I've been coming to Union square for years, and it never seems to get old. Right in the middle of…read moredowntown surrounded by big stores and busy streets, Union square just feels like a peaceful little spot where you can put a pause on the chaos of the city. The lawn is always green and beautiful, perfect for letting my fur baby run around and play (potty too) and you will always see people enjoying the space, stretched out reading or talking with friends or just soaking up the peaceful space. One of my favorite things about Union square is the art. The giant hearts are iconic in San Francisco and they're always being repainted and reimagined by different artists. So no matter how many times you come here, you will always see something new. I've seen so many versions over the years but I still stop to look at them every time I'm here because there is always something new to. The hearts the statues, the occasional pop-up installations or performances, the square always feels peaceful but alive. There is also always something going on. On my last visit here there were ping pong tables set up everywhere with people playing. I saw juggling classes being offered and arts programs for kids with people gathered around having a good time. There was a reading area and books brought in on carts. They even still had up there holiday backdrop that looks like it was put there just for people to use for the perfect insta shot. There are plenty of tables and benches scattered around so it's easy to grab a seat and stay a while. Even if you're just passing through and you need to rest your dogs for a few minutes, this is the perfect spot. I spent more than a few afternoons here people watching or enjoying a snack from the little stand nearby. It's really a great place to spend some time and a must do if you are in San Francisco. On the weekends you will find people trying to usher you onto bus tours or maybe sell you souvenirs, but you might also witness an event or see straight performers so you never really know what you're going to get. This is a place for visitors and locals with nice surroundings where you can really get a feel for and just to take in the city.

This is one of my favorite parts of San Francisco; the shopping is high-end. There is so much here…read moreto do and lots of restaurants to choose from. We always stay at St. Francis, a beautiful, perfect location. In winter, they have an ice skating rink and the big Christmas tree, a great holiday spot to get your Christmas celebrations started. As I said, the shopping is fierce! Cheers, my friends SYOY 04/01/26

Pier 39 is the perfect mix of waterfront fun, shopping, and great food all in one lively…read moredestination. The pier is filled with unique shops, entertainment, and plenty of places to grab a delicious meal while enjoying the beautiful views of the bay. The food options are endless, from the famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl to tacos, seafood, and classic fair-style treats. As you make your way toward the end of the pier, you're rewarded with stunning views of Alcatraz Island and the bay. One of the highlights is watching the sea lions relaxing on the floating docks below -- a fun and unforgettable sight. Whether you want to stop by for a quick bite, enjoy the scenery, or spend the entire day exploring, this is one of those places that has something for everyone.

Having lived in San Francisco for numerous years, I've been to Pier 39 many times -- sometimes to…read moreshow out-of-towners cool parts of my favorite city and sometimes because I just wanna go to a place by the bay that feels like a carnival! The stores are super cute, there are things to do, there are restaurants as well as good quick eats (like the mini donut shop - oh my gosh that's so good - and a cute retro candy shop at the end of the pier. Additionally, the views at the end of the pier are magical, and you get to view it with songs from the sealions! There are also magic shows at the pier you can watch for free and a large carousel! Pier 39 is 100%, touristy, but it is still festive and fun, whether you're an out-of-towner or a local resident. The only downsides are the prices (because this area is a tourist trap) and the parking. Here are some tricks and tips: Look for coupons for some of the pier activities (ie, coupon books, Groupon, and even on the ads in the local map they give you for free). I've found coupons for the Aquarium By the Bay, restaurants, the mirror maze thingy, and The Flyer. You can also go to the Visitor Center office on the 2nd floor of the pier! Just ask politely for coupons, and they'll usually have something. (They gave me 20% off some nice restaurants last time.) As for parking, be careful with street parking because if you are even a minute late, I swear, you'll find a ticket on your windshield! The city ticket workers are like hawks. There is a Pier 39 parking garage that is the closest but costs a lot. You can look for open parking lots further away, like at hotels, which can be cheaper. If you are able to walk, that may be a good option -- or better yet, take public transportation when you can. That is part of the San Francisco experience! One more tip: if it's your first time there, bring a lock to put at the end of the pier! (See photo) There are definitely a multitude of photo opps here!

