Union Square in San Francisco boasts luxury shops and great dining options. Photo courtesy of SF Travel.
Spring is the perfect time to shop. The Bay Area streets are welcoming with fresh flowers, sunny sidewalks and plenty of sales. From busy downtowns to small, European-style markets, the City by the Bay is spoiled for choice. Whether you are looking for luxury indulgences, multi-story department stores, local boutiques, vintage finds or even gourmet food, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best BARTable places to shop this spring.
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Browse the latest fashion in Union Square. Photo courtesy of Union Square SF.Union Square | Powell St
The largest shopping area in San Francisco, Union Square, is home to some of the most iconic stores in the U.S., including Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. It’s also home to everything from luxury boutiques to San Francisco souvenir shops. Explore the neighborhood from Market Street to Post Street to find household names like Chanel and Zara, as well as flagship stores such as Apple and Nike. There’s plenty here, and shoppers can easily spend the entire day perusing the stores around the popular square. Shopping during a special occasion? Celebrate by popping into the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus for the ultimate lunchtime indulgence. Take BART to Powell St and shop until you drop 0.2 miles away at Union Square.
Hayes Valley feature large and small boutique options. Photo courtesy of SFGate.Hayes Valley | Civic Center/UN Plaza
With dozens of local boutiques and plenty of restaurants and bars, Hayes Valley is one of the best BARTable places to shop this spring. The tree-shaded sidewalks are fun to stroll, and the neighborhood offers everything from clothing and candles to cosmetics and chocolate. Go to Aether for stylish men’s apparel, Clare V. for a coveted handbag, Credo Beauty for makeup, Maker & Moss for home décor and Away for cute luggage. After an afternoon at the shops, pop into Miette for sweet treats to take home. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and stroll 0.6 miles to Hayes Valley.
Find pirate themed treasures at the Pirate Supply Store. Photo courtesy of SFGate.Mission | 16th St Mission
Arguably San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhood, the Mission District is rich in art and culture. Valencia Street, between the 16th St Mission and 24th St Mission BART stations, is a great spot to pick up unique finds. Pop into the Pirate Supply Store, where you’ll find everything you need to become the next Captain Jack Sparrow. Think eyepatches, a compass, a pirate hat and much more. Also on Valencia Street, you’ll find Dog Eared Books, Reformation for eco-friendly apparel and Serendipity Cards and Gifts, to name a few. Take BART to 16th St Mission and find Valencia St. 0.1 mile away.
Find an outfit for any occasion at Walnut Creek's outdoor mall. Photo courtesy of Visit Walnut Creek.Broadway Plaza Shopping Center | Walnut Creek
This open-air shopping center in downtown Walnut Creek is great for all your shopping needs. With over 80 stores and restaurants, it’s an ideal destination for a full day of browsing and a leisurely bite to eat. At the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center, you'll find department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom. You’ll also find smaller boutiques like RayBan, Loccitane, Athleta and Tommy Bahama. Apple is also here for all your technology needs. Popular restaurants include True Food Kitchen and Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and find the shopping center 1.0 miles away at 1275 Broadway Plaza.
Shop for more than clothes in Rockridge. Photo courtesy of Rockridge Market Hall.Rockridge Market Hall | Rockridge
A European-style market, the Rockridge Market Hall consists of eight owner-operated stores. If you're interested in dining, cooking and entertaining, this is the place for you. Expect flowers, fresh fish, imported and domestic cheeses, produce, coffee, tea, wine, baked goods and so much more. Open since 1987, this Oakland institution is the perfect place to meet all your gourmet culinary needs. Grab a seat outside and enjoy your recent purchases, or take them home to share with friends and family. Either way, the Rockridge Market Hall is a fantastic place to shop this spring. Take BART to
Rockridge to visit the market 300 feet away at 5655 College Ave.
Oakland | 12th St/Oakland City Center
Shoppers will find plenty of locally made products in The Town. Amongst all the tasty restaurants and bakeries, three cool stores near the 12th St/Oakland City Center BART station are must-visit spots this spring: Oaklandish, Viscera and Veranda. Try Oaklandish for unique apparel with screen-printed graphics, all designed and printed in Oakland. Go to Viscera for one-of-a-kind jewelry and high-quality clothing. All the accessories are made in-house. Veranda, on the other hand, is your go-to place for home décor. Selling everything from salad servers to watering cans, Veranda offers items with personality to help you design every room in the house. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center. All three shops are less than 0.2 miles away.
What is Your Favorite BARTable Place to Shop?
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