Best Malls for Rainy Days San Francisco Bay Area
- Nini
- Feb 25
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Rainy season got you down? Yeah, me too. Suddenly, picnics are canceled, walks are a no-go, and you're stuck inside. But honestly? I've discovered rainy days are actually amazing for exploring malls. Think about it: perfect temperature, tons of shops, yummy food, movies...it's basically an indoor playground for grown-ups. Forget being cooped up, let's turn these rainy days into mall days! I've been checking out all the best spots, and I'm ready to share my top picks for where to hang out when the weather's gloomy. We're talking cozy cafes, the newest releases at the cinema, and everything in between. So ditch the rain boots (maybe bring an umbrella just in case!) and get ready for some serious indoor fun. Let's make the most of it!
Just a quick note: This post isn't sponsored by any of the businesses mentioned. All opinions are my own.
Serramonte Mall (Serramonte Center)
Daly City, CA
Insider Tips:
Parking is atrocious in the Dick's Sporting Goods/Dave and Busters area. Your best bet is to park in the Target/Wells Fargo area. I have found that no one really parks there for some reason.
Arrive early on Thursday and Saturday for the Farmer's Market
If you're driving, the best entrance is along Callan Blvd. If you can, avoid the Gellert/Serramonte Blvd. intersection entrance
The entrance along Serramonte Blvd. has right-of-way when approaching the left/right turns in front of Target
Waymo has routes to Serramonte Mall
SamTrans buses has a dedicated bus station by World Market
Picking up pre-ordered takeout from the food court? There is a dedicated parking area in front of Daiso for quick pick-ups
Also affectionately called "Mini Manila" by locals, Serramonte Center sits in Daly City, California, a bustling area just south of San Francisco. It's conveniently located near the 280 freeway, making it easily accessible. The surrounding area is a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial businesses, and other retail centers. You'll find a variety of dining options nearby, from fast casual to sit-down restaurants. While the immediate vicinity is primarily focused on shopping and dining, the broader area offers access to the scenic coastline and other Bay Area attractions.
Serramonte Center is buzzing with anticipation for several exciting new stores and restaurants coming soon. Beauty enthusiasts will be thrilled to welcome Tokyo Beauty to the mall, offering premium Japanese brand cosmetics and skin care. For those seeking unique gifts and home goods, Miniso is also slated to open its doors. On the culinary front, get ready for Marafuku Ramen to satisfy your ramen cravings, along with Jagalchi bringing a new Korean dining and shopping experience to the center. These additions promise to elevate Serramonte Center's offerings and solidify its position as a premier shopping and dining destination in the area. Stay tuned for grand opening dates and more details!
A Brief History of Serramonte Mall
Serramonte Mall was built as part of the Serramonte planned community by Fred and Carl Gellert, and opened in September 1968.
Early Years: When it opened, Serramonte Center had 56 stores, including anchor tenants like Macy's, Mervyn's, and Montgomery Ward. Other stores included B. Dalton, Hickory Farms, Kinney Shoes, Longs Drugs, and QFI.
Expansion and Renovations: The mall has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. In the mid-2010s, a major expansion added approximately 200,000 square feet of retail space. In 2004, the mall was renovated according to feng shui principles, including the addition of a koi pond. Another interior renovation took place in 2021.
Ownership Changes: The mall has also changed ownership a few times. It was sold in 2002 to Capital and Counties USA, in 2011 to Equity One, and as of 2021, it is owned by Regency Centers.
Anchor Changes: Over time, the mall's anchor stores have changed. Montgomery Ward was replaced by Target in 2002, and JCPenney replaced Mervyn's in 2011. JCPenney closed in 2019 and will be replaced by Jagalchi. New anchors like Dick's Sporting Goods and Dave & Buster's have also been added.
