The Best Outlet Malls in San Francisco (2024)

By Joe Coleman

Head to these outlet malls near San Francisco to find great deals on everything you need. Find out about transportation, dining, entertainment, and more.

When you’re visiting San Francisco, you’re just a short trip from some of the best outlet malls on the West Coast. Filled with exciting stores at all price points, you can find a great shopping experience and some extraordinary deals.

Whether you want to make a full day of it or just pop in for an afternoon, these seven outlet malls are some of the best places to do engage in some retail therapy.

Don’t let the name fool you. The San Francisco Premium Outlets are actually in the East Bay town of Livermore. Shoppers can expect to find men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from a variety of major brands, including Adidas, Allbirds, Saint Laurent, and Swarovski.

There are 17 restaurants to choose from, including Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, and Suki Hana. When the kids need to stretch their legs, you’ll find a free play area in the northeast corner of the center.

There are plenty of things to do within a 15-minute drive of the San Francisco Premium Outlets, including the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area and touring the local Museum on Main.

• Distance From San Francisco: 40 miles / 64 kilometers
• Best Way to Get There from SF: US-101 south to 1-80 east
• Accessible Via Public Transit? Yes. Take BART to East Pleasanton/Dublin, then board the Wheels Bus Route 14.

When visiting the Gilroy Premium Outlets, you’ll find major brands like Timberland, lululemon, H&M, and Calvin Klein. On-site, there are five places to get a bit to eat, including a Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, and Happy Lemon.

Near this outlet mall, you’ll find the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, an incredibly popular destination. In fact, you’ll find more than a dozen parks within about a 15-minute drive.

• Distance From San Francisco: 78 miles / 125 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 south
• Accessible Via Public Transit? No

The Folsom Premium Outlets offers a more relaxed shopping experience. Though the center is smaller, the offerings are still strong. Shoppers will find stores such as Calvin Klein, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and rue21.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Auntie Anne’s are in the complex when you want to get something to eat. When you’re looking for a break from shopping, check out the Fun Zone Arcade for some fun.

Nearby you’ll find the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, SeaQuest Folsom, and Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.

• Distance From San Francisco: 106 miles / 170 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 south to I-80 east
• Accessible Via Public Transit? No

The Vacaville Premium Outlets offer a wide array of shopping choices. You’ll find lots of popular brands like Columbia, Crocs, Kay Jewelers, and Nike. For cooking enthusiasts, you’ll find a unique spot here: Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

There aren’t any dining options here, but you’ll find a children’s play area when the kids need to run around.

Nearby, you’ll find plenty of dining and entertainment options like Andrews Park and the Vacaville Museum.

• Distance From San Francisco: 57 miles / 92 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 south to I-80 east
• Accessible Via Public Transit? No

The Great Mall in Milpitas lives up to its name. You’ll find nearly 70 stores to shop at, including Banana Republic, Lacoste, New Balance, and True Religion.

This mall is known for fun, with plenty of options for entertainment. Choose between a movie theater, a Dave & Busters, and an escape room. When you need something to eat, you have 27 options, including Jollibee, Ruby Thai Kitchen, and Burger King.

If that isn’t enough, you’ll find Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area, Hidden Lake Park, and California’s Great America nearby.

• Distance From San Francisco: 47 miles / 76 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 south to I-880 south
• Accessible Via Public Transit? Yes. Take BART to Milpitas. The Great Mall is less than a mile from the station.

The Napa Premium Outlets offers a concise but excellent shopping experience. With just 27 stores, you won’t find as many crowds as some of the larger outlet center. Shops include Brooks Brothers, Guest, J. Crew, and more.

While there aren’t any places for kids to play in the mall, there are plenty of options nearby like the Playground Fantastico and Skyline Wilderness Park.

• Distance From San Francisco: 49 miles / 79 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 south to I-80 east to CA-29 north
• Accessible Via Public Transit? No

The Petaluma Village Premium Outlets holds around 20 stores, including Aeropostale, Eddie Bauer, Saks OFF 5th, and Tommy Hilfiger.

If you need a snack, there’s a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the mall. The kids will also enjoy the play area when they need to expend some energy.

Nearby, you’ll find the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Shollenberger Park, and the Petaluma Wildlife Museum.

• Distance From San Francisco: 41 miles / 66 kilometers
• Best Way to Get Here from SF: US-101 north
• Accessible Via Public Transit? No

Joe Coleman

Joe Coleman has been writing professionally since 2019. Though always up for an international trek, there’s nothing he loves more than a road trip exploring the large cities and small towns of the United States. You can find more of his work atcolemancreates.com.

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