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Ten Must-Stop Shops to Explore in San Francisco

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As vacation season approaches, we'll be rolling out guides to the best shopping in ten Racked cities. Up next: Racked San Francisco's can't-miss stores.


Photo by Aubrie Pick

San Francisco is known for its hills, and they're worth climbing for the great shopping there is to be found. From Temescal Alley in Oakland to the Mollusk Surf Shop in the Outer Sunset, the Bay Area is home to some of the most unique shopping experiences in the world. Sure, we've got a new Valentino, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and lots more luxury boutiques. But you can find those in lots of cities. We've curated a list that will give travelers a taste of the real San Francisco. From goat hammers to surf boards, there's something for everyone.



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Esqueleto

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No shopping trip to the Bay Area would be complete without a stop at Temescal Alley in Oakland. At Esqueleto, Bay Area jewelry designer Lauren Wolf has created a magical jewelry store that evokes a museum feel. But go on in and touch and buy stuff—the staff is super friendly and helpful.

La Boutique

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Jackson Square is possibly the quaintest neighborhood in SF. And La Boutique carries Freda Salvador shoes, Shourouk jewelry and lots of hard-to-find European brands.

Freda Salvador

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Shoe designers Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo-Nelson opened their footwear studio and showroom last year. For expertly-crafted shoes that will have everyone asking where you got 'em, you can't go wrong here.

UNIQLO (ユニクロ)

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Since the Bay Area has the first-ever West Coast Uniqlo stores, you gotta go while you're here. It's also your chance for a quick trip around our super posh Union Square.

Reliquary

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Masterfully curated clothing, folk art, vintage jewelry, and accessories in one of SF's best shopping and eating neighborhoods.

Rare Device

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The neighborhood known as Nopa is blowing up, and this is a must-stop shop for handmade, well-designed, useful, beautiful clothing, kid and home stuff.

Fiat Lux

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Teeny tiny, highly curated, and on your way to the Castro which is a must-visit on any San Francisco trip.

Viracocha

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This unique shop for vintage, repurposed and re-imagined clothing and stuff for the home. If you're lucky you can catch a show at the secret speakeasy downstairs.

mira mira

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The Mission's Valencia Street is a can't-miss shopping destination, and just steps away on 22nd you'll find Mira Pickett's amazing collection of little-known (likely soon to explode) brands.

Mollusk Surf Shop

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Whether or not you're a surfer, this Outer Sunset surf shop slash art gallery has something for everyone, from surf boards and skateboards to super cute sweats, bikinis, plus adorable swimsuits and clothing for kids.

Esqueleto

No shopping trip to the Bay Area would be complete without a stop at Temescal Alley in Oakland. At Esqueleto, Bay Area jewelry designer Lauren Wolf has created a magical jewelry store that evokes a museum feel. But go on in and touch and buy stuff—the staff is super friendly and helpful.

La Boutique

Jackson Square is possibly the quaintest neighborhood in SF. And La Boutique carries Freda Salvador shoes, Shourouk jewelry and lots of hard-to-find European brands.

Freda Salvador

Shoe designers Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo-Nelson opened their footwear studio and showroom last year. For expertly-crafted shoes that will have everyone asking where you got 'em, you can't go wrong here.

UNIQLO (ユニクロ)

Since the Bay Area has the first-ever West Coast Uniqlo stores, you gotta go while you're here. It's also your chance for a quick trip around our super posh Union Square.

Reliquary

Masterfully curated clothing, folk art, vintage jewelry, and accessories in one of SF's best shopping and eating neighborhoods.

Rare Device

The neighborhood known as Nopa is blowing up, and this is a must-stop shop for handmade, well-designed, useful, beautiful clothing, kid and home stuff.

Fiat Lux

Teeny tiny, highly curated, and on your way to the Castro which is a must-visit on any San Francisco trip.

Viracocha

This unique shop for vintage, repurposed and re-imagined clothing and stuff for the home. If you're lucky you can catch a show at the secret speakeasy downstairs.

mira mira

The Mission's Valencia Street is a can't-miss shopping destination, and just steps away on 22nd you'll find Mira Pickett's amazing collection of little-known (likely soon to explode) brands.

Mollusk Surf Shop

Whether or not you're a surfer, this Outer Sunset surf shop slash art gallery has something for everyone, from surf boards and skateboards to super cute sweats, bikinis, plus adorable swimsuits and clothing for kids.