1. Fiddlesticks: Everything you could want for kids from shoes to toys to clothes, but a beautiful blend of variety, taste and quirky. They support tons of local designers so you can find uniquely SF items here. Also great deals in the sales section!
Mention you saw them on Momaboard.com and take 10% off non-sale items at Fiddlesticks!
2. SeesawSF: This bright little space just off Hayes on Octavia was started by a husband and wife team - she's a child psychologist and he a software engineer (that's why there site looks so good?). See Saw aims to help develop children's social skills but when we visited, it looked like it was giving the mums a good start as well. A little coffee bar that provides beverages and healthy organic snacks keeps mums chatting while the kids can attend story time or just play around with the many toys around. Drop in if you are just visiting, or check out their website and plan to be there when something really fun happens, like the Nature Classes, where they bring in live animals and encourage the kids to interact closely with nature!
3. Lili Merveille: In keeping with Hayes Valley's reputation as one of SF's chicest fashion districts, welcome Lili Merveille, where the best of Paris resides in San Francisco. If you kid has taste, he/she will be like Carrie Broadshaw at a Manolo sample sale at this store. Clothes, jewelry and accents all emanate a romanticism that will drive even non-parent francophiles to the tills.
Mention you saw them on Momaboard.com and take 15% off your purchase at Lili Merveille!
4. Hayes Valley Park: A green oasis in this retail haven is Hayes Valley where kids, dogs and lunchers meet for some SF rays. Check out the cool domed play structure with its climbing ropes and hammocks, or just lie in the park and count your bills!
5. The food: Grab a gourmet burger at Flipper's, the best coffee in San Francisco at Blue Bottle, a Kir Royal at Absinthe, or a well-deserved truffle at Miette. Either way there is something for everyone!
Hayes Valley is very close to downtown San Francisco which is where you will likely be staying if you are visiting the city. Just take a short cab ride up market street and Voila! you have arrived into Paradise.
Other posts in the San Francisco series:
