World-Class Shopping Awaits You in Beautiful San Francisco by:Barbara Wade
San Francisco, perched delicately on the hills of California's striking coastline
, delivers more than just breathtaking views of the Pacific and scrumptious sourdough bread. Discriminating travelers looking for a unique vacation can book their stay in a San Francisco boutique hotel located in the heart of this great city and be within walking distance of some of California's most exclusive shopping venues. Union Square offers nearly three acres of lavish shops, fine dining and culture in beautiful downtown San Francisco, and Fisherman's Wharf is home to one-of-a-kind stores you'll not find anywhere else on earth.Pamper Yourself in Union Square
Whether you've come for the tried-and-true elegance of Gucci or Prada or are in the market for some home-grown sporting equipment from The North Face, you'll find it here. Union Square is the third largest shopping area in the United States and the largest on the West Coast. It is a destination all its own, with dozens of stores catering to savvy shoppers from every corner of the world. A whimsical heart statue marks the entrance to the plaza, and tells the world that San Franciscans love their city - and their shopping - every bit as much as New Yorkers or Parisians do.
Start your adventure at Neiman Marcus, located on the corner of Stockton and Geary. Here you'll find the original stained-glass dome that topped the famed City of Paris Dry Goods Company from 1850 to 1976. Though the store itself is gone, its spirit remains in the elegant rotunda of this Union Square landmark. Enjoy a leisurely brunch in the Rotunda Restaurant and experience all the grace and charm the area has to offer before heading out to hunt for the perfect evening gown or classic home dcor you're unlikely to find anywhere else.
If you prefer boutique shopping over department stores, Union Square offers a variety of exclusive places to match your unique personality. From Wolford lingerie to jewels by Tiffany to the classic sophistication of a Chanel suit, you'll find all your fashion needs satisfied in true San Francisco style.
Frolic By the Sea at Fisherman's Wharf
A quick jaunt on one of the city's famous cable cars takes you to the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf. From Pier 39 to Ghirardelli Square you'll find a nearly endless parade of stores and street vendors catering to your every need. "Only in San Francisco" is the dominant theme at Pier 39, where more than 100 specialty stores await you. Make sure to bring your camera because there's plenty of gorgeous scenery you'll want to remember. Pier 39 is the perfect vantage point for a picture-postcard shot of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge or the city skyline.
At the far end of Fisherman's Wharf you'll find some of the world's finest chocolate. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company began production of its famous confections in 1852. Today you can still see the original equipment and indulge your sweet tooth at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. And don't worry about the calories. You'll have plenty of opportunity to work them off on the giant stairway that leads to this chocolate wonderland.
The city is perhaps best known for its hilly topography, sparkling bay and the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, but discerning buyers will discover San Francisco's shopping districts offer everything they'll find in New York and Paris. Exclusive boutiques, magnificent dining, fine chocolate and one-of-a-kind San Francisco souvenirs all come together at Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. Hotel accommodations are plentiful and offer a wide range of choices from elegant luxury to modern splendor, making San Francisco the ultimate shopping vacation.
By Barbara Wade 2010, All Rights Reserved
About the author
Barbara Wade writes for the Serrano Hotel, a San Francisco boutique hotel located just steps from Union Square. You can find them online at http://serranohotel.com. Wine Connoisseurs Delight in San Francisco's Napa Valley Tours by:Barbara Wade Explore the Local Favorites of the Emerald City by:Barbara Wade Four Ideas for Weekend Trips When You Study Spanish in Argentina by:Ken Ingraham New York City's Midtown West: History, Culture, and Big Business by:Barbara Wade Oxnard Ideal Base Of Operations For Ventura County Visit by:Cary Ordway The 10 Best Hikes In The Smokies by:Bob Foster Traditions Throughout Spain by:Louis M De Jesus Perfect Holiday with Car Hire in Gold Coast by:Dev Mishra Take a Walk in Dolly's Stilettos by:Bob Foster How to Spend a Weekend with Your Church Group in Gatlinburg, Tennessee by:Bob Foster Best Places to Get Married in Gatlinburg by:Bob Foster Insurance For Health And Travel Gatlinburg, Tennessee: The Hidden Pancake Capitol of the South by:Bob Foster