Heath Ceramics

Founded in Sausalito in 1948, this storied tile and ceramics company expanded into a cavernous old linen supply and laundry facility in 2012 and has been a hub of design ever since (you can still tour the Sausalito space). The working tile factory is also a wonderland that includes a gallery and showroom where shoppers browse the brand’s famously minimalist dinnerware, ceramics (Heath’s signature bud vase is a go-to gift for locals), bags, baskets and candles. Bonus points for the Heath Newsstand, stuffed with glossies, design mags, travel guides and other hard-to-find printed matter. Plus, when you get hungry, the connected Tartine Manufactory is right there to satisfy your morning bun fix (and of course uses Heath dinnerware). Three other locations beckon, in the Ferry Building and quite a bit further away in Austin and Los Angeles. You can take a hands-on workshop in making your own bud vase ($150), or take a $15 factory tour with advance registration.