car. The square also acts as a park, outfitted with small grassy spaces and palm trees. There are also multiple seating areas and works of art dotted across the square. The most recognized are the tall Dewey monument, situated in the center of the square, and the regularly photographed Hearts in San Francisco sculpture found at the base of the square. From late November to mid-January, an outdoor ice-skating rink is set up in Union Square Plaza.

Travelers appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square. There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right. Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping, with many calling the area a "shopper’s paradise." Just blocks away, travelers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to Sephora. Getting to Union Square via public transportation is much easier than driving. The attraction sits just blocks from Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four blocks from the Powell Street BART Station. Union Square can be visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information on Union Square, visit the attraction's website .

Japanese Tea Garden Japanese Tea Garden

Located in Golden Gate Park , the Japanese Tea Garden offers visitors a slice of tranquility in a busy city. The garden, originally created as a "Japanese Village" for an international exposition in 1894, is the oldest continuously maintained public Japanese garden outside of Japan. 

The 5 - acre site features classic elements of a Japanese garden, including an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, a five-story pagoda and a Zen garden. You’ll want to plan your visit foo March or April when the garden’s cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The garden is also home to a 9,000-pound Lantern of Peace, a gift given to the United States by Japan after World War II and meant to symbolize friendship between the two countries. 

Angel Island State Park Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is situated in the San Francisco Bay and provides an abundance of outdoor activities for anyone willing to trek across the water by ferry. Some consider it the less famous (and thus, less crowded) sibling to the bay’s other well-known island, Alcatraz . Before the government converted the storied island into a park, it served as a hunting location, a cattle ranch, an immigration station and even a missile base. You can learn more about the island’s role as the West Coast’s Ellis Island with a visit to the Immigration Station, which tells the important story of the Chinese immigrant experience. 

Past visitors suggest taking one of the seasonal tram tours to get a feel for the island. Tickets for the tour cost $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. They can be purchased on the Angel Island Company's website . Recent travelers also say visitors should allot extra time to hike the roughly 6-mile perimeter loop, which offers excellent views of the water and is relatively easy.

Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For a sweet treat, grab some delicious beignets at Frankie's Pier 43. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or Presidio Tunnel Tops ). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge . Though while you're there, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.

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Ghirardelli Square Ghirardelli Square free

Named after the famous purveyor of chocolate, Ghirardelli Square sits on the site of the company’s original factory. Framed by stately brick buildings, the square draws lots of tourists, thanks to its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and other landmarks. The square is home to shops, galleries, restaurants and, of course, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. You can even hang your hat here: the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square  sits within the complex.

Recent travelers were impressed by the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge , as well as the variety of shopping, and the chocolate.

The Exploratorium The Exploratorium

This museum, or as it refers to itself, "a learning laboratory," features 600 hands-on exhibits that cover a plethora of subject matter, such as engineering, psychology, geography and biology. The museum spreads its knowledge over six main galleries, each with its own standout interactive offerings. Here, visitors can feel what it’s like to be inside a tornado, walk on an outdoor fog bridge, gaze at a bacteria terrarium, swim through the air with an anti-gravity mirror and more.

Though the Exploratorium appears as if it's designed for kids, travelers say it's a great attraction for all ages. Adults report feeling just as excited and amazed at the galleries and exhibits as kids. Though if you prefer to experience The Exploratorium without having to deal with kiddos running around, a few visitors suggested stopping by on a Thursday evening, when the attraction is open to visitors 18 years and older from 6 to 10 p.m. Regardless of the time you arrive, travelers say there is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a whole day there. And though the high price of admission might turn some off, many agree that the experience is worth the price.

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A Snob's Guide to San Francisco

How to get the most out of your visit to the City by the Bay (which is doing just fine, by the way).

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Mark Twain definitely said something of the sort in response to the premature publishing of his obituary, but even misquoted, truer words could never be spoken about San Francisco. In fact, the city—long revered for its European charm, rich cultural diversity, and innate beauty—has always been filled with a healthy sense of optimism, and despite some reports to the contrary there’s more about it to love now than ever before.

Where to Stay

.css-4rnr1w:before{margin:0 auto 1.875rem;width:60%;height:0.125rem;content:'';display:block;background-color:#9a0500;color:#fff;} .css-gcw71x{color:#030929;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,NewParis-roboto,NewParis-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;}@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.8125rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-gcw71x b,.css-gcw71x strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-gcw71x em,.css-gcw71x i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} "Their breakfast is really good!" Ivy Getty says of Hotel Drisco.

For a more residential feel, T&C cover star Ivy Getty recommends Hotel Drisco , a 48-room, four-story boutique Edwardian-style property nestled in Pacific Heights. “I love it the most because it’s away from everything—when all you see from your hotel is downtown it can feel off-putting. And their breakfast is really good!”

If something more central is what you’re after, the Taj Campton Place is ideally situated on Union Square with luxury boutiques like Bulgari, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton in your credit card’s sightline. And with just 110 rooms, the personal attention you receive is enviable. “I get the same corner room on a high floor with a view of the square—it’s my home away from home,” says Libertine creative director and designer Johnson Hartig who jets up from Los Angeles several times a year for trunk shows. “They know me, I know them, and the three-minute walk to Neiman Marcus is heaven.” The newest of the Union Square hotels, the 418-room Beacon Grand , underwent extensive renovations and a serious interior redesign in 2022. Formerly the Sir Frances Drake Hotel, its Renaissance Revival architecture has been expertly enhanced by Kraig Kalashian’s award-winning design firm. Custom furnishings, bespoke wallpapers, restored period details, and hand-selected art and décor pay homage to the Golden Gate City’s impeccable style.