Store Highlights
Best Quick Eat: 85C Bakery Cafe
Cusine: Taiwanese
External facing entrance only, no entrance from inside the mall
Located by the Macy's anchor side
Minimal seating
Self-service
My menu favorites: Cheese Dog, Coffee Milk Butter Bread, Sugared Cream Cheese Brioche, Egg Tarts, and an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Latte
Best Fast Food: Jollibee
Cuisine: Filipino American
Has both external and internal facing entrances
In the main food court
Booth seating and food court seating
Can be a 10-15 minute wait for food during peak hours
My menu favorites: Yumburger with cheese, Chicken Sandwich, Jolly Spaghetti, and Coconut Dream Freeze drink
Best Food Court Eat: Tokyo Grill
Cuisine: Japanese American
In the main food court
Very quick service and affordable pricing
My menu favorites: #1 with Black Bean Sauce
Best Sit-Down Restaurant: Izumi Revolving Sushi
Cuisine: Japanese American
Located along the Dick's Sporting Good anchor side
Huge portions if you're into American-style sushi
Can be a long wait during peak hours
Best Coffee: Iced Hawaiian Latte at Mochill Mochidonut
Coffee is by the Honolulu Coffee Company
Located at the center of the mall by the fountain structure
Best Dessert: Amausaan Uji Matcha
Cuisine: Japanese
Located along the Jagalchi anchor side
My menu favorites: Any of their seasonal soft serve flavors and Peach Bubble Water drink
Best Beauty/Fashion: Fanloli
Korean cosmetics, skin care, and hair care
Misc. super kawaii accessories
My favorite lippie: Peripera Airy Velvets
My most-used purchase: a cute strawberry-themed ID lanyard
Best Clothing: Uniqlo
Japanese casualwear and designer
Insider tip: Keep a lookout for sales, they have them often
My most-used purchase: Waffle-knit pullover sweater
Best store to slowly peruse: Daiso
Japanese discount store
It's like the Dollar Tree but Japanese
My most-used purchase: acrylic organizers
Kid-Friendly Areas
Open play space in front of the Macy's entrance
Small and mainly for tiny toddlers
Jumpity Bumpity
2-level indoor soft-contained playground structure
It always looks very busy on the weekends
Family Lounge
Free small area for babies to hang out
Next to restrooms by the main food court
I grew up with Serramonte Mall so I have a strong affinity to it on rainy days and sunny days. Aside from the variety of food and stores, I appreciate the ADA entrances, wide walkways, and comfortable seating literally everywhere. I wish they kept the strong geyser fountain or the koi pond though. I don't think this mall has ever been affected by the influx of e-commerce. They have been constantly attracting locals with their constant weekly celebrations, farmers markets, and fairs.
Stonestown Galleria
The area around Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco is a diverse mix of residential neighborhoods, anchored by the bustling mall and San Francisco State University. It offers a blend of urban convenience and a more suburban feel, with a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments.
The presence of SFSU gives the area a youthful energy, while nearby Lake Merced provides a beautiful natural escape. You'll find a mix of cultures and generations here, with plenty of local shops and restaurants alongside the familiar names in Stonestown. It's a convenient spot, with easy access to transportation and all the necessities, making it a comfortable and vibrant part of the city.
Stonestown Galleria is upping its food game with a trio of exciting new restaurants set to open in the coming months. Foodies can look forward to Supreme Dumplings, a popular Seattle spot known for their delectable soup dumplings, which will be their first location outside of Washington. For a taste of Vietnam, Le Soleil, currently a Richmond favorite, is bringing their flavorful dishes like shaking beef and imperial rolls to Stonestown. And rounding out the culinary additions is Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, a Japanese chain that will satisfy any ramen craving. These new eateries promise to add even more variety to Stonestown's already diverse dining scene, making it a must-visit destination for Bay Area food lovers.
A Brief History of Stonestown Mall
Built on Cabbage Fields: Before it became a shopping mecca, the land where Stonestown stands was actually used for growing cabbage! It was part of a larger area of farmland around Lake Merced. This highlights how San Francisco has changed over time, from agricultural land to urban development.
A "City Within a City": The original vision for Stonestown was much grander than just a shopping center. The Stoneson brothers aimed to create a self-contained community, with apartments alongside the retail spaces. This was a very forward-thinking concept for the time, anticipating the modern trend of mixed-use developments.
Early Anchor - The Emporium: The Emporium department store was a huge draw for Stonestown in its early years. It was a beloved San Francisco institution, and its presence at Stonestown helped solidify the center's popularity. Many San Franciscans have fond memories of shopping at The Emporium.
Palm Trees as Pioneers: It might seem commonplace now, but the Stonesons were pioneers in using palm trees on a large scale in San Francisco. They planted them around Stonestown, adding a touch of California flair to the development.
"Roof Rides" at The Emporium: This is a fun, quirky detail! The Emporium at Stonestown, like its Market Street counterpart, offered "roof rides" during the Christmas season. This involved taking an elevator to the roof and enjoying a ride with a view – a unique and festive experience for shoppers.
The Great International Running Race: Before Stonestown was built, the area near Lake Merced was the site of a famous horse race in 1873. This "Great International Running Race" attracted a lot of attention and adds another layer to the history of the land.
Architectural Transformation: The 1987 renovation that turned Stonestown into Stonestown Galleria was a major architectural undertaking. The addition of the glass ceiling, marble floors, and food court completely changed the look and feel of the center, making it a more modern and upscale shopping destination.
Mural with a Story: During the 1987 renovation, a large mural was commissioned for the food court. Interestingly, the people depicted in the mural are actually the architects and their families! This is a unique and personal touch that adds a hidden layer of meaning to the artwork.
