Bay Area trendsetters are spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping centers. If you’re searching for the best malls in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll find a fantastic selection of popular spots where you can indulge in a shopping spree.
From the unique indoor design of Japan Center Malls to the lovely outdoor experience at Santana Row, these Bay Area shopping malls are essential stops whether you just have some time to kill or you’re searching for the perfect gift.
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San Francisco shopping malls
1. Stonestown Galleria
Stonestown Galleria is an 800,000-square-foot shopping mall near SF State University dating back to 1952. The location stands out for its impressive marble columns and enormous skylights, which lend a more grandiose feeling to your shopping day. The resident Regal Cinemas has motion seats for 4DX movies, as well as comfy recliners where you can settle in for the next big blockbuster.
Top up your energy with a stack of fluffy souffle pancakes from Gram or a massive sandwich from Ike’s, and leave some time to explore nearby Lake Merced while you’re on that side of the city.
đź“Ť 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco
2. Japan Center Malls
San Francisco’s Japantown is a cultural hub for the Japanese-American community in SF, and it’s one of only 3 remaining Japantowns in the United States. The massive Japan Center Malls is packed with an impressive collection of Japanese retail shops, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and the popular AMC Kabuki movie theater. This is one of the most unique malls in San Francisco, and is worth peeking into even if you’re not planning to shop.
We love to stop by Kinokuniya for its enormous anime and manga book selection, and Suzu Noodle House for mouthwatering udon & soba noodle soups. After your shopping day, you can relax with a spa session at nearby Kabuki Springs or grab a slice of coffee crunch cake at Yasukochi Sweet Shop.
đź“Ť 1737 Post St, San Francisco
3. Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero Center is an enormous 3.3M square foot building complex with many unique retailers. The area is designed as a welcoming public space where visitors can see stunning public art, colorful seasonal flower blooms, and more in multiple open plazas.
Savor a hearty clam chowder sourdough bowl from Boudin or an elaborate dim sum meal at Harborview before exploring the shops. You can continue your Embarcadero adventure with a visit to the nearby Ferry Building or Exploratorium.
đź“Ť Two Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
4. The Metreon
The Metreon is best known for its large 16-screen AMC theater, which is the only place in the city where you can catch blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Oppenheimer on IMAX 70mm. Movie lovers come from all over to see big-name films on the tallest IMAX screen in North America.
Other than a large Target, the four-story space is mostly restaurant-centric. You’ll want to grab a cup of matcha soft cream from Uji Time Dessert, order a hearty bowl of ramen from the automated Yo-Kai Express, or bite into traditional Vietnamese rolls and banh mi at Freshroll.
đź“Ť 135 4th St, San Francisco
5. San Francisco Centre
San Francisco Centre, previously known as Westfield San Francisco Centre, was at one point one of the most booming malls in the country. However, in recent years many retailers have left the space due to shoplifting, pandemic decline, and other concerns.
The historic building with its gorgeous vaulted skylight remains an iconic part of Downtown SF’s cityscape. These days, you can still find some big-name stores filling about half of SF Centre’s 1.5M square foot retail space, including Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Guess. The mall’s proximity to Union Square means easy access to additional SF shopping destinations like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus.
đź“Ť 865 Market St, San Francisco
Bay Area shopping malls
6. Westfield Valley Fair
Westfield Valley Fair is a luxury shopping mall that attracts visitors from all over the Bay Area. Explore over 200 stores including high-end retailers like Balenciaga, Chanel, and Gucci. With dozens of restaurants to choose from, you’ll want to stay for lunch or dinner at the world-renowned Din Tai Fung or the newly-opened Mastro’s Steakhouse.
Anyone making a visit to Westfield Valley Fair will need to stop by Eataly, a 3-story Italian marketplace with two restaurants, a market, a wine shop, and endless food service counters.
đź“Ť 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
7. Santana Row
Santana Row is a popular shopping and dining destination in Silicon Valley with 2.1M square feet of retail space to explore. The commercial district is designed as “a village within a city,” taking inspiration from European cityscapes through the incorporation of cobblestone streets, fountains, and outdoor seating. Shoppers love to visit the 50+ retail stores, dine at outdoor parklets from 30+ restaurants, or catch a movie at Cinemark CinĂ©Arts.
đź“Ť 377 Santana Row, San Jose
8. Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto’s Stanford Shopping Center should be top of mind for anyone who loves an outdoor shopping experience. The common areas are embellished with lovely garden areas, sculptures, and fountains which make for an enjoyable environment to relax in between stores. Explore over 140 world-class retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
You can stick around for a delicious meal from one of the 30+ restaurants, or head to Downtown Palo Alto to enjoy some of the most popular Bay Area eateries. For those relying on public transport, the Palo Alto Caltrain station is just a 10 minute walk away.
đź“Ť 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
9. Broadway Plaza
Broadway Plaza is a nicely-maintained outdoor shopping mall in Walnut Creek with beautiful landscaping, European-style fountains, and a large central plaza that serves as a community gathering space. The biggest anchor stores you’ll find are Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s, but there are over 80 specialty shops and restaurants to browse. Keep an eye on their event calendar for periodic artisan fairs and seasonal events –– especially the annual summer concert series.
đź“Ť 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
10. Hillsdale Shopping Center
San Mateo’s Hillsdale Shopping Center is another quintessential mall Bay Area locals swear by. You’ll find a nice mix of luxury and lifestyle stores, plus fantastic dining options including The Cheesecake Factory and Palette Tea Garden. Moviegoers flock to Hillsdale’s CinĂ©polis Luxury Cinemas, which is taken up a notch with fully reclining leather seats, elegant decor, and food service at your seat.
Other fun attractions include bowling at Pinstripes and Red Door Escape Room. Don’t forget to stop by the daily fountain light show in North Block, happening every hour on the hour between noon and 7pm.
đź“Ť 60 31st Ave, San Mateo