The parking and getting there is a bit bizarre since there's an underpass bridge that the mall…read moreitself goes over I think? It reminds me of a smaller Del Amo Fashion Mall if anything. Parking and driving around looked quite busy in the front where you can see that tiny Trader Joe's that's overshadowed by the giga Whole Foods and what I think are protestors against Uniqlo, I think. Never seen protestors for that brand in particular, but it is what it is. There's LOTS of college students (near SFSU apparently) and Zoomers since it was, I suppose it's after school on a Tuesday. Parking the back was no issue. Also a decent selection of shops that I would go to normally, like Daiso or Miniso, as well as a Round 1. Neat that they have a Quickly's that looks like it's untouched by time (portraits of cute Ulzzang style workers enjoying the drinks and food there), there's charging tables, and a good amount of eateries and options to get boba and snacks. Completely incomprehensible unless you're specifically from the 626, but this mall reminds me of a mix between the Santa Anita mall and the West Covina mall (during it's prime). Pretty bustling and lots of businesses that actually interest me. I think my only qualm is that everything is at a smaller scale and smaller store, like their Pop Mart and Miniso are markedly smaller with a smaller stock, so keep that in mind.

Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and a Perfect Mall Walk…read more I visit Stonestown weekly for groceries at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. My visit always starts with a walk around the mall--window-shopping, checking out stores that catch my eye, and getting some exercise. Everything I need is in one convenient spot--great restaurants, a food court, coffee, movie theater and plenty of shopping.

The Japanese center was actually closed. It is due to construction. But the garage you can still…read morepark inside and visit the Japanese Mall.

Japan Center is still an amazing view into japanese shopping and the long standing Kinokuniya…read moreBookstore with bargains as well as higher end finds from are to kitchenwares and beyond. For well over a century Japantown remains bringing groceries as well as specialty Tea shops and fine Japanese Woodblock Prints Dining, etc.

Crocker Galleria is such a nice spot in downtown SF! I love the open, airy vibe and the natural…read morelight from the glass ceiling, it feels relaxing just walking through. Great mix of cafés, local shops, and lunch spots. Super convenient if you're working or hanging out nearby!

It used to be a thriving place during lunchtime with plenty of restaurants to choose from. I passed…read moreby it a month or so and it is completely empty with no restaurants nor retail shops. A ghost town has more pedestrians.

My first time ever visiting Japantown and also coming to this mall today. It was a really fun but…read morevery crowded experience. Went here for my BIL and his friends birthday for a scavenger hunt around the mall and it was really fun! I would definitely come back here again to try all the wide variety of food!

The mall looked really cute with its Japanese décor. The mall is split into an east and west wing…read morewith a courtyard splitting the two wings. The shops were boutiques that have really expensive stuff, but there were plenty of authentic knick knacks and misc. items to buy: kimonos, scriptures, tea sets, etc. A worthy mention: Daiso Japan was also in this mall located in the east wing at the lower level leading to the courtyard. There was also the store Ichiban Kan that was fun to browse in, but compared to Daiso, their products were way too expensive. Lol. There is a corridor where most of the restaurants will be located at if you get hungry. I can't remember exactly, but I believe both wings have a good variety of restaurant options.

On my most recent SF visit I was so excited to stop by Ghirardelli Square! A big tourist spot, the…read moreSquare is home to multiple Ghirardelli shops and ample space to enjoy your delicious dessert. Overlooking the water, it is a gorgeous location to relax. There was a fairly long line for a Saturday afternoon, and I opted for the Mini Dubai Chocolate Sundae. I was surprised at how expensive the cup was -$18 for a mini while the regular size was $21. Since it was just me, the mini was more suitable in size (and I still couldn't finish it) but the prices are pretty steep for a dessert shop. That being said, staff were very accommodating and efficient given how loud and busy the shop was (and probably stayed throughout the day). The sundae was delicious and I loved the crunch of the pistachio filling. I will probably be back here on my next visit to SF, though hopefully able to share a dessert given the sizes here!

Any time I'm in San Francisco, we come to Ghirardelli square. We bought some chocolates and had…read moresalted caramel hot chocolate. We sat inside to drink it. It was good but next time, I'd get the regular hot chocolate.

FYI for visitors, I thought I would try to find some boots during a trip of mine (was staying…read morenearby) but every store is closed in here except subway and a smoke shop. So feel free to skip this spot if you're on the hunt for a mall!

This is for the parking only. Pretty close to all the SF things to do. Relatively cheap for SF…read more There is onsite staff, and the ground floor is covered. Booked a spot with SpotHero ($25 for 6 hours on Saturday afternoon) and all went well.