Where to Eat

Mornings are meant for pancakes—18 “world famous” Swedish pancakes to be exact—at Sears Fine Foods . Although he may deny it, Florent Bonadei, Boucheron’s visiting business development director, recently placed two orders: one to eat on the spot and another to enjoy at lunch. Directly across the street from the Beacon Grand, the 86-year-old institution is also open for lunch and dinner with a diverse menu. Rose’s Café in the city’s Cow Hollow neighborhood is a start-your-day destination serving up an array of pastries and egg dishes, including an incredible breakfast pizza with smoked ham, fontina, and eggs.

Moving from day into night, classic spots pull very few punches in the foodie mecca. Rolling a dumpling cart, however, is a different story. If you’ve never experienced Yank Sing —the third-generation family-owned dim sum destination—it might reveal a serious character flaw. The same could be said for never having the namesake roast chicken at Zuni Café which must be ordered as soon as you’re seated to accommodate the 45-minute prep time. And their burger, served at lunch on a warm focaccia bun, runs neck and neck with the one served at Balboa Café across town that comes on a baguette. Then there’s Café Jacqueline, an institution since 1979, where chef and owner Jacqueline Margulis has been making sweet and savory soufflés for diners for the past 45 years. “She’s 87-years-old and still makes them by hand, one-by-one—it’s almost indescribable,” says design impresario Ken Fulk, a frequent patron.

A single block of historic Jackson Square has become a gastronomic destination thanks to two well-established restaurants from one pioneering couple. And, although it was closed for a year-long renovation and menu update, Michael and Lindsay Tusk have finally reopened Quince . During the three Michelin-starred eatery’s full redo, its Italian sister restaurant, Cotogna , was picking up the slack while maintaining its own coveted reservation status (the pastas are world class). As Getty puts it: “It’s like Prada and Miu Miu—one’s supposed to be more casual, and they’re both incredible.” In addition to a full seasonal tasting menu rooted in contemporary California cuisine, the Tusks's revamped flagship now offers a four-course version and à la carte nibbles in a space designed by Steven Volpe and Diego Delgado-Elias.

The soufflés at Café Jacqueline are, in the words of Ken Fulk, "almost indescribable."

Thanks to several recent restaurant additions across the city, local epicureans have significantly expanded their dining radiuses. Set in the Presidio, in the corner of an old Army barrack, Dalida serves up Eastern Mediterranean fare in a picturesque setting (the thinly sliced octopus with an olive-caper dressing and pork sujuk sauce is a must). Over in Chinatown, Mister Jiu’s alums Franky Ho and Michael Long just-opened Four Kings , a Hong Kong-inspired eatery that’s living up to its hype (don’t miss out on the Mapo spaghetti). And in Nob Hill, everyone wants a slice of Collina's 48-layer “Lasagnette” stacked with a meaty Bolognese, spinach, and Parmigiano Fonduta paired, of course, with a glass of minerally Italian white or red wine.

Where to Drink

The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar , the legendary 79-year-old tiki bar originally designed by MGM set designer Mel Melvin, in the aforementioned Fairmont, is the gold standard of Polynesian-themed tiki bars. A night out in this man-made tropical paradise is a no-brainer, and the only question should be whether to order the 1944 Mai Tai or a Fog Cutter. “I have to say, we had a pretty incredible after party there one night,” recalls Hartig. As hotel bars go, Starlite , the new nightlife spot atop the Beacon Grand, has all the hallmarks of a new classic: 360-degree views of the city, Art Deco-inspired interiors, craft cocktails and a resident DJ. Another new watering hole, Bar Sprezzatura —a bar so Italian you might swear you’d stumbled in from a Venetian alleyway—is neatly tucked away on an elevated level of One Maritime Plaza in the Financial District. The cocktail menu designed by Carlo Splendorini is as splendid as his name and, according to Fulk, so is the clientele. “It’s a super fashionable crowd—heels, hair, suits. It’s super chic and packed on a Monday night.” Request the Martini di Lusso to kick things off along with a few tasty bites from chef Joseph Offner.

What to See

The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park offers some of the best curated exhibitions in town, as does its counterpart, the Legion of Honor , which celebrates its 100 th birthday this year. There’s always a case for visiting SFMOMA , and the Contemporary Jewish Museum is a sleeper hit whose towering geometric blue steel edifice beckons you in for unique shows and regular programming at the non-collecting institution. Nature lovers should absolutely explore the Presidio Tunnel Tops , the city’s newest park set across 14 acres and designed by James Corner’s Field Operations, the team behind New York City’s High Line.

