35 Best Shopping in The Haight, the Castro, Hayes Valley and Noe Valley, San Francisco

With well over a million new and used CDs, DVDs, and records at bargain prices, this warehouse-like offshoot of the Berkeley original carries titles you won't find on Amazon. No niche is ignored—from electronica and hip-hop to jazz and classical—and the stock changes frequently. In-store performances attract large crowds.

The extensive collection of clothing from the 1920s through the 1980s in this vintage store is organized by decade, saving those looking for flapper dresses from having to wade through lime-green '70s polyester sundresses. Shoes, hats, handbags, and jewelry complete the different looks.

A handblown-glass chandelier winks at you through the store's front window, while DJs do their thing in the back. Sandwiched in between are styles like Cameo miniskirts or Shona Joy's hip-hugging skinny pants. There's something special for men, too: double-layered muscle tees and Gitman Bros. blue oxfords and vintage chambray shirts. Think progressive and of-the-moment.

Specializing in beautifully restored furniture from the 1930s through the 1960s, this store sells Heywood Wakefield tambour buffets, art-deco bars, and French art-deco desks. Jewelry, glassware, and lamps are on display, too.

If you like the wine list at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, you can walk next door and pick up a few bottles from its joint establishment. This unintimidating shop carries hard-to-find wines from small producers. Why wait to taste? Crack open a bottle on the patio of sibling restaurant Arbor out back.

This fine bookshop sells current releases, children's titles, and offbeat periodicals. Authors passing through town often make a stop at this neighborhood institution.

This old-school collective, around since 1976, stocks books on anarchist theory and practice, as well as titles about gender issues, radicalism, and various other left-leaning topics. A portion of the revenue supports anarchist projects and the Prisoners Literature Project.

The vintage jewelry here, mostly from the early part of the 20th century, includes a wide selection of estate pieces and objets d'art. With rings that range in price from $5 to a couple thousand, there's something for everyone. Hours can vary, so it's best to call ahead before visiting.

Men and women can find fashionable, high-quality, used clothing at this national chain. Among the items are Levi's, leather jackets, sunglasses, and novelty jewelry. It's also known for its costume offerings and more offbeat merchandise.

A destination for organic products, cleansing, and relaxation—not to mention massage treatments to melt for—this eco-spa offers transformative workshops and rituals that help you heal from within. The Goddess Treatment, a client favorite, includes body exfoliation, a hot-oil scalp treatment, and massage using products infused with wildflower blossoms.

In addition to scarves, jewelry, and other crafts from around the world, this decorative-arts store carries brightly colored glass and ceramic works by local and international artisans, plus beautiful votive candles.

Ultrastylish travel accessories—retro-looking flight bags, supersoft leather passport wallets, and luxury toiletries—line the shelves of this brightly lighted shop, which vaguely resembles an airplane interior. High-tech travel gear and a small collection of guidebooks speed you on your way.

From the chunky to the sleek, the shoes carried here—including those by Chie Mihara, Red Wing, Del Carlo, and Paul Smith—are top notch. And if $500 seems steep for a pair of black boots, perhaps you haven't seen the perfect pair by Fiorentini + Baker.

For full-frontal nerdity in a chic modern setting, visit SF's premier comic book hangout. You'll find a great selection of graphic novels and artwork by popular and local artists, as well as lively after-hours events.

The trendy but sturdily made and utterly unique footwear for men and women is among the best in the city. Club girls go gaga over the wacky heels, handing over a pretty penny, and everyone loves the sweet messages of affirmation, like "No one can fill your shoes."

More than 100 local artists contribute their wares to this thoughtfully curated shop, the best place in the neighborhood for San Francisco gifts and souvenirs. The inventory changes but might include anything from laser-cut metal city maps and a good selection of jewelry to high-quality knitwear and graphic T-shirts.

For boutique shopping that's anything but hit or miss, browse through this unusual selection of jewelry by artists like Gabriella Kiss, Harwell Godfrey, and Gillian Conroy. The one-of-a-kind rings, charms, and pendants have won this boutique a loyal following.

There is truly nothing sweeter than a cellophane bag tied with colorful ribbon and filled with malt balls or floral meringues from this Insta-friendly candy and pastry store. Grab a gingerbread cupcake or a tantalizing macaron or some shortbread. The pastel-color cake stands make even window shopping a treat.

This sparse white-on-white locally owned store sells indulgent skin- and hair-care products, as well as a small selection of natural laundry and cleaning products.

Love to eat? Love to read? Then this place is paradise. The shelves are bursting with books on growing and cooking food. The store stocks cookbooks on such diverse subjects as the cuisine of colonial Jamaica or 1940s creole cooking. And if you're after a signed first edition by Julia Child or James Beard, you'll find that, too. The shop frequently hosts fun conversations with cookbook authors and chefs.

This is the place in San Francisco to find gorgeous handcrafted Italian leather shoes. From knee-high boots to contoured heel pumps, Paolo Iantorno's selection will make your heart miss a beat.

Devoted to showcasing the arts of Mexico, this gallery sells everything from antiques and traditional folk crafts to fine contemporary paintings. Brightly painted animal figures and a virtual village of Day of the Dead figures share space with religious statues and modern linocuts and paintings.

A Haight Street landmark, this store buys, sells, and trades used records, including hard-to-find imports and sides by obscure alternative bands. The CD collection is large, but the vinyl is the real draw.

Offering well-curated clothing, accessories, and jewelry from the roaring '20s to the hippie '60s, this premier vintage shop has a loyal following among retro-conscious gals and pals. Patrons have fun turning back the clock in the well-organized yet funky interior with Hawaiian-theme dressing rooms and a leopard-print chaise lounge.

Selling hard-to-find denim, sportswear, shoes, and accessories with a European influence, this store includes clothes designed by Fred Perry, G-Star RAW, and Benson. R by Rolo, down the street at 2267 Market Street, has high-quality gym- and sportswear.

This sweet, airy space offers city mementos more than a few standard deviations above the usual Fisherman's Wharf or Chinatown souvenirs. High-quality San Francisco–themed wares include graphic tees, sweatshirts, and beanies, as well as cute onesies and other items for kids. Beautiful books, housewares, and glassware by local artists make excellent souvenirs and gifts.

The colorful cottons carried here are mainly for infants, with some articles for older children. Brands include many Californian and European labels, including Petite Lem, Kanz, and 3 Pommes. There's a sizable section of San Francisco–theme gear and books, and a few shelves of organic and eco-friendly toys as well as whimsical finger puppets round out the selection.

For environmental, political, and sustainable books, look no further. With deep roots in the community, energetic artwork, and an atmosphere that encourages reading, this is a good place to hide away.

At the first store in the United States dedicated entirely to sake, each of the many sakes is displayed with a label describing the drink's qualities, with food-pairing suggestions.

A fresh place to find a lacy top or a soft pair of jeans, Two Birds stocks Frēda Salvador, Ulla Johnson, and Smythe. You'll also find sleek jewelry, handbags, and dresses by local designers.