Shopping in San Francisco , California

San Francisco shopping can involve a lot of different experiences, and as is true of the nightlife, the shopping scene varies depending on which district you're in. In the Haight Ashbury district, for example, the shops are eclectic have a decidedly bohemian appeal, which lends to the district's bohemian nature. Tantalizing boutiques can be found throughout San Francisco, and shopper's can also satisfy the shopping bug at a few different department stores. Since tourism is a major industry in this beautiful northern California city, shopping for souvenirs is just one more option.

When searching for a good San Francisco shopping center to hang out at for a while, both Ghirardelli Square and the Ferry Building deserve a look. Ghirardelli Square grew out of a chocolate factory, which was founded in 1852. In addition to a handful of upscale shops, Ghirardelli Square also boasts the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, which is one of the best places to get some chocolate in the entire city. The Ferry Building can be found relatively close to Ghirardelli Square off the Embarcadero. In addition to being a transportation hub, the Ferry Building also features some excellent gourmet food shops. A trip to the Ferry Building San Francisco shopping center is highly recommended, as the shops offer up some of the tastiest treats you'll find anywhere.

Across the street from Ghirardelli Square is Fisherman's Wharf, which is a touristy, waterfront district that is home to a bunch of shops. Those who do some San Francisco shopping at Fisherman's Wharf can stock up on souvenirs, and there are also candy shops that can satisfy a sweet tooth. Visitors to Fisherman's Wharf can stop by one of the food stations to pick up some clam chowder, a perfect complement to a San Francisco vacation. This savory stew is most often served in a sourdough bread bowl, and many visitors choose to enjoy it while taking in the views of San Francisco Bay. When shoppers aren't getting their fill at places like Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf, they can head south to Union Square, which is one of the top shopping destinations in town.

Union Square is the most popular San Francisco shopping center, and many of the best shops in this area are bordered by Montgomery, Taylor, Market, and Bush streets. In addition to a number of upscale specialty shops, Union Square is also home to most of the city's larger department stores, including Macy's. There are lots of good hotels in and around Union Square, and they figure among some of the most popular hotels in the city. Some of the city's other top hotels can be found in the SoMa district, which is also home to some shops. For those who are interested in San Francisco outlet shopping, the stores that are housed in former warehouses in SoMa are excellent discount shopping centers.

SoMa and Union Square are in relatively close proximity to one another, and the exciting Chinatown neighborhood isn't very far off to the north. Pairing some Chinatown shopping with some SoMa and Union Square shopping can make an excellent day, or days for that matter. Chinatown is one of the most interesting districts in San Francisco, and it is home to scores of tourist shops. While it can be fun to visit these shops, the real joy when it comes to shopping in Chinatown is hitting the Chinese shops that sell items such as jewelry, herbs, and art. It's also fun to check out the grocery scene in Chinatown.

San Francisco shopping offers more in the way of variety than some visitors will know what to do with. From the upscale shops and charming boutiques to the cheap tourist shops and the discount warehouses, finding some interesting things to buy won't be hard. In addition to visiting the warehouses in SoMa, those who are interested in San Francisco outlet shopping can also plan side trips to the outlet malls that can be found in the area. These area outlet malls are within a hour or two hour's drive of the city, and they can make excellent destinations when getting a good deal is the aim. Perhaps a visit to the liberal college town of Berkeley will be in order. The Ross store in Berkeley can satisfy those who are interested in San Francisco outlet shopping. The Ross brand of discount stores enjoys a major presence in California, and these stores can be excellent places to get deals on anything from clothes to home decorations.

Shopping in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs shopping is a favorite pastime for many vacationers. Designer boutiques, funky artists' shops, and outlets are sprinkled throughout the main city and surrounding communities. Some people plan entire vacations around outlet shopping in Palm Springs, while others include a luxury retailer or two while they're soaking in the sun and scene of this chic destination. Either way, this desert retreat has plenty of shopping for all.

The Desert Hills Premium Outlets and the Cabazon Outlets are your two options when looking for outlet shopping in Palm Springs. Name brands and bargains are both in plentiful supply at these two Palm Springs shopping options. Desert Hills features 130 outlets, with such luxury brands as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent. You'll find plenty of chic luxury merchandise with style without the luxury price tag. The Cabazon Outlets also specialize in top names at great prices, including Adidas, Reebok, and Crate & Barrel.

For even more savings, you could sign up for VIP rewards at either one (or both) of the outlet centers or visit during one of the sale events. These choices for outlet shopping in Palm Springs are just twenty miles away from the hotels of Palm Springs and an hour from Los Angeles. Bargains also can be found among the independent shops and boutiques sprinkled throughout town.