Where to Shop

For the last 44 years, Modern Appealing Clothing in Hayes Valley has been the premiere boutique for avant garde designer men’s and womenswear: Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garçon, Sofie D’Hoore, and Walter Van Beirendonck to name a few. If Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo had a boho-chic cousin, it would be Vicki Winston at Neiman Marcus on Union Square. Her office (aka “Vicki’s Room”) is a stockpile of the latest designer pieces pulled for the city’s best-dressed women, by appointment, naturally. Lost Art Salon in the Mission District acquires full canons of obscure and historically significant artists and offers the career-spanning works to new audiences. Over in the Design District, the Antique & Art Exchange is a secret weapon for interior designers and aesthetes alike. “They have an incredible assortment of objects and antiques—I always end up shipping something home,” Hartig says. A stroll through the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero isn’t the tourist trap you’d think, particularly when its farmer’s market is in full swing. Across town, a two-block radius of Jackson Square is bustling with activity. From designer Thom Browne ’s latest retail outpost and Anine Bing ’s eponymous fashion house to Postscript —a specialty market and cafe—and William Stout Architectural Books , there’s plenty to peruse between reservations and cultural outings.

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A Local’s Guide to the New Hotels, Restaurants, and Cultural Events in San Francisco

Get a peek at what’s new in san francisco, from increasingly diverse restaurants to a slew of free entertainment..

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Exciting concerts are just the beginning of what’s in store for San Francisco in 2024.

Photo courtesy of Outside Lands

Those of us born and raised in San Francisco have long appreciated its colorful Victorian houses (especially the Painted Ladies ) and fresh sourdough and Dungeness crabs at Fisherman’s Wharf. Recently, though, budding neighborhoods like the waterfront’s Mission Rock and Downtown’s East Cut and new restaurants showcasing international cuisines offer more to appreciate about the city as it grows and becomes more diverse . And spring and summer transform the city’s spaces into center stages for free festivals and concerts, bringing locals and new residents together.

Here are some of the most exciting recent openings, things to do, and happenings in San Francisco in 2024.

The Jay is in San Francisco’s Jackson Square neighborhood.

Courtesy of Jay Hotel

New hotels offering a luxurious stay

Walking distance to Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf is the Jay , San Francisco’s newest luxury hotel. It opened at the end of 2023 downtown, showcasing 360 contemporary rooms as well as the Third Floor, a restaurant and lounge by award-winning Omakase Group. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and expect seasonal dishes like coconut pork belly and seared black cod with cauliflower couscous.

Union Square’s the Beacon Grand , formerly known as the historic Sir Francis Drake, reopened its doors in the spring of 2022 after a renovation and redesign of all public spaces and 418 rooms. The hotel, which first opened in 1928, kept its grand staircase, chandeliers, and marble floors in the lobby, while the rooms were refreshed with oak hardwood floors, white bathrooms with brass fixtures, and a jewel-toned color scheme. One of the buzziest additions? A completely reimagined Starlite Room —currently one of the hottest new nightlife spots downtown—on the 21st floor of the hotel.

On the Embarcadero waterfront is the 1 Hotel San Francisco . This 2022 property features redwood reclaimed from the old Bay Bridge; living walls and leafy native plants that seem to burst from every nook and cranny, and furnishings made of salvaged driftwood. This luxury property offers a wellness spa with soaking tubs on the rooftop terrace and a restaurant focused on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, like its mushroom “Caesar” salad that uses local chicories.

Aphotic, one of San Francisco’s newest restaurants, means “without light” in Greek.

Photo by John Troxwell

Plan your trip around these restaurants

One of Time ’s most influential people of 2024 , chef Dominique Crenn opened Petit Crenn in 2015 as a follow up to her three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. Petit Crenn closed in July 2020 as a result of the pandemic, but reopened in pop-up format in 2023. The restaurant will be permanently closing due to the end of a lease, so book a reservation online before it closes in September. The beloved restaurant pays homage to the cooking of her mother and grandmother, offering a primarily seafood and vegetable-centric menu.

Another must-try for lovers of seafood is one-Michelin-starred Aphotic , which opened in the spring of 2023 in the SoMa neighborhood. Aphotic focuses on traceability—everything served at the restaurant can be 100 percent traced down to the time and harvest of the seafood, according to chef and owner Peter Hemsley. The dramatic, black-walled restaurant provides a 10-course tasting menu format full of surprises, like its steamed crab head bun and signature oyster ice cream.

For a memorable tasting menu, book an online reservation at chef Mike Lanham’s Anomaly , which opened as a pop-up in 2018. Its Lower Pacific Heights site opened in January 2023, sending diners on an 11-course journey centered on modernist cuisine. Take the fennel soup with coconut lime snow that’s made with a dry ice mixture: Once the ice hits the hot soup, a thick cloud vapor travels outward, giving a phenomenal juxtaposition of temperatures when eaten. Plus, the open kitchen lets you watch the chefs put together each intricate dish.

Kiln made a splash when it opened in May 2023 with its 18–20 course tasting menu that’s inspired by French, Japanese, and Scandinavian cooking styles and purity of flavor. The seasonal menu uses techniques that chef John Wesley picked up throughout his career around the globe. With each course, diners are presented one ingredient, prepared in two or three ways. For example, its lamb course is a creamy hay custard with lamb shank and mushrooms, a celeriac cracker with lamb fat, and a croquette of lamb rib.

Another hot reservation to snag is at Four Kings, the Chinatown brick and mortar by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long (both formerly of Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s ) that opened in March 2024. Named after the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop , its modern Cantonese menu includes spaghetti infused with mapo tofu seasonings, Chinese sausage and bacon clay pot rice, and XO snails. Vintage posters of Hong Kong pop culture in the ’90s and 2000s, vinyl albums from the team’s personal collections, and a bustling open kitchen contribute to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere.

