The Local's Guide To: San Francisco – Things To Do And Instagrammable Spots!
So you're taking a trip to San Francisco – Congratulations! You made the right choice!
I must say, I love my home. Whenever someone visits, I have 100 ideas of where to go and what to see – from the regular tourist attractions that everyone knows about to more local, hidden gems.
I think it's important to start off with a Thesaurus of sorts. Surprisingly, many people make some seriously cringe-worthy mistakes when it comes to visiting the good ol' little city. Never allow these sentences to leave your mouth: "I'm going to Cali." "I can't wait to see Frisco!" "I'll be in San Fran next week." These are not synonyms. This is not to be spiteful or judgemental, but these words are like nails on a chalkboard. It's not even a simple mispronunciation or dialect issue – San Francisco is San Francisco, SF, or the City. No if, ands, or friscos.
Local Tip: I include neighborhood information on this list and you'll notice I'm partial to a few. Neighborhoods you won't see here? Pretty much anything in Soma or Downtown – my two least favorite places in San Francisco.
Local Tip: My best friend actually works with Blue Bottle's green coffee in their roastery in Jack London Square (Oakland). Take a moment to learn from the baristas about the single-origin espresso, or the story of the drip coffee – they're incredibly knowledgeable and if it's not too busy, will probably chat you up!
There is so much food in San Francisco, I can't really even begin to name off every place you should visit. My most trusted companion for new restaurants is EaterSF's constantly rotating lists of recommendations. Right now, I'm still talking about these dining establishments.
Local Tip: Prepare to wait. And wait. And wait. But, oh my god, the wait will be worth it. And I'm not even vegan!
Although you could probably eat and drink your way through San Francisco with absolutely no problem at all – and many do! – filling your day with activities along the way is a must. Take a minute to forget about the regular travel guides and a focus on the best experience possible. Instead of seeking out specific points, seek out the entire experience and tie those points in. For example...
Golden Gate Park is a smidge larger than New York City's Central Park, but let's be real, oodles and oodles better. Just kidding! The time I've spent in Central Park has been magical, but Golden Gate Park brings something else to the table. Something more about the act of slowing down.
In Golden Gate Park, you'll see many tourists on rental bikes, many locals on bikes, a million and a half people running, yet most people will be sitting. Whether they're in bushes and trees, setting up a small camp for themselves, or out on the grass with a blanket and friends – this is where San Franciscans come to slow down (Local Tip: not Dolores, which has been overrun). You'll see people solo, with their nose in a book, or en masse with about 45 of their closest friends and relatives. On sunny days, it will be hard to see where one group ends and another begins, but in the fog, you may also find some stragglers bunded up laughing and talking about the weather.
- Go wine tasting in Livermore, CA
Definitely off the beaten path, but it you're looking for some new wine country to explore in the Bay Area that's not Napa ($$$$), check out Livermore! There's a great downtown scene as well to grab some food afterwards.
- Have a drink in Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Check out Two Sisters Bar & Books, Brass Tacks, Place Pigalle and many more!
- Visit the cutest beach town (not exactly in the bay area, sadly), Capitola!
And don't forget to grab a slice of pizza for me at Pizza My Heart on the beach.
- Shop on College Avenue in Berkeley, CA
If you set your Google Maps to find "Lululemon" in Berkeley, it should take you to the correct neighborhood.
- Visit Mount Diablo
It's quite beautiful and nice change of scenery from the regular towering buildings. Has great hiking and is awesome for both adventurous people and those who just need a breath of fresh air.
- Hit up Happy Hour at Sens (sorta) rooftop bar near the Embarcadero in SF
I must say, I love my home. Whenever someone visits, I have 100 ideas of where to go and what to see – from the regular tourist attractions that everyone knows about to more local, hidden gems.
I think it's important to start off with a Thesaurus of sorts. Surprisingly, many people make some seriously cringe-worthy mistakes when it comes to visiting the good ol' little city. Never allow these sentences to leave your mouth: "I'm going to Cali." "I can't wait to see Frisco!" "I'll be in San Fran next week." These are not synonyms. This is not to be spiteful or judgemental, but these words are like nails on a chalkboard. It's not even a simple mispronunciation or dialect issue – San Francisco is San Francisco, SF, or the City. No if, ands, or friscos.
