Video:Guide to Bay Area Outlet Malls

Transcript:Guide to Bay Area Outlet Malls

If you're looking for the ultimate thrill of value shopping, known by professional shoppers as the outlet mall, you may not find it in San Francisco, but you can leave your heart and credit limit at the Bay Area outlet mall located right near the Golden Gate.

Information About the Bay Area Outlet Malls

Marina Square in San Leandro is the closest outlet to San Francisco at just 22 miles away to the southeast. It is also one of the smallest outlets with only a dozen or so actual outlet retailers as well as limited dining options. Marina Square is home to GUESS and Gymboree as well as a Nike Clearance Store. Most shops are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. Marina Square is easy to get to as it's located right off the 880 at Marina Boulevard East.

More Information About the Bay Area Outlet Malls

There are also several options to the north of San Francisco, including locations in Petaluma, Napa, and Vacaville. This is where you can get your shopping and your wine drinking on... maybe even at the same time. Or, maybe you'll just need a drink after you see your shopping tab.

All three are Chelsea Premium Outlets shopping malls, which all the fashionistas out there know specialize in upscale retailers, such as Gucci, Coach, and BCBG Max Azria. The outlets offer many hours to browse, try on, and buy. They're open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 6pm.

Other Bay Area Outlet Malls

The outlets in Petaluma are the closest at a distance of 40 miles from San Francisco and feature 60 stores. Vacaville is the farthest away at 57 miles, but it features twice as many stores at 120. Napa is in the middle both figuratively and literally at a distance of 50 miles with 50 stores.

If you'd rather head south of San Francisco, there are outlet shopping options in Milpitas and Gilroy, where you can also enjoy some antiquing and some “garlicking.” After all, Gilroy is best known and loved for its famous... aromatic bulb and mouthwatering festival every July.

Great Mall Milpitas is 48 miles south of San Francisco and features nearly 200 stores, including brands like Abercrombie, Gap, Nike, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. The Great Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sundays from 11am to 8pm. The Gilroy Premium Outlets, located 80 miles south of San Francisco, are also part of the Chelsea Premium Outlet family and offer a selection of 145 stores.

Be sure to check some of the online guides at About.com for additional tips on how to save more at these great shopping meccas, including coupon books and coupon codes, so you can buy more for less.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.