5 Best Local Shops in San Francisco
Looking for the best local shops in Golden Gate City? Wanting to find that perfect gift? Ready to spend an afternoon browsing unique finds in the city’s best shops? There’s nothing quite better than a good local store. While it seems they’re harder to find these days, we’re here to help. We’ve put in work to find the best shops in San Francisco and we’re ready to give you our list. Find them. Enjoy them. Frequent them. Support them. Happy shopping!
If your happy place is in a good local bookstore, you’re going to be REALLY happy at Blackbird. Head over to the amazing neighborhood of Outer Sunset. Honestly, a bonus of shopping at Blackbird is the opportunity to stroll around this beachy enclave. (Pro Tip: If you can, build in some extra time to pursue the area and its surf shops!)
Blackbird is independently owned and operated (you’ll love the owner Kathryn). As soon as you walk in, you’ll realize how unique the store is. It’s one of those bookstores that draws you in and makes you want to stay (a perfect community hangout). It’s also one of those bookstores that will captivate you with its offerings. Chances are you won’t leave empty-handed.
Books are curated to give you opportunity to discover new voices and learn more about San Francisco’s amazing culture and history. Rather than cramming books into shelves, they are artfully displayed to showcase their cover and content. Spend time exploring and enjoying. Your first visit to Blackbird will not be the last. We told you so.
#2: General Store
4035 Judah St., Sunset District
OK, we’re big big fans of artisan products. You? There’s just something about one-of-a-kind products that are lovingly and carefully made by a person who invests themselves in their craft. If you love artisan products, you’re going to fall in love with General Store. In our opinion, it’s San Francisco’s best artisan shop.
The design of the store alone is worth the visit. As soon as you enter, the serene atmosphere and creative design will both calm and inspire you. There are three locations, but this one in Sunset District is the original. (We love it most because there’s just something about originals!)
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, or perhaps some new piece for yourself or your home - you will likely find it here. As you shop, you will notice the intentional curation and attention to detail. Hand-made ceramics (the most amazing mugs - our personal favorite - can you ever have enough?!) Vintage books. Unique goods for your home (candles, cloths, baskets, blankets, pottery and more). Artisan jewelry of all kinds. Candles. Creams. You can even find something for children and youth.
If you’re in need of a perfect shopping day in San Francisco or a one-stop shop to find that perfect one-of-a-kind item, the General Store is your place. Thank us later.
#3: Temescal Alley
We may have cheated a little bit on this one... because in naming Temescal Alley, we’ve essentially named 18 locally-owned shops in one single listing! Please don’t blame us. Here’s why: By visiting this one gem of a place in San Francisco (in the Oakland neighborhood), you can spend time floating from one perfect little store to another.... and find the perfect local products to fulfill your desires or knock-out your list!
As you stroll through Temescal Alley, you will find a jewelry store, several galleries, a book shop, a winery, a vintage store, a horticulture shop, and more! If you’re visiting the alley around the time of a meal or if you enjoy a snack while you shop, you’re in real luck. You will love the quaint and delicious eateries tucked into the area.
Plan plenty of time. And prepare to spend plenty of money. You will love the shops of Temescal Alley in San Francisco!
#4: Le Point
301 Valencia St., San Francisco
If you’re looking for an amazing clothing and home boutique, you must must must visit LePoint San Francisco! Situated in the trendy Mission neighborhood, Le Point focuses on contemporary and emerging labels. The owner and operator of Le Point (Pauline Montupet) works to handpick products from up-and-coming designers from all of the world.
You will notice the fashion and beauty from your first entry into the store. It’s very design - including its walls, floor, and product display make the store a true delight and bucket-list shopping destination. After taking time to view the product collection from around the world, you will undoubtedly find something to invest in or find inspiration from. You’ll always find intermixed in the story a beautiful collection of home and beauty items.
Le Point is the perfect local shop to confidently invest in a stand-out item for your wardrobe, home, or friend. Make your it’s on your list for your next solo or group shopping trip in San Francisco!
#5: Mill Mercantile
4035 18th St., Dolores Heights
Well, we close out our little list with Mill Mercantile San Francisco, one of our favorite little local shops in the city. Think modern-day general store. Mill Mercantile has a little bit of everything for everyone, which is why a visit to this shop is always so enjoyable. Whether you’re just looking for a place to browse around or on the hunt for a specific item for a special person, place, or occasion, you’ll be happy you visited this shop.
You can browse clothing, shoes, home and wellness products. Find designers you know. Discover designers you don’t. Pick up necessities. Indulge in luxuries. Mill Mercantile needs to be on your list of favorite local shops in Golden Gate City!
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We’d love to hear your feedback after you visit these shops! We’d love to know your own personal list of favorite shops in San Francisco. We also invite you to check out our own local online shop with San Francisco styles for everyone to enjoy here on this website!
-The City Shirt Co Team
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