Copra , meanwhile, is an elegant restaurant—think floor-to-ceiling shelves showcasing artisanal pottery and hand-woven chandeliers—showcasing South Indian flavors through dishes like its black cod, which is encrusted in a shallot coating before being wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on cast iron.

Fusion restaurant Dalida also opened to much acclaim when it launched last summer in the Presidio area. With a menu that combines Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Latin America and California, its dishes include lamb shoulder tandoori and pork cheek souvlaki.

Outside Lands is a three-day festival in San Francisco celebrating food and music.

Courtesy of Ouside Lands

Cultural events that you can’t miss

Head to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the SoMa neighborhood to see the vibrant Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love exhibit, which features her famous immersive mirror rooms. For those who haven’t been: Get ready for kaleidoscopic colors, inflatable forms that span from floor to ceiling, and psychedelic installations. Despite the Kusama exhibit’s closure May 28, one of the infinity mirror rooms will remain open until January 2025.

Another new, popular exhibit at the SFMOMA is the Art of Noise , a multi-sensory showcase focused on the art of music and sound recording over the past century. Don’t miss out on listening experiences like the immersive audio installation by Brooklyn-based artist Devon Turnbull—his custom-built speakers are a functional sculpture that allows for extremely high-fidelity music playback.

For the fashionistas, the fine arts–centric de Young Museum’s fashion exhibition that opened in January, Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style , showcases pieces by over 50 fashion designers drawn from the Fine Art Museums’ permanent collections. It even offers a fun augmented reality experience for you to “try on” these over-the-top dresses, which include a 1955 “Soirée de Paris” dress by Yves Saint Laurent, a 1985 lamé outfit by San Francisco designer Kaisik Wong, and a 1987 velvet gown by Valentino.

Broadway hit Wicked is coming back to anchor the 2024 fall season from August 28 to October 13, 2024, at the Orpheum Theatre. It will be followed by the return of award-winning musical and national sensation, Hamilton, from November 27 to January 5, 2025.

Festivals worth braving the crowds

Of course, heavy hitters like the free Stern Grove are returning to the music festival scene. This year marks its 87th rendition, kicking off with Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara in June and including its first annual end of the season fundraiser, which will feature legendary Chaka Khan. Founded in 1938, the city’s oldest music festival hosts over 90,000 attendees each year with the mission of making live musical experiences accessible to all. Tickets are released one month before showtime, so subscribe to its newsletter to get alerts.

Outside Lands —the most well-known festival in San Francisco—is back for its 16th year this August with headliners Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, and Sturgill Simpson. Known as the world’s “only gourmet music festival,” its food and drink lineup is as newsworthy as the music. Last year, the Taste of the Bay Area showcased 96 restaurants featuring more than 700 unique menu items throughout the three-day music fest.

The city is hosting plenty of free, ongoing concert series (with many happening in Golden Gate Park), including Illuminate Live , which will feature over 100 free performances throughout the year ranging from reggae artist Irie Dole to eclectic multi-genre artist Ariel Marin Band. Another big one is SF Live —the city’s newest series that kicks off June 1. The inaugural series will offer six months of arts and culture through a variety of performances. The beloved Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is also returning at the end of the summer to the city’s biggest park.

Organized by the promoters behind Coachella and local company Non Plus Ultra, the Portola Music Festival is back for its third year this September at Pier 80 with a stacked lineup of the top DJs and music producers in the electronic music industry. Headliners include Rufus Du Sol, Justice, Disclosure, and M.I.A.for two days of this adults only (21+) music fest.

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Breaking news, luxury san francisco store may close after 166 years due to ‘litany of destructive’ policies making the city ‘unlivable’.

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The owner of a luxury San Francisco department store took out a full-page ad to bash the city’s leadership — warning that rampant homelessness and drug abuse could force it to shut up shop after 166 years.

“Gump’s has been a San Francisco icon for more than 165 years,” John Chachas wrote in his open letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

“Today, as we prepare for our 166th holiday season at 250 Post Street, we fear this may be our last because of the profound erosion of this city’s conditions.”

The letter in the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday suggested that some of the Golden City’s woes come from “advising people to abandon their offices” during the pandemic.

“Equally devastating have been a litany of destructive San Francisco strategies, including allowing the homeless to occupy our sidewalks, to openly distribute and use illegal drugs, to harass the public and to defile the city’s streets,” he said, decrying a “tyranny of the minority.”

“Such abject disregard for civilized conduct makes San Francisco unlivable for its residents, unsafe for our employees, and unwelcoming to visitors from around the world,” he wrote.

In the letter, Chachas asked the governor, mayor and city supervisors to clean city streets, remove homeless encampments, enforce city and state ordinances, and return San Francisco “to its rightful place as one of America’s shining beacons of urban society.”

“San Francisco deserves better,” he said.

Chachas told the San Francisco Standard he has received nothing but positive feedback for his sentiments.

“No one’s told me, ‘Oh my, how uncaring you are toward the homeless,'” he said. “I received multiple responses saying ‘Truth to power,’ ‘You’re saying exactly what everybody believes.’ It’s just that no one listens.”

Chachas, who acquired Gump’s following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, said he has received feedback from customers who say they are too scared to shop in San Francisco, recalling one who told him, “I love your store. I love your product. I’ll buy something online. I don’t want to step foot into that city.”

