San Francisco offers some of the best shopping in California in its varied shopping centres, districts and malls. Union Square, Hayes Valley, upper Filmore, the Mission, Sacramento Street, Chinatown and downtown's San Francisco Shopping Centre are all popular spots. San Francisco shopping is at its best in the one-off quirky shops often run by some of the most interesting characters you are likely to meet. Books, antiques and thrift store bargains are where San Francisco outdoes itself.