San Francisco Outlet Shopping

San Francisco area outlet shopping is an ideal way to get great bargains while visiting the city. While there aren't any outlets or outlet malls in the city proper, there are several options in the Bay Area just outside the city worth checking out.

While most of San Francisco proper is dense with skyscrapers and historic landmarks, its surrounding areas have plenty of shopping for you to enjoy.

The Great Mall of the Bay Area is located in Milpitas, 48 miles southeast of the city. What makes the Great Mall a must-stop destination is its combination of outlet stores with more mainstream shopping options, meeting the needs of every member of the family.

With plenty of famous stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and Saks Fifth Avenue, you'll love the same impressive quality of these retailers' full-priced items, without having to break the bank. There is also a large food court and movie theater on the grounds.

The Great Mall is located at 447 Great Mall Drive Milpitas, CA 95035 and can be reached for hours and other information at (408) 956-2033.

While the Great Mall is located in the bustle of the South Bay, you will find the Napa Premium Outlets, about 50 miles north of the city, to be a great find. Known for its high-end stores including Barneys New York, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, these outlet versions are available on the way to some of Napa's finest winery attractions, making it a perfect draw for tourists.

The outlets have more than 50 stores, as well as numerous restaurants nearby. There is plenty of opportunity to snag some great gifts and a few special finds for yourself at this posh marketplace.

Located at 629 Factory Stores Drive in Napa, you can find out their operating hours and seasonal information by calling (707) 226-9876.

Located 40 miles to the Northwest of the city, you will also find the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets. The outlets feature more than 60 stores, including Coach, Levi's, Brooks Brothers and Ann Taylor. There are also numerous wineries and vineyards nearby, making it a great destination spot.

Located at 2200 Petaluma Blvd North Petaluma, CA 94952, get hours and information by calling (707) 778-9300.

Gilroy Premium Outlets is located 80 miles southeast of the city and has more than 145 different stores gathered in one place. They have a very impressive range of stores, from Skechers to Ralph Lauren, making this a great shopping experience for the entire family. The outlets are located close to the parks and beaches at Big Sur and the amusement park at Santa Cruz, so plan for a full day trip to the area.

The Gilroy Premium Outlets are located at 681 Leavesley Road Gilroy, CA 95020. Call (408) 842-3729 for hours and information.

Travel 106 miles Northeast of the city to Folsom to find more than 80 outlet stores at the Folsom Premium Outlets. They have a wide range of outlets, including Gap, Nike, Forever 21 and Saks Off 5th, making this a great destination for groups, as well as families. The outlets are located close enough to Sacramento's historic district to make this a destination day trip.

The outlets are located at 13000 Folsom Boulevard Folsom, CA 95630. Call (916) 985-0312 for hours and information.

Located just 22 miles outside of San Francisco in San Leandro, Marina Square is one of the closest outlet shopping destinations. They have 17 factory stores and outlets including Ann Taylor, Nine West and Nordstrom Rack.

Marina Square is located at 1201 Marina Boulevard San Leandro, CA 94577. Their hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Phone numbers for individuals stores are published on the Marina Square directory page.

When you are out and about in the middle of San Francisco itself, take some time to discover all of the great name brand outlet stores you can visit and spend a fraction of the price.

For adorable kids' clothing, outlet shopping in San Francisco doesn't get better than the Gymboree Outlet located on Howard Street. With cute seasonal fashions and lots of versatile styles for both girls and boys, Gymboree is a parent's favorite find. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. For information, call (510) 351-5065.

For some higher-end deals, visit Nordstrom Rack in SoMa at 555 9th Street. This particular Nordstrom Rack is well known in the area for having several designer brands at clearance prices. Be sure to check out the sales racks for the best deals. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. For information, call (415) 934-1211.

Shopping in the San Francisco area doesn't have to break the bank once you know where to find the best bargains around the Bay area. Travel in and around the city to these outlet locations and score some great deals.