Fillmore Street

Fillmore Street is the principal shopping street of Pacific Heights in San Francisco, California, with its best-known stretch running between Jackson and Bush streets. The street combines upscale clothing boutiques, beauty and skincare shops, home and gift stores, bookstores, galleries and a notable line of restaurants and cafes, serving the affluent surrounding neighborhood and visitors. Goods sold include women's and men's fashion, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, stationery, children's clothing and homeware, and the mix leans toward contemporary labels and boutique retailers rather than department stores. The proportion of authentic, quality merchandise is high, and tourist trinkets are essentially absent, which sets it apart from the waterfront shopping areas. Prices are upper range, and bargaining is not customary; sales appear seasonally. Cards are accepted everywhere. California sales tax is added at the register, and there is no tax refund for tourists. The atmosphere is quiet and refined compared with Union Square, with locals walking dogs, taking coffee and shopping at a relaxed pace, and weekends are the busiest. Food options are strong, including bakeries, coffee roasters, pizzerias, brunch restaurants and bars, often with sidewalk tables, and the area is a good choice for lunch between shops. The street is steep in places, with Alta Plaza Park rising to the east and offering city views, while the historic Fillmore district to the south is known for its jazz heritage. Must-visit corners include the blocks around Sacramento and California streets with their clustering of boutiques. Shops generally open about 10:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM, and Muni buses run along Fillmore Street. The route can be combined with a visit to nearby Japantown, a short bus ride south.