In 2022, San Francisco had more than 7,754 homeless people, approximately 4,400 of whom slept in the streets or inside a tent or vehicle, the San Francisco Chronicle reported .

Retail has also drastically gone down in San Francisco’s Union Square area since 2020, according to CNN , which reported that over 39 stores have shuttered since the pandemic.

Chachas said he hopes his ad sparks a “real conversation to change what San Francisco’s doing” and that local leaders act “like there’s something humanitarian and evolved in their permission of that kind of behavior. There’s nothing evolved.”

While the lessened foot traffic downtown due to the lack of return-to-office policies for companies in the area has hurt business, Chachas said retail has also been hurt because shoplifting is rarely prosecuted in San Francisco.

“People don’t walk into stores in Salt Lake City and steal things because they know that the police will arrest them, and the district attorney will charge them, and they will be found guilty and put in prison, so people don’t do it,” he said.

“You have to return to a set of norms and standards of conduct that are enforced and stop talking about it like there’s some special pixie dust that exists in San Francisco,” he added.

“Decide you want to enforce that, so that people can have a livable city. Some think it’s complicated. I think it’s quite straightforward.”

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San Francisco launches multimillion-dollar campaign to boost tourism

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A massive, multimillion-dollar campaign aiming to attract tourists to the city of San Francisco was launched Tuesday. The new "Always San Francisco" campaign highlights the city's most iconic sights and sounds, with a minute-long commercial already airing in New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston, and Chicago.

All of this as the city's economy struggles to rebound after the pandemic and public perception is less than favorable.

San Francisco's first-ever television commercial showcases the city by the bay in a brighter light. The San Francisco Travel Association campaign comes equipped with a TV ad, online material and more

"The ad was actually pretty good," Chicago resident and tourist Agnes Yu-Suaso watched it and said she's excited for a future return trip.

MORE: New walking challenge takes on San Francisco's hills one stairway at a time

"There was a lot of things they talk a little bit about, so you have an idea of how things- like, oh, okay, maybe I should come here and check it out too," she told ABC7 News.

The new commercial features the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, Lombard Street and more. Also on full display is the diversity of various neighborhoods.

Prospective visitors can browse and learn more about what didn't make the minute-long ad, at their leisure, online.

And for those who live here, SF Travel Association's executive VP and chief marketing officer Lynn Bruni-Perkins said, "I hope it evokes some civic pride. I mean, we have a lot to be proud of. This is the city who has been through a lot in the last few years and we always, you know, the Phoenix Rising is on our flag."

San Francisco's tourism industry has been struggling to bounce back since the pandemic. That issue, compounded by the known negative public perception surrounding crime, homelessness and drug use in the city has made that a tough task.

MORE: SF's 'dirty streets' hurting international tourism as conventions struggle to come back

"The idea of trying to put together an ad campaign that's featuring the great stuff, without addressing the reality of the city... my guess is it's not gonna work right now," San Jose State Associate Professor of Public Relations Dr. Matt Cabot said, as the rhetoric has to match the reality.

"It would be better if they actually address their issues and then do a campaign like this to say, 'Listen, we fixed these issues. Now it's time to come back,'" he said.

Still, the $6 million campaign looks to sell the experience of what is being called the "most fascinating 49 square miles on the planet."

Bruni-Perkins explained, "San Francisco still is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a lot to offer visitors. And we really wanted to challenge that negative narrative with this campaign."

To view the campaign and commercial, click here .

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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S.F. Civic Center Plaza concert elicits raves, some boos from nearby businesses

Saturday night's concert and rave at Civic Center Plaza that featured Fred Again and Skrillex drew 25,000 attendees which meant many but not all nearby businesses got a big boost.

Fast spread of Corral Fire surprised emergency crews

By the time the Corral Fire was contained Sunday, it had burned 14,000 acres to become the state's largest wildland fire of the year.

7-Eleven closes 2 Oakland stores as smash-and-grab attacks continue

7-Eleven shuttered two Oakland stores on April 30 because of ongoing area crime, according to a source close to the company.

3 households displaced in east San Jose fires Sunday evening

People from three separate residences were displaced Sunday evening in San Jose after fires ripped through their homes.

Corral Fire 50% contained; evacuations lifted after 14,168 acres burned

Firefighters gained ground Sunday on the Corral Fire which scorched thousands of acres and burned down a home and forced residents to flee an area near Tracy.

Streaking Yankees rally past Giants in ninth inning

Juan Soto homered twice, including a go-ahead drive in a four-run ninth to lift the Yankees past the Giants 7-5 on Sunday.

2nd annual Chow Fun dining promotion wraps up successful weekend in S.F.

The second annual "Chow Fun" event in San Francisco came to a close this weekend and organizers say this year's dine-around was a great success.

Win Family 4-Pack of tickets to the Oakland Ballers v. N. Colorado Owlz game on June 28

Enter for your chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to the Oakland Ballers game on Friday, June 28th, vs. the Northern Colorado Owlz.

Braves shut down A's on Murphy's bloop double to take series

Sean Murphy drove in the go-ahead run with a double in the seventh inning and the Braves held the A's to two hits in a 3-1 win Sunday.

CBS News California Investigates

Lawmakers demanding answers about Caltrans denied damage claims

In response to a CBS News California Investigation, California lawmakers are demanding answers from Caltrans and considering legislation to fix Caltrans' damage claim process.

