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The City by the Bay is many things — it's as much a haven for hipsters and hippies as it is for skate kids and the tech industry's nouveau riche. Happily, the San Francisco retail scene reflects the wide range of styles found here, from artsy avant-garde to modern bohemian and absolutely everything in between.

Skip the big chains near Union Square for the amazing selection of independent shops scattered throughout the city. Check out Hayes and Noe Valley for high-end designer clothes and gifts; awesome vintage selections can be found near the iconic intersection of Haight-Ashbury. In the Mission District you'll find all of the above, especially on Valencia Street, which is home to a fabulous mix of vintage stores, record and zine shops, and small boutiques for men and women.

Retailers like Eden & Eden and Hero Shop are a draw for their unique selections, while homegrown brands like Benny Gold, Freda Salvador, and Welcome Stranger all tell their own story of San Francisco — and each one is worth checking out while you're here.

With so many great shops in SF, we couldn't include everything in this guide. See more on retail in San Francisco.