This independent North Beach icon, founded by Beat writer-mentor Lawrence Ferlinghetti, goes beyond your average bookstore by shelving beat literature, anthologies, and fiction from Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and much more. Experience San Francisco through the words written by some of the area's most famous, and sometimes hard-to-find, writers. The store has its own publishing house, City Lights, which has enriched the San Francisco community since 1953 by promoting emerging writers with an edge.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a must-see for San Francisco visitors. This multi-million dollar development has an abundance of activities for the entire family. The marvelous building was designed by renowned architect Arthur Page Brown in Beaux Arts Style. Similar to that of the iconic Giralda Bell Tower in Seville, the clock tower of this building is a popular landmark and can be seen from afar. Take a tour of the historic Ferry Building, browse through antique shops, enjoy a view by the bay and a bowl of chowder at Ferry Plaza Seafood or buy organic produce at the Farmer's Market. Enjoy the sights and sounds of what makes the Ferry Building one of the Bay's most popular destinations for entertainment, food, and fun.
No music lover's trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to this warehouse-sized music store. The Upper Haight store bustles with hundreds of shoppers flipping through vast selections of CDs, records, tapes, videos and posters. The deals on used and yellow tag (cosmetically damaged, functionally guaranteed) items are the best in the city, as is the selection of obscure and independent-label titles.
A grand expansion at one of North America's largest shopping centers brings it more levels of premium designer boutiques, chain retailers and two major department stores: Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. The center offers a vast area of upscale dining, entertainment and office space. Its breathtaking architecture dates back to 1896 and with modern additions there is no shortage of natural sunlight to guide you on your way. Let the circular brass escalators wind and unwind you past more than 150 shops and stores. The center is equipped with an information desk and ATMs.
This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel, people watch, or take in views of the bay. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But that's not all. You will find over 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. When you're done shopping and eating to your heart's content, visit the famous resident sea lions for a prime photo session. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February or the Holiday Tree Lighting in November.
Don't leave San Francisco without a stroll through this legendary square near Fisherman's Wharf, which is named after San Francisco's original chocolate-maker. There is a bakery and several restaurants and, of course, there's the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop where you can savor the deliciousness of the old-fashioned Ghirardelli sundae or buy some sweet goodies to bring back. Take some time and visit the art galleries, gift and specialty stores, and shoe and clothing shops.
Rafael's boutique suits the sophisticated and well-dressed woman in fine formal, professional, and casual clothing. Shoppers will find a plethora of handsome suits, hand-woven jackets, and velvet brocade shrugs. Customer service is the key at this boutique, so let a friendly wardrobe coordinator help you pick out an outfit for a night in town, or a casual stroll through the streets of San Francisco.
This small neighborhood bookstore specializes in titles in Slavic languages. You will find a selective range of new and used titles in Russian and in English translation. Featuring titles in literature, mystery, politics, reference, history, and more, it also offers a number of vintage art prints. One of the only Slavic bookstores in the city, it is located in the Richmond District, where a lot of the local Russian immigrant community resides. Check website for details.
For more than 75 years, Cresalia Jewelers, the family-run jeweler has been supplying Downtown with high-quality original, custom, and estate jewelry at affordable prices. A loose diamond and precious gem importer, it sells pieces that have been selected with care. The store also buys and sells estate silver, crystal, and pewter items such as tableware, business card holders, cigar cutters, vases, letter openers, and music boxes. The store offers an array of services like jewelry and watch repair, custom design, ring sizing, and appraisals.
The Parkers run this family-owned business, and they offer the finest in old furniture. Shiny black mahogany chairs, tables, china hutches, chests and bed frames fill this large space and gleam throughout. The owners specialize in early 20th-century American furniture, mostly from the 20s and 30s, purchased mainly from estate sales and auctions back East. The staff does stripping, repairs and refinishing, thereby making the finished piece practically new. It offers immediate delivery and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Few know antiques in the East Bay like Kingsley Moore. Locals know that he is the guy to talk to when looking for something in particular, or an appraisal is needed. New stock arrives weekly at this small store. On any given day, find beautiful antique American woodcraft like chests, tables, armoires and chairs. Kingsley also stocks fine artwork and estate jewelry. He is always willing to take a look at something you would like to sell, and appraisals are free.
Gospel Flat Farm is located about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Offering a great insight into organic farming, the farm is a wonderful mix of numerous activities, educational elements, outdoor fun and of course organic produce shopping! The vast organic farm is covered with lush green vegetable fields, and if you're lucky you'll also be able to spot sunflowers in full bloom. On offer are farm-fresh veggies such as zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, pickled vegetables and lots more that are vibrant and incredible to taste. But meat-lovers needn't frown, since they also sell a fine quality of pork from their farm-raise pigs as well as dungeness crabs that they breed just a couple of miles from Gospel Flat Farm. They also have an in-house field baker who bakes a storm of awesome-smelling bread loaves on a wood-fired oven, that are a work of art in themselves. Apart from all the food fun, Gospel Flat Farm also hosts a fun range of activities, workshops and programs throughout the year. Group tours are available along with lunch options; check the website for more details.