From artisan chocolates to vintage books and handmade soaps, shopping in San Francisco is anything but ordinary. This eclectic coastal city blends creative spirit with cultural depth, offering a variety of keepsakes that tell a story far beyond a postcard. Whether you’re browsing trendy boutiques in the Mission or strolling through historic Chinatown, you’ll find yourself tempted by one-of-a-kind treasures around every corner.
From hand-thrown pottery in Sausalito to bottles of Sonoma wine or sourdough starter kits, these San Francisco souvenirs are packed with character and carry the essence of the city long after you’ve left the Bay.
Here are the top 10 souvenirs to buy in San Francisco, each one capturing the city’s iconic charm, creativity and coastal flair.
1. Ghirardelli Chocolate
You can’t visit San Francisco without indulging in a few squares of Ghirardelli. Founded in 1852, this historic chocolatier has become synonymous with the city itself. Swing by the original Ghirardelli Square location for specialty bars, decadent hot fudge sauces or limited-edition flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
For the perfect San Francisco souvenir, look for tins decorated with cable cars or city skylines—they make excellent gifts or reminders of your sweet escape.
2. Handcrafted Jewelry from Local Makers
San Francisco is a haven for artisans and its thriving maker scene is especially vibrant when it comes to jewelry. In neighborhoods like Hayes Valley or the Ferry Building Marketplace, you’ll find pieces crafted from recycled metals, bay shells or sea glass plucked right from Ocean Beach.
Each necklace or ring feels personal, as if it carries a bit of fog, sea breeze and West Coast flair with it. Whether you go minimalist or bold, handcrafted jewelry makes for a timeless San Francisco keepsake.
3. Sourdough Bread or Starter Kits
Thanks to the city's signature fog and unique air culture, San Francisco’s sourdough has a distinct tang that bread lovers chase around the world. You can buy a fresh loaf from Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf, but if you’re heading home soon, grab a sourdough starter kit instead.
These small jars come with instructions and everything you need to recreate a little piece of the Bay Area in your own kitchen. As far as what to buy in San Francisco goes, this one is a taste of history.
4. Napa or Sonoma Wine
You don’t have to head into Wine Country to bring a bottle home. Many boutique wine shops in San Francisco carry exceptional selections from nearby Napa and Sonoma Valleys, often from smaller, family-run vineyards you’d never find in chain stores.
Ask a local shopkeeper to help you select a wine that pairs with your favorite dish or occasion. For a more interactive experience, some shops even offer tastings before you buy.
5. Alcatraz-Themed Memorabilia
Dark, dramatic and oddly fascinating, Alcatraz remains one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. At the island’s gift shop or stores around Pier 39, you’ll find a variety of clever Alcatraz-themed souvenirs.
Popular picks include replica prisoner mugs, “Escape from Alcatraz” tees or miniature jail keys. It’s the kind of quirky keepsake that always sparks a conversation back home.
6. Golden Gate Bridge Art & Decor
No souvenir says San Francisco quite like the image of the Golden Gate Bridge. But skip the typical snow globe and opt for locally-made artwork or home décor instead.
At galleries in Sausalito or the Ferry Plaza, you’ll find watercolor prints, metal cutouts or framed photographs that beautifully capture the bridge at sunrise or under misty skies. It’s a refined way to bring a piece of the city’s skyline into your home.
7. Locally Made Bath and Body Products
In a city known for its eco-conscious values, San Francisco is overflowing with natural, handmade bath and body products. You’ll find lavender-scented soaps made with California-grown herbs, minimalist packaging and often a deep commitment to sustainability.
Pick up a few artisanal bars from stores like Soapbox SF or head to farmers markets where local vendors sell small-batch scrubs, essential oil rollers and soothing lotions made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
8. Vintage Books and Maps
San Francisco has long been a city of writers, dreamers and rebels. That spirit lives on in its many vintage bookstores, especially in North Beach, once the heart of the Beat Generation.
Pick up an original edition from City Lights Bookstore or leaf through vintage maps that show San Francisco before the bridges, earthquakes and boom. If you’re wondering what to buy in San Francisco that truly reflects its literary soul, this is your answer.
9. Local Art Prints and Street Photography
San Francisco’s steep hills, pastel Victorian houses and cable cars make it a visual delight. Local artists often capture these scenes through photography, watercolor or graphic prints.
Whether you find a street vendor near Union Square or pop into a boutique in the Mission, you’ll discover a variety of prints that reflect the city’s mood—sunlit, foggy, nostalgic or buzzing with energy. These make great framed souvenirs that don’t take up space in your suitcase.
10. Chinatown Tea and Ceramics
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and shopping here is a cultural experience all its own. Tucked between herbal medicine shops and paper lantern stores, you’ll find incredible tea houses and ceramic shops.
Pick up a tin of loose-leaf jasmine or pu-erh tea and pair it with a hand-painted teapot or mug. It’s a serene, sensory souvenir that transports you back to Grant Avenue with every sip.
Shopping Shore Excursions in San Francisco
If you’re short on time or want to pair shopping with sightseeing, guided tours offer curated ways to explore San Francisco’s vibrant markets and neighborhoods. A few options include:
- San Francisco City Tour & Chinatown Lunch: See key districts like Union Square and Twin Peaks before enjoying a traditional Chinese lunch and time to explore and shop in colorful Chinatown.
- Sausalito & Muir Woods: After wandering under towering redwoods in Muir Woods, you’ll have time to shop art galleries and boutique stores along Sausalito’s charming waterfront.
- Sonoma Wine Country: Explore California’s legendary wine region, with stops at wineries, boutique shops and photo ops by the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Tour: Take a self-paced tour with shopping stops in Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Chinatown and more—plus a guided walking tour and 1-hour bike rental.
What to Buy in San Francisco?
When deciding what to buy in San Francisco, consider edible classics like sourdough starter kits and Ghirardelli chocolates, iconic keepsakes such as Golden Gate Bridge prints and cable car replicas and uniquely local finds like Chinatown tea sets, Alcatraz-themed gifts and wine from nearby Sonoma. These San Francisco souvenirs capture the creative spirit, cultural diversity and scenic charm of the City by the Bay.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore San Francisco shore excursions and dive deeper into what San Francisco is known for to plan your perfect visit.
