6 Best Places to Shop Near Hillsborough

Sternsmith Group


Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the Bay Area, Hillsborough, CA, stands as a peaceful residential community celebrated for its stately homes, tree-lined streets, and an unmistakable air of tranquility. Contrary to the notion of bustling shopping centers synonymous with retail havens, Hillsborough weaves a different narrative. This charming Californian town, with no commercial zoning allowed, is devoid of its own shopping centers. However, the area surrounding Hillsborough still surprises and delights with a shopping scene that's as diverse as it is enchanting. Read on for all the best shopping spots near Hillsborough.

Hillsdale Shopping Center

60 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

Kick off your shopping extravaganza at the crown jewel of retail near Hillsborough – the Hillsdale Shopping Center. Located just a stone's throw away in San Mateo, this shopping mecca is a testament to sophistication and style.

Hillsdale boasts an exciting array of shops, from luxury brands to everyday essentials. Explore the fashion-forward offerings at Nordstrom and Ethan Allen, discover timeless elegance at Barcelino, and indulge your senses at Sephora for the latest beauty trends. The on-site dining options make it a one-stop destination for a full day of shopping, dining, and relaxation. The retail center also hosts fun events, like photos with Santa, gingerbread house workshops, and musical performances.

Burlingame Avenue

For those who prefer the charm of boutique shopping, look no further than Burlingame Avenue in downtown Burlingame, just over two miles from Hillsborough. As a picturesque street lined with trees and boutique storefronts, Burlingame Avenue is a shopping paradise just a short drive from Hillsborough. Here, you can wander through independent boutiques like Morning Glory, offering unique apparel and accessories that reflect the latest trends. Pop into Margaret O'Leary Boutique for cozy knitwear that combines comfort and style. Don't miss the curated selection of shoes and accessories at Sam Malouf, where every step is a fashion statement.

Downtown San Mateo

Just a short drive from Hillsborough, the five blocks of downtown San Mateo are a treasure trove of eclectic shops and culinary delights. This vibrant district combines the charm of local boutiques with an incredible culinary scene, offering a shopping experience that engages all the senses. Unearth unique home goods, browse chic apparel at local storefronts, and find one-of-a-kind gifts. The pedestrian-friendly streets make it a joy to explore the area, and the variety of dining options ensures you can refuel between shopping sprees.

Stanford Shopping Center

660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Luxury aficionados, prepare to be dazzled at the open-air Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. While a bit farther from Hillsborough, this high-end shopping destination is well worth the 20-mile journey for those seeking the crème de la crème of fashion and lifestyle.

From iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Amour Vert, Coach, and Gucci to cutting-edge designs at Apple and Tesla, Stanford Shopping Center is a showcase of sophistication.  Explore the stylish selections at Free People, David Yurman, Cartier, Kate Spade, Burberry, Neiman Marcus, and much more. With its upscale ambiance and a mix of international and local brands, this bustling shopping center offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience.

The Shops at Tanforan

1150 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066

Located in nearby San Bruno, just seven miles from Hillsborough, The Shops at Tanforan present a unique blend of tradition and trendiness. This shopping destination combines popular chains with local favorites, making it a lively retail experience.

Explore the latest fashion choices, stock up on beauty essentials, and discover eclectic finds at the locally-owned boutiques. The warm atmosphere, complete with a movie theater, adds to the appeal of The Shops at Tanforan as a go-to destination for a day of retail and leisure. Don’t miss fun events like photos with Santa and more to round out your shopping trip.

San Francisco’s Union Square

For a shopping experience that truly captures the essence of San Francisco, head to the iconic Union Square. While it may be a bit of a trek from Hillsborough, this world-renowned destination is a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of high-end retailers, flagship stores, and luxury boutiques.

Indulge in a shopping spree at Saks Off Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Macy's flagship store. The surrounding streets are dotted with designer boutiques, making Union Square a haven for those seeking the crème de la crème of fashion and unique accessories. The bustling energy of the city, combined with street performances, festivities, and nearby dining options, makes Union Square a must-visit for a day of retail excursions in San Francisco.

Hillsborough, with its affluent charm, is surrounded by a plethora of shopping havens that cater to every taste and preference. From luxury indulgences at Stanford Shopping Center to eclectic finds in downtown San Mateo, this curated list of the best places to shop near Hillsborough is your passport to retail bliss. Team up with the Sternsmith Group when you’re ready to begin your real estate journey in this incredible area.



Casey Sternsmith

Casey Sternsmith

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Meet Casey Sternsmith, founding partner of the Sternsmith Group. In business, exceptional service is what matters most to Casey Sternsmith.

With Casey at the helm of the Sternsmith Group, this level of commitment is shared by all members of the group who pride themselves on being excellent listeners with unwavering integrity, and for providing the best advocacy and negotiation skills for their buyers and sellers.

Casey’s philosophy of “love what you do, or do something else” is at the forefront of the entire team, which is evident by their true passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
 
As a leader in real estate marketing, Casey employs tried and true traditional marketing as well as cutting-edge strategies such as social media marketing and professional videos for every home – from small condos to luxury estate properties. Casey’s clients also benefit from her vast personal network as a lifelong resident of the area.
 
As a result, she often achieves unprecedented outcomes for her sellers with quick sales and prices exceeding the list prices. To her buyers, Casey is known for excelling in competitive multiple-offer situations.
 
With more than 10 years of results that speak for themselves, Casey never looks at the process as a transaction, but rather as a personal decision and life choice that impact each and every day of their life. Because of this, a great deal of Casey’s personal business, and the Sternsmith Group’s as a whole, comes from repeat businesses and referrals.
 
Prior to her career in real estate, Casey owned and operated a personal training/Pilates studio in San Mateo where she honed her customer service, management, organization, and marketing skills. Combined with a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, all of this proved to be the ideal foundation for her future success in real estate. Casey and her husband have two small children and reside in Hillsborough.
 
Tess Salter

Tess Salter

REALTOR®

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Tess Salter is a top-ranked real estate agent in San Mateo County and a key leader of the Sternsmith Group, known for her exceptional negotiation skills, client-first approach, and record of delivering outstanding results. Tess has helped clients buy and sell homes across San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, Millbrae, South San Francisco, Bay Meadows, Menlo Park, and Foster City. She specializes in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, luxury estates, and investment properties.

With over 10 years of experience, Tess has sold 71 homes in San Mateo County in 2025 and helped 61 buyers and sellers achieve over $125M in sales in 2024, according to RealTrends. Since 2015, Tess and her partner Casey Sternsmith have closed $1.3B+ in total sales, ranking them among the top 5 agents in San Mateo County and the #1 agents in San Mateo for seven consecutive years.

Tess was recognized by Gentry Magazine as one of the Top 10 Agents Under 40 in 2020, and the Sternsmith Group has been nationally recognized on The Leading 100 for the past seven years, celebrating the top-performing real estate teams in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Tess is known for her expertise in off-market listings, pre-market preparation, luxury marketing strategies, and customized property-specific marketing. She leverages Compass’ advanced technology, social media, and Facebook/Instagram Live tours to maximize exposure and deliver top results. With a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics, Tess provides data-driven insights that help clients make strategic real estate decisions.

Outside of real estate, Tess is deeply committed to her community. She served as PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025), continues on the PARCA Board (2019–2025), volunteers in Hillsborough schools, served on the West Elementary School Site Council, and chairs the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

With 150+ five-star reviews and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and personalized service, Tess Salter and the Sternsmith Group provide exceptional guidance, strategic marketing, and unparalleled support for anyone buying or selling in San Mateo County, Burlingame, Hillsborough, and surrounding Peninsula neighborhoods.

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