Nothing says the holidays like a bustling city street and where better to find that than in San Francisco? Union Street has been a frequented shopping destination since the 1950s when old carriage houses, barns and Victorian homes lined the streets. The buildings have since been renovated to accommodate new stores and buzzy restaurants, but the area has retained its small-street charm. Weekends are filled with the brunching crowd and independently owned shops and eateries provide the backdrop for a day buying presents for everyone on your list.
Anomie
2149 Union Street
Home to all the funky oversize sweaters and 90s-inspired hair accessories you could ever want, this store is your one-stop shop for cool-girl apparel (they also have kids’ stuff). The on-trend, high-quality shoe selection shouldn’t be missed.
2086 Union Street
The holidays can be exhausting, but you can inject a little pep into your step with a vitamin infusion. Whether you want to feel your best, need help balancing hormones or want help recovering from your last workout, this IV lounge has it all.
2284 Union Street
This Japanese-inspired spa offers top-notch facials, massages and natural nail services in a tucked-away, tranquil environment. Spa lovers can now relax knowing that the spa has recently upgraded its ventilation system to be more Covid cautious. And breathe.
2278 Union Street
Expect a curated selection of clothing, jewelry and shoes for women, with most being small-batch, sustainable Italian brands. Don’t miss this month’s trunk show with Mill Valley’s Stick & Ball (starts the second week of December) as well as Marin artist Linda Wegmann, whose paintings will be on show in-store throughout the month.
2127 Union Street
Does she love prints, patterns and lots of color? Then this store is a must. While the apparel does skew slightly younger, it’s the perfect destination for fashion-loving daughters and nieces. And if roller skates are on anyone’s list, you are in luck because they stock those, too.
2066 Union Street
This gourmet dog bakery is as good as any you’d find in Paris (probably better!) and Fido will love the seasonally inspired pastries and cookies (that look delicious enough for humans to eat). The bakery also offers personalized cakes, treats and toys. It’s a little slice of canine heaven.
1958 Union Street
Spa and wellness lovers won’t be able to resist this urban oasis. The spa features everything from facials to acupuncture to hair restoration. Book a treatment in December and enjoy a complimentary herbal latte along with any service.
2001 Union Street
A shoe lover’s heaven since 1970, Shaw Shoes is a family-owned business that prides itself on stocking the best in Italian footwear. Combat boots, sneakers and stacked pumps make the selection as diverse as it is luxe.
1909 Union Street
This beloved foodie utopia is opening the doors on its new, expanded space this month — the store will double in size and it will have a full cafe. The evening wine and tapas bar will open its doors in the new year, and in the meantime, be sure and pick up small-batch gift baskets for all the food lovers on your list.
2000 Union Street
Wildseed is healthy comfort food at its most delicious and the brunch menu is a thing of gastronomic beauty — think red velvet flaxseed pancakes, a vegan spicy sausage omelet and beet poke. The fun, buzzy atmosphere is reminiscent of pre-pandemic life and the weekday happy hour is well worth a try, too.