At the other end of spectrum, you'll find many choices for Palm Springs luxury shopping, especially along El Paseo Drive. As known as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, this shopping promenade is home to some of the hottest designers and luxury brands around. Nestled among the flowers and statues are boutiques, designer stores, and boutiques not found elsewhere. You'll also find salons and spas along El Paseo Drive where you can take a break from all of the shopping. El Paseo is also the location of several art galleries worth some of your time.

Palm Canyon Drive, in the heart of downtown, is another option for Palm Springs luxury shopping. Strolling down the avenue, which is fittingly lined by majestic palms, will give you access to some 500 world-class shops and restaurants. Also known for its clubs and the nightlife, downtown Palm Springs is one of the best places to see and be seen. During the day, you can shop for jewelry, relax with a cup of coffee, or visit one of the museums.

On the south end of Palm Canyon Drive, a visit to Ruddy's General Store Museum will show you what the Palm Springs shopping scene was like in the 1930s and 40s. As you step into the little outpost, you'll see authentic fixtures and items for sale during the time Hollywood starlets and movie stars were discovering this town. The signs and products of yesteryear may bring back memories or showcase what the world was like just before World War II for those who weren't there.

Beyond the shopping districts, many of the resorts provide a home for upscale shops and boutiques. Just steps from the guestrooms and pools, these shops may be small in space but big in style. The concierge usually knows the best shops in town and can make suggestions for Palm Springs luxury shopping that out-of-town visitors may not know about yet.

Shopping in Napa Valley, California

While most people plan their Napa vacation around visiting wineries and dining at the excellent Napa restaurants, there will always be a little bit of downtime for other activities, and Napa shopping is a great option for filling the hours in between other attractions. While Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga are all small towns, they do offer a number of quality Napa Valley shops to provide a little retail therapy.

One of the great Napa shopping options is the V Marketplace. Located in Yountville on the 23-acre Vintage Estate, V Marketplace offers over 30,000 square feet of retail space. The historic market was once known as Vintage 1870; it now features a variety of specialty shops, art galleries, and eateries, and also host events and entertainment. There are also several dining options at the marketplace. The Pacific Blues Cafe provides American comfort food, Bottega offers Italian cuisine, and the traditional Cups and Cones offers old-fashioned candies, organic coffee, ice cream, and other treats. The V wine cellar offers diverse wines, including both California and international wines, as well as library wines. V Marketplace is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, making it easy to fit a visit into your itinerary.

For foodies visiting Napa Valley, one of the great ways to combine Napa shopping with food explorations is with a visit to the downtown Napa farmers market. Held Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the market offers everything from fresh produce to locally made preserves and baked good. Also on offer are olive oils, chocolates, tea, and flowers. This kind of Napa shopping is a great way to support local businesses and to learn about local products. Just be sure to arrive early in the day—the market wraps up by lunchtime. Napa shopping for food and wine can also be done at various wineries, many of which have stores onsite.

Downtown Napa is also a great place for shopping, with a number of boutiques. If you're staying in the downtown area, take a stroll by with your morning coffee to check out the wares. In addition, there are also some great Napa Valley shops in Calistoga, a nearby small town that is renowned for its spas. In between treatments, you can get in a little Calistoga shopping by simply strolling the few blocks of Lincoln Avenue, the town's main street. From pottery and jewelry to clothing, stationery, and gifts, Calistoga shopping offers a good variety given the size of the town. There are also bookstores and wine stores, along with a few unique art galleries. Since all the shops are in close proximity, it's easy to take in a lot of Calistoga shopping at one. Afterward, you can easily recharge at some of the downtown restaurants.

Napa Valley shops do well in presenting visitors with several different options. Whether you visit the V Marketplace in Yountville, the farmers market in downtown Napa, or the shops along Calistoga's main street, you are sure to find some unique keepsakes to remind you of your Napa vacation.

San Diego Shopping

The available San Diego shopping is as varied as it is in any large city in the United States, but there are some things to look for if you are a visitor. The city has a number of world-class museums, and shopping in San Diego at the museum stores can give you equally intriguing souvenirs of your visit. You can purchase fine art prints of the treasures you saw at the Museum of Art; at the Maritime Museum, you can buy a model of the very ship you went sailing on that same afternoon. The Californian is an authentic tall ship built in 1994, and the H.M.S. Surprise is a replica of an eighteenth-century Royal Navy frigate. Both are available for weddings, banquets, and other special events, making the model a perfect souvenir of your experience.

Other stores in San Diego museums for great souvenirs and gifts include the Natural History Museum with wonderful artifacts from around the world. The Museum of Art and Natural History Museum are both located in Balboa Park, as is the Museum of Man.

