Bay Area's Top Downtowns For Boutique Shopping
Some of the best shops in the Bay Area are tucked away in towns you may never have visited. Eye on the Bay's Liam Mayclem has selected three unique Bay Area bergs that are full of charm and loaded with boutiques. Shoppers will encounter a wealth of restaurants, parks and points of historical interest as they stroll through these scenic small towns.
SAN ANSELMO
This quaint town is a perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Many of the towns one-of-a-kind shops are located on a single block of San Anselmo Ave. Here are a few of Liam's favorites.
Ludwig's
431 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 456-1820
Ludwig's
Wine and cigar aficionados will feel right at home at this decades-old San Anselmo shop. The family hand-selects the merchandize to provide discerning shoppers with top-shelf products.
Sax's
629 San Anselmo Ave
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 456-7655
Sax's
This consignment and vintage shop offers designer labels at a fraction of the cost off the rack. Pick through the full collection. You never know what treasures you might uncover.
Gunning's Hobbies
538 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 454-3087
Gunning's Hobbies
Planes, trains, automobiles and even rockets can be found to suit children and adult hobbyists.
Fig Garden
421 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 457-9443
Fig Garden
For shoppers who don't know exactly what they are looking for, the Fig Garden has a little bit of everything. Unique dishware, cards and clothes and treats for the kids are all worth browsing.
Dogville
954 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 454-2090
Dogville
Every dog has it's day at this downtown shop. Bring your pooch and they'll put its photo up on the wall. Shiny new tags, designer dishes and colorful collars are among the wardrobe upgrades available for your companion.
Body Time
611 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
(415) 459-5806
Body Time
Find everything you could possibly want to turn your home into a spa. You can even create your own scents.
LOS GATOS
This town has nearly 30,000 residents, but still keeps a small town feel. The outdoor farmer's market makes summer Sundays perfect for people watching. Largely rebuilt after the 1989 earthquake, the town's architecture retains a classic feel that makes it perfect for a window browsing stroll. Here are a few shops worth a stop:
Backyard Winery
45 West Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 399-5640
Backyard Winery
To get you in the mood to open your pocket book, start your tour with a quick wine tasting pit stop. This tasting room features the wines of Clos LaChance and Flemming Jenkins.
DOMUS
40 N Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-6630
DOMUS
This one-stop shop for houseware needs has long been a fixture on the Los Gatos shopping scene. Over 35,000 products are available on the floor each day. It's a great place to pick up some trinkets during the holidays.
Petroglyph Inc
37 North Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030-5916
(408) 395-6278
Let our your creativity at this paint-your-self ceramic studio. Choose from a variety of pieces that are just waiting for you to add your own style.
Los Gatos Cinema
41 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 395-0203
Los Gatos Cinema
This 1916 theater still has the ticket price listed from the 1930's. Take in a film and rest your feet after a day of tromping down North Santa Cruz Ave.
BURLINGAME
Burlingame has a ton of shopping and dining packed into just a few short blocks. From unique local shops to trendy small restaurant chains, Burlingame's vibrant main drag is an enjoyable place to spend a shopping day.
Retail Therapy
1109 Burlingame Ave
(650) 292-4455
Retail Therapy
This contemporary shop for women calls itself a boutique liquidator, boasting lower prices than many competitors.
Copenhagen
1216 Burlingame Avenue
(650) 342-1357
Copenhagen
This 30-year-old bakery and cafe is an ideal place to refuel with a sweet treat or a filling sandwich.
Plaza de Paws
1429 Burlingame Ave
(650) 579-3647
Plaza de Paws
This marketplace for pets and their friends is an upscale retailer for pet goods.