San Francisco: A Paradise for Shopping and Strolling

This month much of the country is returning from summer travels, which makes me realize while I love to travel, staying home can be just as much fun. With this in mind, I’d like to share some of my favorite spots to shop and dine in my home city, San Francisco.

Shopping can be serious business. Fortunately there are plenty of spots to relax and unwind in San Francisco.
Shopping can be serious business. Fortunately there are plenty of spots to relax and unwind in San Francisco.

Start the perfect San Francisco day with a walk down Hayes Street, beginning at Franklin, then heading west. Don’t miss the wonderful boutiques and shops in the area, including some intriguing home décor shops as well as great restaurants and coffee shops. Highlights include:

  • PLANTATION – Distinctive home décor, including numerous accessories and tabletop accessories. 336 Hayes (415) 565-0888.
  • THE PAINTERS PLACE – Finely crafted custom framing – offering both classic and modern designs. 371 Hayes Street (415) 431-9827.
  • PROPELLER – A fabulous array of modern furnishings and hand built accessories for the home. 555 Hayes Street (415) 701-7767.

After touring the many shops on both sides of the street, unwind with an espresso, a special treat or brunch at:

  • LA BOULANGE – Famed French-style bakery and café. 500 Hayes Street (415) 863-3376.
  • STACKS – Fresh, simple and delicious American classics. 501 Hayes Street (415) 241-9011.
  • MIETTE – Fine cookies and other sweet confections. 449 Octavia Street (415) 626-6221.

Stacks logo

Another favorite place of mine to stroll and shop is a small shopping district San Franciscans refer to as “Sacramento Street.” Located at the base of Pacific Heights, this area is a bit more upscale than Hayes Street. Here you’ll find:

  • SUE FISHER KING – A sumptuous store filled with rich textures and colors as well as the very finest in home furnishings. 3067 Sacramento Street (415) 922-7276.
  • ANTHEM – One of a kind antiques, as well as eye-catching furniture, lighting solutions and tabletop accessories. 3274 San Francisco Street (415) 440-6500.
  • POETICA ART & ANTIQUES – Rare antiques, accessories and vintage furniture. 3461 Sacramento Street (415) 637-5837.
  • THE DESK SET – A full-service fine stationery and custom invitation boutique. 3252 Sacramento Street (415) 921-9575
  • HENRY BENGUELIN – Handcrafted fine leather. 3091 Sacramento Street (415) 292-7559.

For a late lunch or dinner, I recommend GARIBALDIS – the quintessential neighborhood spot. 347 Presidio Avenue  (415) 563-8841.

No matter what part of the city you frequent – from the upscale stores at Union Square or San Francisco Street to the thrift stores in the Mission District – San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise.

San Francisco is a great place to shop for home décor items.
San Francisco is a great place to shop for home décor items.

Each neighborhood has its own unique flavor – and treasures – so the next time you are in the city, do some serious exploring. And please stop by our design studio at 155 Connecticut Street and pay us a visit. We’re quite sure it will become one of your San Francisco favorites.