Store Highlights
Best Quick Eat: Marugame Udon & Tempura
Cusine: Japanese fast-casual
External facing entrance only, no entrance from inside the mall
Minimal seating
My menu favorite: Nikutama
Best Fast Food: Shake Shack
Cuisine: American
External facing entrance only, no entrance from inside the mall
Can be a 10-15 minute wait for food during peak hours
My menu favorites: Golden State Double
Best Sit-Down Restaurant: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Cuisine: Japanese American
Located on the second floor
Huge portions if you're into American-style sushi
Gamified dining- win prizes for every 15 plates of sushi
Can be a 2-3 hour wait during peak hours
Best Coffee: Hojicha Latte at Premium Matcha Cafe Maiko
Cuisine: Japanese
Located at the main food court on the second floor
Always has a huge line, even on weekdays
Best Beauty/Fashion: Candy Doll Beauty
Japanese and Korean cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and body care
Misc. super kawaii accessories
My most-used purchase: Momopuri Moisture Barrier Milk Lotion and Double Lasting Cushion Foundation
Best Clothing: 2nd Street
Japanese-based retail chain that specializes in second-hand clothing
Located on the second floor
A bit on the pricy side- $20+ for a t-shirt
Carefully curated with unique pieces
Best store to slowly peruse: Handmade in CA
Handcraft items by local artists
Located on the first floor
It doesn't look like much at first glance but if you really take your time to peruse, you'll find a lot of unique items
Kid-Friendly Areas
Round 1 Bowling and Arcade
Japanese-based entertainment center
Very large location
Gachapons galore
IFun
Hands-on crafting store with an emphasis on decoden cream crafts
Immersive Gamebox
An interactive gaming experience that uses motion tracking, touch screens, and surround sound to create a virtual world. Players use their bodies as controllers to solve puzzles and complete challenges.
Back in my college days, I used to hit up Stonestown Mall a lot, but it was nothing like the lively spot it is now. It felt pretty empty and dark, with lots of vacant stores. You'd go there because it was convenient, not because it was exciting. But over the years, I've seen it totally change. New stores popped up, the lighting got better, and the whole vibe became way more energetic. Now, Stonestown is buzzing with life, a hangout for students and locals to shop, grab a bite, and chill. It's a great example of how a place can change and grow with its community.
Westfield Valley Fair
The land around Westfield Valley Fair has seen quite a transformation. It wasn't that long ago it was all orchards and fields – typical of the Santa Clara Valley back then. But things started to change after the war. San Jose grew, and where there were farms, houses and businesses started popping up. Valley Fair itself arrived in the late 50s, a sign of things to come. Then, of course, Silicon Valley really took off. Tech companies moved in, bringing with them a whole new wave of development. Valley Fair grew right along with it, becoming the big, upscale place it is today. Now, it's a bustling mix of homes, tech offices, and shops, with the mall right in the middle of it all. It's a far cry from the farmland it once was.
A Brief History of Westfield Valley Fair
1950s: Valley Fair and Stevens Creek Plaza open as separate, outdoor shopping centers. Valley Fair was anchored by Macy's, Stevens Creek Plaza by The Emporium.
Mid-1980s: The two centers merge and are enclosed, creating the modern Valley Fair mall.
Subsequent Years: Valley Fair undergoes numerous expansions and renovations, adding retail space, parking, and other amenities. It evolves into a major regional shopping destination.
Modern Era: Valley Fair continues to adapt and update, remaining a popular and high-end shopping destination in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Store Highlights
Best Quick Eat: Pizza & Panini
Cuisine: Italian
1st floor of Eataly
Indoor and outdoor seating
Counter-service
My menu favorites: Funghi Pizza and Porchetta Panini
Best Food Court Eat: Pizza My Heart
Cuisine: Italian
In the main food court
Very quick service and affordable pricing
Has their own limited seating which can be helpful because the food court is always busy
Right next to the restrooms
My menu favorites: Big Sur and Figgy Piggy
Best Sit-Down Restaurant: La Pizza and La Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
3rd floor of Eataly
Located in the back of their grocery section
My menu favorites: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Best Drink: Pink Pink Tea Shoppe
Cuisine: Taiwanese
2nd floor of mall
My menu favorites: Cheesefo Very Strawberry
Best Dessert: Venchi
Cuisine: Italian
2nd floor of mall
Gets very busy on the weekends
My menu favorites: Nougatine gelato
Best Beauty/Fashion: The Face Shop
Korean cosmetics, skin care, and hair care
My most-used purchase: Pretty Skin Jeju Cica Peeling Gel
Best store to slowly peruse: Eataly
Aside from their delicious restaurants, the second and third floor also has a huge wine selection to peruse and a grocery section with unique brands
Kid-Friendly Areas
Play Area on the 1st floor by the Monroe Parking Garage entrance
I didn't really go to this mall much when I was younger because I wasn't often in San Jose, but I did hang out at Santana Row a few times. The area is super fancy and pricey, making it a great spot for people-watching. The mall is like a giant maze, so if you're looking to get some steps in on a rainy day, this is the place to do it.
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