If you’re in San Francisco and looking to indulge in a little shopping, you’re in for a treat! The city has a lot to offer when it comes to retail therapy, but one of the highlights of my trip was visiting the amazing outlet malls. From high-end designer brands to affordable fashion finds, San Francisco’s outlets have something for everyone. Whether you’re a fashionista or just someone who loves a good bargain, these outlets are the perfect spots for a shopping spree. Let me take you through my favorite spots and share my experience navigating these shopping havens.
1. Livermore Premium Outlets: A Shopper’s Paradise
One of the most popular outlet malls in the San Francisco Bay Area is the Livermore Premium Outlets. It’s about a 45-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, and trust me, it’s totally worth the trip.
How to Get There
The drive to Livermore was easy, with clear directions and a smooth highway. The outlet is located just off the freeway, and there’s plenty of parking available. I parked right near the entrance, which made my shopping experience even more enjoyable because I didn’t have to walk too far with all my bags.
The Shopping Experience
As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a large open-air space with rows upon rows of stores. The mall houses over 120 designer and brand-name outlets, such as Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Kate Spade, and Prada. What I love most about Livermore is the variety – it’s not just about luxury brands, but also a good mix of casual and affordable options like Levi’s, H&M, and Uniqlo.
I started off by visiting Coach, where I was pleasantly surprised by the sales – up to 70% off! I was able to snag a beautiful leather handbag for half the retail price. It felt like a real steal, and it set the tone for the rest of my shopping day.
Next, I stopped by Michael Kors, where I found some gorgeous watches at prices that were far lower than what I’d typically see in a department store. The staff were also really helpful, pointing me to the best deals and helping me pick out a stylish purse that I couldn’t resist.
Dining and Relaxation
Shopping for hours can make anyone hungry, and the Livermore Premium Outlets has plenty of dining options. There’s a Starbucks for a quick coffee fix, and I also found a cozy Panera Bread where I grabbed a light lunch. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, there are also sit-down restaurants offering everything from Asian cuisine to classic American dishes.
Final Thoughts on Livermore Premium Outlets
If you’re looking for a blend of luxury and affordable shopping in one place, Livermore Premium Outlets is a must-visit. The variety of stores and the deep discounts make it a top choice for anyone visiting the Bay Area.
2. San Francisco Premium Outlets: Convenient and Diverse Shopping
Another fantastic outlet experience in the Bay Area is the San Francisco Premium Outlets located in Livermore, about 40 minutes from the heart of San Francisco. The San Francisco Premium Outlets have been a game-changer when it comes to outlet shopping. This spot features 180+ stores, offering something for everyone.
Location and Accessibility
The outlets are located right off the highway, and parking is easy, with large parking lots and a parking garage that ensures you won’t spend too much time searching for a spot. If you’re traveling via public transportation, there are shuttle services available to get you directly to the outlets.
What I Found Here
When I walked into the San Francisco Premium Outlets, the atmosphere was bustling with energy. I headed straight to some of my favorite designer stores, like Burberry, Tory Burch, and Gucci. The deals on handbags and shoes were unbeatable! I was blown away by the discounts. A leather Tory Burch crossbody that typically retails for over $400 was marked down to just under $200. Needless to say, I couldn’t leave without it!
For those looking for a bit of athletic wear or casual clothing, I highly recommend stopping by Adidas or Nike. They always have great markdowns on sneakers and workout gear, which is perfect if you’re in need of some new gear to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Entertainment and Relaxation
After hours of browsing, I took a break in one of the many seating areas scattered throughout the mall. Some of these areas even had fountains, which made for a peaceful place to rest your feet while you took in the atmosphere.
There’s also a Cinemark Theaters nearby, so if you want to unwind after your shopping spree with a movie, you can easily do that too.
3. Vacaville Premium Outlets: Hidden Gem for Big Discounts
If you’re willing to venture a little farther outside of San Francisco, I highly recommend checking out Vacaville Premium Outlets. Located in Vacaville, it’s about an hour’s drive from the city, but the discounts and selection make it worth the extra time.
Getting There
The drive to Vacaville was scenic and peaceful. It’s a little more remote than the other outlets, which means it’s usually a bit less crowded. That’s one of the things I loved the most about this outlet — I didn’t have to fight through large crowds to get to the good stuff.
Great Selection of Stores
One of my favorite finds at Vacaville Premium Outlets was Prada. I scored a stunning leather tote bag for 50% off, which made my whole trip worthwhile. They also have Fossil, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring.
The outlet is well organized, and the layout makes it easy to get in and out of stores quickly. I didn’t have to waste time wandering aimlessly — everything was conveniently located.
Chill Vibes
The atmosphere at Vacaville is much quieter than the bigger outlets, which I actually found to be a positive thing. I could take my time and shop at my own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It felt like a more relaxed experience, which was perfect after a few more crowded days in the city.
4. A Shopper’s Dream: Tanger Outlets in San Francisco
If you’re looking for an outlet experience closer to San Francisco, the Tanger Outlets in San Francisco might just be the place for you. While not as sprawling as some of the larger outlets in the area, Tanger still offers a great variety of stores that will make any shopper happy.
Compact but Complete
Tanger Outlets is compact but definitely packs a punch. It features a solid selection of brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, J.Crew, and Coach. I particularly loved the Nike store here — they always have incredible deals on sneakers, which made me walk out with a new pair for under $50!
The outlet is also close to downtown, which makes it an easy stop if you’re staying in the city and don’t want to drive too far. The parking is plentiful, and there’s no long walk to get to the stores.
Quick and Easy Shopping
The best part of Tanger Outlets was that I could pop in and out of stores quickly. If you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with a massive outlet mall, this is a great option. Plus, it’s super easy to grab a bite nearby. I found a great local café for a quick coffee and snack before continuing my shopping spree.
5. Shopping Tips for Outlet Malls in San Francisco
Visiting outlet malls is an art form, and after my multiple trips to the outlets around San Francisco, I’ve picked up a few tips that make the experience even better.
Arrive Early or Late
The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During peak hours, like weekends and lunchtime, the outlets can get crowded, and finding parking can be a hassle. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to score the best deals and avoid the crowds.
Be Prepared to Walk
Outlet malls are big, and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to explore. It’s worth it to get in a good walk while hunting for discounts!
Know Your Sizes
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to know your sizes for different brands. Some outlets may have items that run a little small or big, so it’s helpful to try things on or know your measurements ahead of time.
Stay on the Lookout for Extra Discounts
Most outlet malls offer additional discounts, especially during special sales events or holiday weekends. Be sure to ask the store employees if there are any extra coupons or promotions you can use.
Shopping in San Francisco’s outlet malls is truly an experience worth having. Whether you’re a fan of luxury brands or looking for a great bargain, these outlets offer an unbeatable combination of high-end and budget-friendly options. The variety, deals, and atmosphere make these places the perfect spots to satisfy your shopping cravings.