Local Tip: I include neighborhood information on this list and you'll notice I'm partial to a few. Neighborhoods you won't see here? Pretty much anything in Soma or Downtown – my two least favorite places in San Francisco.
What To Do in the City of San Francisco:
We'll start our morning off right – with a steamy cup of joe. This is not just any cup of joe, but instead a hand-selected, perfectly roasted cup of coffee with a full origin story behind. Just like Seattle and Portland, San Francisco will knock your socks off with coffee choices. Skip Starbucks and Peets and opt for Ritual Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle Coffee, or Sightglass Coffee.Sightglass Coffee, Divisadero St., NOPA Neighborhood
The First Blue Bottle Coffee Stand, Linden St., Hayes Valley Neighborhood
Local Tip: My best friend actually works with Blue Bottle's green coffee in their roastery in Jack London Square (Oakland). Take a moment to learn from the baristas about the single-origin espresso, or the story of the drip coffee – they're incredibly knowledgeable and if it's not too busy, will probably chat you up!
There is so much food in San Francisco, I can't really even begin to name off every place you should visit. My most trusted companion for new restaurants is EaterSF's constantly rotating lists of recommendations. Right now, I'm still talking about these dining establishments.
Zazie (French) for Brunch or Dinner, Cole St., Cole Valley Neighborhood
Shizen Vegan Sushi, 14th Street, Mission District
Local Tip: Prepare to wait. And wait. And wait. But, oh my god, the wait will be worth it. And I'm not even vegan!
Nopa (American), Divisadero St., NOPA Neighborhood
El Techo de Lolinda (Mexican), Mission St., Mission District
Souvla (Greek), Hayes St., Hayes Valley Neighborhood
Although you could probably eat and drink your way through San Francisco with absolutely no problem at all – and many do! – filling your day with activities along the way is a must. Take a minute to forget about the regular travel guides and a focus on the best experience possible. Instead of seeking out specific points, seek out the entire experience and tie those points in. For example...
Walking through the Panhandle into Golden Gate Park – preferably with a bottle of wine, snacks, and a blanket.
Golden Gate Park is a smidge larger than New York City's Central Park, but let's be real, oodles and oodles better. Just kidding! The time I've spent in Central Park has been magical, but Golden Gate Park brings something else to the table. Something more about the act of slowing down.
In Golden Gate Park, you'll see many tourists on rental bikes, many locals on bikes, a million and a half people running, yet most people will be sitting. Whether they're in bushes and trees, setting up a small camp for themselves, or out on the grass with a blanket and friends – this is where San Franciscans come to slow down (Local Tip: not Dolores, which has been overrun). You'll see people solo, with their nose in a book, or en masse with about 45 of their closest friends and relatives. On sunny days, it will be hard to see where one group ends and another begins, but in the fog, you may also find some stragglers bunded up laughing and talking about the weather.
While you're inside Golden Gate Park, check out...
The Conservatory of Flowers
Hippie Hill
The California Academy of Sciences
The Bison
Stow Lake
Shop Your Way Through Fillmore Street, Drop Off at Fillmore and California Street, Pac Heights
Image courtesy of Flickr
Support Local Artists at Handcrafted Shops
The General Store, (1) Irving and (2) Judah, Outer Sunset
Rare Device, Divisadero St., NOPA Neighborhood
The Human Condition, Capp and 22nd, Mission District
Image courtesy of SpottedSF
This post is under construction.
Go see the Redwoods at Big Basin (off the Bay Area path, but 100% worth it)
So gorgeous and humbling. Make a day of it and head on over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Definitely off the beaten path, but it you're looking for some new wine country to explore in the Bay Area that's not Napa ($$$$), check out Livermore! There's a great downtown scene as well to grab some food afterwards.
- Have a drink in Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Check out Two Sisters Bar & Books, Brass Tacks, Place Pigalle and many more!
- Visit the cutest beach town (not exactly in the bay area, sadly), Capitola!
And don't forget to grab a slice of pizza for me at Pizza My Heart on the beach.
- Shop on College Avenue in Berkeley, CA
If you set your Google Maps to find "Lululemon" in Berkeley, it should take you to the correct neighborhood.
- Visit Mount Diablo
It's quite beautiful and nice change of scenery from the regular towering buildings. Has great hiking and is awesome for both adventurous people and those who just need a breath of fresh air.
- Hit up Happy Hour at Sens (sorta) rooftop bar near the Embarcadero in SF
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