San Francisco is a shopper's paradise. Aside from the great local shopping to be done in San Francisco's neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach, you can do some heavy-duty shopping in the numerous malls and shopping centers built for you convenience. Here is a partial listing of the major shopping areas. 

THE ANCHORAGE
2800 Leavenworth Street
(415) 775-6000

In the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, The Anchorage is a one-stop destination for shopping, entertainment, dining and lodging by the bay. The block-square, open-air complex sits across from historic Fish Alley, one block from the Hyde Street cable car turn-around. A 27-foot anchor enhances The Anchorage's entrance. Outdoor promenades, heated outdoor cafe seating bay and city views, snacks, souvenir, galleries, a brew pub and an array of specialty shops add to the ambiance. A great place to view San Francisco's famed street performers. Bounded by Leavenworth, Jefferson, Beach and Jones Streets. Validated parking, ATM and information kiosk on site.

THE CANNERY 
2801 Leavenworth Street
(415) 771-3112

Built in 1907, the Cannery was once a Del Monte peach cannery, Today these historic buildings with three levels of walkways, balconies and bridges, wrap around an inviting courtyard. Here one can relax under 100-year-old olive trees and have an alfresco snack or an elegant meal while being entertained by street performers. Discover a variety of shops and galleries filled with the latest in objects and fashions so new that they create a fashion of their own. Live entertainment is featured daily and the Cannery offers one of the finest comedy clubs in The City. Just one-half block from the Hyde Street cable car turn-around, the Cannery is located at the corner of Leavenworth and Beach. 

CROCKER GALLERIA
50  Post Street
(415) 393-1505

Located near Union Square on the block bounded by Post, Kearny, Sutter and Montgomery Streets, Crocker Galleria encompasses more than 40 fine shops, restaurants and services under a spectacular glass dome. Modeled after Milan's vast Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle, the three-level pavilion features elegant boutiques offering the best of American and European designers, "one-of-a-kind" collectibles and treasures. Parking is available near the Sutter Street entrance. 

EMBARCADERO CENTER
One Embarcadero Center
(415) 772-0500, (800) 733-6318

Located in the heart of San Francisco's downtown waterfront area, Embarcadero Center offers top-notch shopping, dining and entertainment, making it a popular destination for San Francisco visitors and residents alike. Spanning eight city blocks and encompassing three levels of open-air, landscaped terraces the center is home to more than 120 shops and restaurants and two world-class hotels, the Park Hyatt and Hyatt Regency. Numerous entertainment opportunities, events and activities include a theater complex; SkyDeck, an indoor/outdoor observatory deck; walking tours of its renowned sculpture collection; ice skating (winter), and signature open-air parties. Located between Sacremento and Clay Streets, Battery Street and Justin Herman Plaza, just steps from BART, Muni and the California Street cable car line. 

GHIRARDELLI SQUARE 
900 North Point
 (415)  981-PIER
 www.pier39.com

ALTHOUGH ITS the oldest building--the Woolen Mill-dates back to 1864, Ghirardelli Square is renowned for its years as a chocolate factory. The Ghirardelli family produced chocolate here from 1893 until the early 1960s. In 1964, after several years of renovation and restoration, Ghirardelli Square became the country's first manufacturing complex preserved and renovated into a festival marketplace. In addition to fabulous views of the bay, landscaped gardens and a new self-guided historic walking tour, it boasts more than 7O shops and award-winning restaurants. The Square occupies the block bounded by North Point, Polk, Beach and Larkin on the northern waterfront.

JAPAN CENTER
Post and Buchanan Streets
(415) 922-6776

SAN FRANCISCO'S colorful, five-acre, multi-million dollar Japan Center is the focal point of much of The City's Japanese cultural and business life Shops offering a fascinating array of products from Japan line the Center's three-bilk shopping arcade. There are restaurants, art galleries, a book store and movie theaters, too, along with a deluxe hotel and a Japanese bath/shiatsu massage center. In the heart of Japantown, just minutes from Union Square, the complex is the site of several seasonal festivals. Bounded by Lagun, Geary, Fillmore and Post Streets, it is easy to reach by public transportation or car Parking is available in the first-Ievel garage structure. 

METREON-A SONY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
150 Fourth Street
 (415) 537-3400

Metreon's four-story center offers a combination of exciting entertainment options, including the 15-screen Sony Theatres Metreon complex; a SONY-IMAX® Theatre all new themed attractions from the world famous authors Maurice Sendak, David Macaulay and Jean Giraud a,k.a. Moebius; a Sony Style store Iocation; the Discovery Channel Destination store; restaurants and retail outlets, and venues for live performances. Parking located across the street at the Fifth and Mission Garage.  www.metreon.com

PIER 39
Beach Street and the Embarcadero
(415) 981-PIER
www.pier39.com

Pier 39 is a festival marketplace with over 100 unique shops, 10 restaurants offering breathtaking bay views along with great food and family attractions. The rustic design complements the San Francisco waterfront and offers fabulous views of such landmarks as Coit Tower, the skyline, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. PIER 39 is home to the Blue & Gold Fleet, "San Francisco The Movie" at the Citibank Cinemax Theatre. Turbo Ride, and NamcoLand, a two-tiered carousel, the "natural atraction" California sea lions, and the newest addition: UnderWater World, America's first "divers-eye view" aquarium. Beautifully landscaped container gardens and free daily performances by San Francisco's best street performers add to the festivities. PIER 39 is located two blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf at Beach Street and the Embercadero. Parking is available in the garage located across the street. PIER 39 is easily accessible by public transportation. 

RINCON CENTER
101 Spear Street 
(415) 777-4100

THIS HISTORICAL LANDMARK has been transformed into one of The City's foremost eating and shopping places. The 1930s Deco-style lobby has been preserved and meticulously restored murals by Russian- born artist Anton Refregier depicting early life in California are a must see. Over 20 beautiful shops and restaurants located in a dazzling five-story atrium has at its focal point a dramatic 100-foot rain column. Conveniently located near the Ferry Building and bounded by Mission, Howard, Steuart and Spear Streets, Rincon Center has ample parking available at the Rincon Center Garage. 

SAN FRANCISCO SHOPPING CENTRE
865 Market Street 
(415) 495-5656

The San Francisco Shopping Centre features a unique mix of upscale, trend setting retailers. Shoppers will discover a collection of merchants and merchandise unlike any other in San Francisco. Ride America's only spiral escalators through the nine-story vertical mall. The top five floors house Nordstrom, while the remaining four levels are home to 90 other leading retailers. The Centre is Iocated downtown at the corner of Fifth and Powell Streets, across from the world famous Powell Street BART/Muni station is on the concourse level below.