There is other San Diego shopping in large Balboa Park that is the center of the city. The Spanish Village Art Center is an open-air mart with more than 50 booths and stalls exhibiting the works of local artists and craftspeople, and the Old Globe offers theater-related memorabilia from the esteemed regional theater. There is even great shopping in San Diego at the famed San Diego Zoo, which has stores and shops selling zoo-related t-shirts, stuffed animals, educational toys, and home accessories.

Some great boutiques, galleries, and stores in San Diego are also found in the popular historic Gaslamp Quarter, which also has the very best nightlife in the city. There are numerous trendy cafés and dining spots here as well, so you can get in your sightseeing tours, San Diego shopping, and dining all in the same concentrated downtown location. Here you can find stores in San Diego selling clothing and shoes, original art works, handcrafted jewelry, books, and even pets.

Some more unusual shopping in San Diego is available in ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Italy, which has many festivals throughout the year that bring local merchants out onto the streets. Here you can try the Kettner Art & Design District for art galleries and home furnishings. Also, do not overlook the colorful farmers markets held in communities all over the city. The one in Little Italy is especially large and bustling.

Malls in San Diego and throughout California provide some of the best shopping for residents and visitors alike. You will find several conventional malls, as well as highly sought after outlet malls. The town of Carlsbad, in particular, is known for its group of more than 90 outlet stores boasting national and international brand names. Fashion Valley in Linda Vista, just south of La Jolla, is one of the best malls in the city and is the only one with a Bloomingdales anchor store. La Jolla, in fact, is the best place to go if you are looking for chic designer boutiques, as it is the most affluent area in the city.

Los Angeles Shopping

The Los Angeles shopping that is available in the city is as varied as its rich ethnic heritage, and some of the best places to shop In LA can be found in some of the many ethnic neighborhoods. These are also great places for dining on ethnic specialties, for attending special events and holidays, and for visiting some of the city's attractions and landmarks. Many of these neighborhoods represent the largest population outside of their country of origin - largest concentration of Mexicans outside of Mexico, largest concentration of Koreans outside of Korea, and so on. The shops in LA's Chinatown, Little Ethiopia, Little Korea, and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic District will net you some truly fascinating souvenirs. Other stores in Los Angeles that offer more traditional souvenirs can be found in Venice and Santa Monica near the beaches, destination for so many tourists. The shops and stalls along the Venice Beach Boardwalk in particular offer many handcrafted items.

Good Los Angeles shopping can found everywhere in this vast, sprawling city, but some areas are known more as the best places to shop in LA than others are. For a variety of good stores and chic boutiques, try the pedestrian only Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, where you can find name brand stores like the Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Radio Shack. You can also find unique stores such as Anthropologie and the Rip Curl Surf Center. This is also the site of two important Farmers Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It's a one-stop destination, with numerous restaurants and cafés, and there are nearby hotels as well as nightlife.

If you want to rub elbows with the very wealthy and famous, you will want to do at least a little window shopping at the stores in Los Angeles that line famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills—the street where Julia Roberts had her famous shopping spree in the film Pretty Woman. Some of these stores are so exclusive, that the average client drops a cool $100,000 per visit and must make an advance appointment to be served. Here you will find a who's who of elite stores, including Bulgari, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, Prada, Lladro, and many more.

There are large shopping centers in Los Angeles all over the city that are home to more affordable names. The Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks (in the San Fernando Valley between Beverly Hills and Burbank) is typical. It is part of the Westfield Group that has several shopping centers throughout the country. They are generally anchored by one or more large department stores, like Bloomindales or Macy's, and then have numerous other retail outlets with clothing and shoe stores, home furnishings, jewelry, electronics, book stores and stationers, several restaurants as well as a food court, and often even movie theaters. You will find that some of the Los Angeles shopping centers are quite famous. These include the Beverly Center (between Beverly Hills and Hollywood), the Sherman Oaks and Glendale Gallerias, and the Grove near the Petersen Automotive Museum.

One of the best places to shop In LA for an authentic flavor of the city is the Los Angeles Farmers Market. An integral part of the city's history, this vibrant, bustling marketplace has been going strong since 1934 when a group of farmers showed up on the empty field and displayed their fruits and vegetable on the tailgates of their pick-up trucks. Today, you will still find stall after stall of fresh produce, as well as shops selling souvenirs, handmade candles and soaps, toys and children's clothing, jewelry and accessories, antiques, sunglasses, and seasonal items. You will also find numerous dining spots with everything from pizza and burgers to authentic Cajun gumbo and a real Argentina barbecue. It is located in the downtown area with easy access to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Sunset Boulevard. Many iconic stores in Los Angeles are, in fact, located on Sunset Boulevard. More stores that were originally opened to serve the large student population of UCLA can be found in Westwood. Finally, if you need a little pampering after a day of shopping, you will find day spas located in or near virtually all the main shopping areas.