THE CANNERY AT DEL MONTE SQUARE-The historic peach cannery now serves as a three-story shopping, dining and entertainment plaza with farmers markets and live music in the courtyard. Stores open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm; hours vary for restaurants and clubs. 2801 Leavenworth St., 771-3112. Map 1, B2

THE CASTRO-Boutiques for designer and vintage clothing and eclectic furnishings line the streets of the city's gay and lesbian cultural hub, Castro St., south of Market. Map 2, H6

CHESTNUT STREET-A young crowd inhabits this bustling Marina District street, lined by casual and dressy fashion boutiques and cheery bars and restaurants. Map 2, G2

CROCKER GALLERIA-A three-story open-air shopping and dining complex. The first two levels house national and local retailers, while the top floor offers a selection of restaurants. Open M-F 10 am-6 pm, Sa 10 am-5 pm. 50 Post St. Map 1, D5

EMBARCADERO CENTER-The skyscrapers stretching west from the foot of Sacramento Street, known collectively as 1, 2, 3 and 4 Embarcadero, house more than 120 retailers, plus 30 restaurants and a movie theater. Stores are open M-F 10 am-7 pm, Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm. 772-0700. Map 1, E4

GHIRARDELLI SQUARE-The renovated former chocolate factory is now home to fashion, accessories and jewelry boutiques and restaurants. Three Ghirardelli Chocolate shops ensure sweet tooth satisfaction. Open M-Sa, 10 am-9 pm, Su, 10 am-6 pm. 900 North Point St. 775-5500 Map 1, A2

GRANT AVENUE-A block from the cafes of North Beach, the north end of Grant Avenue is a funky backstreet housing women's fashion designers and only-in-San-Francisco shops. Map 1, D3

HAIGHT-ASHBURY-San Francisco's former hippie haven is now a happy and bustling mix of retro-clothing stores, left-leaning bookshops, leather shops, music stores-including vinyl- and mod fashion. Map 2, G5

HAYES VALLEY-This small neighborhood wedged between Market Street and the Civic Center offers an urban- chic selection of fashion and shoe boutiques, restaurants and cafés centered by Hayes Street, between Van Ness and Gough. Map 2, I4

HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTER-This large enclosed shopping center, located approx. 20 miles south of San Francisco, is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's, Mervyns, and Sears, with about 150 specialty shops. Open M-Sa, 10 am-9 pm, Su, 11 am-7 pm. Sixty 31st Ave., San Mateo. (650) 345-8222 Map 3, D5

JAPANTOWN CENTER-A five-acre center with more than 30 shops featuring Japanese antiques, jewelry, books, apparel and arts, plus 19 restaurants, Kabuki Springs & Spa and the AMC Kabuki 8 Theatres. Post St. at Buchanan. 922-6776 Map 2, H4

NOE VALLEY-A charming neighborhood populated by a cross section of San Franciscans, the district's main arterial, 24th Street, offers a mix of natural-fiber clothing stores, fashion and craft boutiques and cafes. Map 2, H7

POST STREET-San Francisco's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue, Post Street (between Stockton and Montgomery) is home to such luxury tenants as Cartier, Bulgari, Gump's, Versace, Armani and Escada. Map 1, D5

SACRAMENTO STREET-A genteel stretch of antiques stores, upscale clothing boutiques, unique crafts galleries and home furnishings shops. Stores are found primarily between Lyon and Spruce streets. Map 2, G3

SANTANA ROW-Sidewalk cafes, live music and a wide range of shops create a dynamic setting. Open M-Th 10 am-9 pm, F-Sa 10 am-10 pm and Su noon-6 pm. 355 Santana Row, San Jose, www. santanarow.com, (408) 551-4611. Map 3, E7

SOUTH OF MARKET-The former industrial warehouse district known as SoMa is home to a number of factory outlet stores, leather shops, and home design showrooms. Map 1, C-E 6-8

STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER-More than 140 specialty stores and five department stores, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and the first West Coast Bloomingdale's anchor this upscale mall. Open M-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm. 610 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, (800) 772-9332. Map 3, D6

STONESTOWN GALLERIA-The enclosed mall on the southwest side of the city is anchored by Macy's, Nordstrom and counts numerous specialty retailers among its tenants. Open M-Sa 10 am-9 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm. 3251 20th Ave., at Winston Dr., 759-2623. Map 2, D9

UNION STREET-Not to be confused with Union Square, Union Street offers an eclectic mix of boutiques featuring everything from designer fashions to casualwear, gifts and knick-knacks, home furnishings and antiques. It is also a hot spot for of-the-moment cafes, bars and restaurants. Map 2, H2

UNION SQUARE-Located in the center of downtown, between Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets, the Square is smack dab in the heart of the city's luxury shopping, dining and hotel district. Around the Square, you'll find the city's major department stores as well as Tiffany & Co., Levi's, Ferragamo and other major retailers, from casual to luxury. Map 1, D5

VALENCIA STREET-Scores of funky boutiques for fashions and home line Guerrero and Valencia streets, between 16th and 24th streets. The selection also includes independent book stores, restaurants and cafes. Map 2, I6

THE VILLAGE AT CORTE MADERA- Enjoy the park-like outdoor setting while visiting Nordstrom, Macy's, Banana Republic, Coach, Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, Pottery Barn and more than 70 other upscale shops and restaurants. Open M-F, 10 am-9 pm, Sa, 10 am-7:30 pm, and Su, 11 am-6 pm. Located off Highway 101 at Paradise Drive in Marin. Map 3, C4

WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE-This nine-story center features Nordstrom and more than 60 other leading retailers, including J. Crew, Club Monaco, Coach, Kenneth Cole and more. There are two restaurants inside Nordstrom and a variety of other food options on the concourse level. Shops are open M-Sa, 9:30 am-8 pm, Su, 11 am-6 pm. Located on Market and Fifth streets near the Powell Street BART station. 512-6776 Map 1, D6