Pothole damage claims on California freeways triple

A CBS News California investigation finds Caltrans only approved 1 out of every 25 damage claims from potholes and debris in the first half of 2023.

California freeways with the most damage claims

Caltrans is denying more freeway damage claims, approving fewer than 10% over the last five and a half years. How many have they approved in your county and which highways are the worst?

San Francisco art gallery focusing on emerging artists celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

Cecilia Chia never dreamed of the platform she would build for emerging artists in the Bay Area when she created Glass Rice in her hometown.

Watch: "Roots & Resilience: An AAPI Celebration"

Throughout AAPI Heritage Month in May, CBS News Bay Area has been featuring stories highlighting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in and around San Francisco.

With grandson at the helm, famed bakery in SF Japantown celebrates 50 years

A Japanese-American bakery in San Francisco and its famous coffee crunch cake turn 50 years old this year. The man now running the bakery in the city's Japantown seeks to continue his grandfather's legacy.

Community comes together to revitalize Japantown language school

Kinmon Gakuen in San Francisco's Japantown is poised to undergo a major facelift after community leaders spearheaded a fundraising effort.

Japanese taiko drumming provides cultural connection for SJ percussion troupe

An ancient Japanese art form that connects people to their heritage with each pounding beat, taiko drumming was recently on full display at the 46th annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival​ in San Jose's Japantown​.

Project Earth

Pacifica students tackle climate change lesson with community garden

Bay Area high school students are taking leadership roles in addressing climate change and cultivating a better future, thanks to a one-of-a-kind program in California.

Bay Area researchers test how human hair can improve soil

Researchers at UC Berkeley and ecologists at the Presidio in San Francisco are digging into the question: can human hair supercharge the soil on our farms and fields and help us fight the impacts of climate change?

How human hair can help tackle challenges associated with climate change

Scientists are saying human hair could be the biggest sustainable textile on the planet that can be used to address some major issues linked to climate change.

San Jose enlisting the help of its residents to improve recycling rates

Most recyclables are ending up in landfills but one Bay Area city is hoping to remedy that situation with the help of its community.

Research scientists track valuable bats to help protect them as climate warms

Some people think they're spooky and sinister, but bats play a critical role in maintaining California's ecosystem as well as the state's valuable agriculture industry. Now climate change is threatening their populations.

Aaron Judge hits 21st home run to lead the Yankees past the Giants 7-3

Aaron Judge homered for the third time in two games in San Francisco and the New York Yankees beat the Giants 7-3.

Community unites to welcome Oakland Ballers to renovated Raimondi Park

On Saturday, workers and volunteers were putting the finishing touches on a ballpark that many hope will give new life to the city.

Andujar and Rooker lead Oakland outburst as A's beat scuffling Braves

The A's snapped Chris Sale's seven-start winning streak with an 11-9 victory over the Braves on Saturday.

Trump's guilty verdict: A stress test for democracy

Being found guilty of 34 felony counts would normally mark the end of someone's political prospects. But this week's conviction is not stopping Trump (who has built his career, and brand, on grievances) from running for another term in the White House.

Views of Trump trial unchanged following verdict — CBS News poll

Half the country says Trump is not fit to be president; Republicans call the trial unfair, according to CBS News poll.

Muted frenzy in the courtroom when Trump verdict came in

As the verdict was read, former President Donald Trump's eyes appeared to close, and his head shook slightly, lips pursed and eyes downcast.

Trump says "we're going to fight" in remarks a day after his conviction

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts in a case stemming from a "hush money" payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Marin encampment residents could lose property in cleanup efforts

Marin County was given the greenlight on Thursday by a federal judge to keep managing an encampment of recreational vehicles along Binford Road by removing residents' personal property for storage or disposal.

First Alert Weather

First Alert Weather Sunday night forecast 6-2-24

Here comes the heat, says Brian Hackney.

Heat advisory issued for parts of the Bay Area starting Tuesday

Part of the Bay Area will have a heat advisory in effect this week as a high-pressure system moves into the region from the Pacific.

First Alert Weather Sunday morning forecast 6-2-24

with Paul Heggen.

First Alert Weather Saturday night forecast 6-1-24

This weekend cooldown won't last very long, at least it won't outside the immediate coast. Brian Hackney has the First Alert forecast.

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Latest Videos

Civic Center Plaza concert elicits raves, some boos from nearby businesses

Saturday night's concert and rave at Civic Center Plaza that featured Fred Again and Skrillex drew 25,000 attendees which meant many but not all nearby businesses got a big boost. Kevin Ko reports (6-2-24)

3 households displaced after fire burns multiple homes in San Jose

People from three separate residences were displaced Sunday evening in San Jose after fires ripped through their homes. (6-2-24)

Renovation of ballpark for Oakland Ballers brings hope for rejuvenation to neighborhood

As the Oakland Ballers get set to play their first game at newly restored Raimondi Park, local residents look toward a future brightened by baseball. Amanda Hari reports. (6-2-24)

PIX Now Evening Edition 6-2-24

CBS News Bay Area evening edition headlines for Sunday June 2, 2024. Watch full newscasts streamed at the CBS SF website or on the app. Website: http://kpix.com

Multiple homes burn simultaneously in east San Jose Sunday evening

Firefighters battled several house fires that burned in a two-block area of east San Jose Sunday evening. (6-2-24)

CBS News Bay Area Interviews

UC Law SF professor discusses Trump verdict

The Trump conviction will have major implications for the former president and the country, says UC Law San Francisco professor Rory Little. (5-30-24)

Nightmares and chronic illness: Researchers look at potential link

A new study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine looks at how the frequency and intensity of nightmares and 'daymares' could be linked to lupus or other autoimmune diseases. CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto asks Dr. Rafael Pelayo from Stanford's Sleep Disorders Clinic about how certain chronic conditions could trigger more vivid and frequent nightmares

Drowning deaths on the rise post-pandemic

The CDC released a new report on the increase of drowning deaths after the COVID-19 pandemic. With summer right around the corner, CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto spoke to Dr. Ryan Ribeira from Stanford Health Care about what's driving the increase, and ways to protect you and your family.

Stanford treats first U.S. cancer patient using breakthrough treatment for melanoma

The Food and Drug Administration approved a cell-based therapy for patients who have tried immunotherapy and have no other viable options. Stanford treated the first patient in the country using that therapy. CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto asks Dr. Allison Betof Warner from Stanford Health Care how the treatment works, and why it's considered such a breakthrough

In Focus: Lung cancer in Asian American women

Elizabeth Cook spoke with Dr. Heather Wakelee with Stanford thoracic oncology about a study showing most Asian American women with lung cancer have never smoked. (5-10-24)

Stanford doctor discusses avian flu outbreaks

The FDA announced that traces of the bird flu are showing in samples of grocery store milk. Tests by the FDA show that pasteurization does work to kill off bird flu in milk, but retail sales of raw milk are legal in California. CBS News Bay Area anchor Nicole Zaloumis asks Dr. Abraar Karan from Stanford Health Care if we should stay away from consumption of raw milk, and if the virus is evolving to infect other animals and potentially people

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Sf & peninsula news.

BART service suspended between 24th Street and Daly City for maintenance

BART train service between the 24th Street Mission and Daly City stations is suspended this weekend while crews make trackway improvements and clear nearby vegetation.

Six charged in San Francisco drug store theft

Six people were charged Friday in connection with an organized retail theft of a CVS store in San Francisco.

Paul Pelosi testifies in state trial of David DePape

Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul Pelosi took the stand on day three of David DePape's state trial on attempted murder charges.

East Bay News

Walnut Creek police arrest man suspected in early morning crash that injured 2

A man was arrested Sunday in the wake of a crash early Sunday morning in Walnut Creek that sent two people to the hospital, police said.

South Bay News

Pro-Palestinian protesters at UC Santa Cruz forcibly removed from encampment

Pro-Palestinian protesters who created an encampment and blocked entrances to University of California, Santa Cruz campus buildings were forcibly removed Friday morning and many arrested, a university spokesperson said.

Professor sentenced to over 5 years in prison for 2021 arson spree near Dixie Fire

A former college professor from San Jose has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for intentionally lighting fires as crews battled the destructive Dixie Fire that tore through five counties in Northern California in 2021.

Cousins found guilty of murder of mistaken identity shooting of young couple in Salinas

Two cousins were found guilty of shooting, by mistake, a young couple to death in Salinas in 2022, according to Monterey County prosecutors.

North Bay News

Santa Rosa police uncover 3D gun printing operation during identity theft investigation

A search for evidence of identity theft fraud turned up parts to firearms and equipment to manufacture firearms with a 3D printer, Santa Rosa police said Saturday.

Fertilizer spill closes road between Angwin and Pope Valley

Hazmat crews responded Thursday evening after an overturned trailer dumped 800 gallons of liquid fertilizer onto a rural road in Napa County.

Santa Rosa police identify woman found wandering disoriented; relatives notified

An elderly woman who was found disoriented and wandering in Santa Rosa on Thursday afternoon has been identified, police said.

Bay Area Bridge Builders

"Festa Italiana" street fair strengthening community, family ties in SF's North Beach

Festa Italiana returns to San Francisco's North Beach this weekend celebrating the neighborhood and preserving the heritage of the community with food, music, shopping, and live entertainment.

Bay Area family business hopes to headline its Argentinian empanadas at La Onda Music Festival

A family business has brought the cuisine of Argentina to customers around the Bay Area for more than a decade and they are still eager to get more opportunities to share their food.

El Camino Real in Palo Alto to get designated bike lanes to increase safety

Efforts are underway to make El Camino Real in Palo Alto safer for cyclists, but there is some backlash as it could come at the cost of businesses in the area.

Marin County woman helps young adults who age out of foster care by decorating homes

Being in the foster care system can be tough for children, and it often doesn't become easier once they age out. But there are people trying to help them succeed.

Bay Area Host Committee CEO helping women become leaders in sports business

When she is not busy parenting, she is preparing for the World Cup, Super Bowl and NBA All Star game, along with mentoring young women in the sports business.

Latest Stories

About 1 in 3 Americans have lost someone to a drug overdose, new study finds

Almost one in five survey responders had lost a family member or close friend to a drug overdose, researchers found.

UC Davis Health one of first in U.S. to offer this cutting-edge tech for knee pain

The Misha knee system is an implantable tool that is a shock absorber for the knee.

Children at San Bruno school sickened after accidental release of pepper spray, tear gas at nearby jail

A release of tear gas and pepper spray during a training exercise at the San Francisco County Jail in San Bruno on Tuesday led to students at a nearby elementary school to become sick, officials said.

California bill targeting social media addiction in teens passes State Senate

In a bipartisan vote, the California State Senate approved a bill from a Bay Area lawmaker aimed at targeting social media addiction among children and teens.

Panera's Charged Lemonade cited in lawsuit over teen's cardiac arrest

Panera faces another lawsuit over a highly caffeinated beverage that the restaurant chain said it would phase out.

Bay Area Crime

Uc berkeley police car set on fire by unknown man who was on campus.

A man wearing dark clothing allegedly set a University of California police vehicle on fire on the UC Berkeley campus Saturday morning just after 5 a.m.

Our Stories Define Us

Oakland Unified copes with shocking rise in district's homeless student population

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Unified School District has seen an alarming spike in the number of unhoused students in the school system who deal with a host of challenges far beyond what most children face.

• Nov 28, 2023

VR 360 View: Meteorologist Jessica Burch takes flight with the Blue Angels

Meteorologist and CBS News Bay Area's resident pilot Lt. Jessica Burch got a treat during Fleet Week, taking to the skies with one of the Blue Angels.

• Oct 13, 2023

VR 360 View: Devastating wildfire compels family to adopt a new lifestyle among the Redwoods

A Bay Area man discovered his devastating loss left him with a new opportunity to rethink how he lives -- follow his journey in virtual reality, 360-degree video.

• Mar 8, 2023

Study: Colorectal cancer patients could skip harsh radiation therapy

A groundbreaking medical study involving the UCSF Medical Center has shown some colorectal cancer patients can safely skip radiation treatment and enjoy a potentially higher quality of life.

• Aug 18, 2023

VR 360 View: The high-stakes world of San Francisco's bar pilots

Every day, San Francisco bar pilot Captain Zach Kellerman goes through what might just be the world's most dangerous commute.

• May 24, 2023

Pride Month is showing its colors worldwide as it kicks off today

The annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture begins Saturday against a complicated backdrop.

Proposed gender notification policy for schools fails to qualify for California ballot

A proposed measure in California that would have required schools in California to notify parents if their child asks to change their gender identification at school has failed to qualify for the November ballot.

Worldwide alert warns of violence against LGBTQ community

While the State Department bulletin is meant for overseas travel, there is concern of a domestic threat from ISIS, two sources told CBS News.

Bay Area political leaders Hope Wood, Peggy Moore killed in SoCal crash

Two prominent Bay Area political figures died Friday night when the pickup they were in collided with a car in rural San Diego County.

California sues Rocklin Unified School District over "discriminatory" gender notification policy

A Northern California school district is being sued by the state over allegations the district failed to carry out corrective actions in a controversial gender notification policy adopted last summer.

Latest Galleries

Aurora borealis seen from Marin County

The northern lights were visible in the Bay Area thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm.

Photos: Funk-metal super group Infectious Grooves headlines rare Bay Area show

Long-dormant Suicidal Tendencies side project Infectious Grooves featuring current Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo played a ferocious set for fans at the UC Theatre in Berkeley Saturday.

Photos: Green Day headlines San Francisco's famed Fillmore for global climate concert

Bay Area pop-punk heroes Green Day played an intimate show at the Fillmore in San Francisco Tuesday for a UN-backed global climate concert.

Photos: Bruce Springsteen delivers marathon set for packed Chase Center in San Francisco

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played the first of two long-delayed, sold-out concerts at San Francisco's Chase Center Thursday, delivering an epic 29-song set.

Photos: Soul band the Black Pumas headline sold-out show at Fox Theater

Austin-bred band the Black Pumas brought their mix of soul, jazz funk and simmering R&B to the Fox Theatre in Oakland for a packed, sold-out show on Feb. 8.

Mill Valley resident brings people together through his heartfelt art projects

A Mill Valley man known for his public art projects that bring his neighbors together is being honored for providing gifts to his community.

San Francisco maker nonprofit Humanmade working to bounce back from fire

A first-of-its-kind San Francisco program that trains the next generation of makers is closed temporarily because of a fire, but Its founder is working to safely reopen as soon as possible.

Teaching about ocean history, preservation a decades-long mission for Pacifica educator

A Pacifica woman is being recognized for leading an annual ocean education program at a coastal school for over 30 years.

Japantown rebounds with help from San Francisco native's community district

A San Francisco native is helping keep alive the city's historic Japantown, one of only three left in the U.S.

Students Rising Above

Students Rising Above scholar recalls growing up with undocumented immigrant parents

It's hard enough to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the country when you're the first in your family to go to college. Imagine doing that while you're also trying to protect your parents from being deported?

Hard-working student shoulders a load working while attending Ivy League college

Some students who are the first in their families to go to college face the challenge of balancing a rigorous academic load while still working to help support their family back home.

College student gives back to program that changed his life

A onetime pupil has now become a student advisor, giving back after years of mentorship led him to success.

• Dec 1, 2023

San Rafael student sees the world, but remembers his roots

Police departments all over the country are having a hard time finding new officers, but one Bay Area student is criss-crossing the world while preparing for a career in law enforcement here at home.

• Nov 3, 2023

Santa Rosa college graduate multi-tasking her way to a master's degree, law school

When most people graduate from college, they tend to focus on one job. But this month's Students Rising Above scholar is currently juggling multiple workplace assignments.

• Oct 5, 2023