A Travel Guide To San Francisco
Known for its vibrant architecture, people, and food, a trip to San Francisco is well worth the hype. Where classic charm meets innovation, it’s no surprise SF holds a special place in so many hearts.
San Francisco has been on my radar for quite some time. With its renowned food scene and picturesque neighborhoods, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. Measuring 49 square miles, the city is filled with notable cafes, shops, and restaurants. When a friend settled in the SF Bay Area, it was the perfect time to take the plunge (and I’m so happy I did). To commemorate visiting this incredible city, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite places to visit, eat at, and explore.
Where To Stay
Tucked away in Lower Nob Hill is the Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco. With a great location, elegant interiors, and a welcoming staff, it was a wonderful place to call home for a few days.
Places To Visit
You can never go wrong with a trip to the local art museum. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a dream space with seven gallery floors. Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois and Roy Lichtenstein are some of the exceptional artists on display.
Meet at the Ferry Building Marketplace to revel in quality artisan work. Find an ample selection of food merchants, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and a plethora of homemade, baked goods ready to be devoured. Top it off with a stroll along the Embarcadero for stunning views of the bay. What more could you want?
Relax on the grass at Alamo Square Park. People watch and admire the iconic Painted Ladies. Warning: cute dogs present.
Survey the fashion scene at one of SF’s many vintage shops. Stuff, no. and Relic Vintage are all great starts.
Walk through the festive streets of Chinatown and enjoy a meal at one of the many traditional eateries. The eye-catching colors and delicate, hanging lanterns are truly awe-inspiring.
Spend an afternoon at Dolores Park, located right in the Mission District. Find locals hanging out and a surreal skyline view.
To put lightly, the food at Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar and Izakaya will blow you away. Taking the art of sushi to another level, Shizen uses only plant-based ingredients in their dishes. A note: their tables fill up quickly due to their popularity and intimate space (often a line out the door). I recommend getting there right when they open or making a reservation online.
370 14th Street
Chubby Noodle serves upbeat tunes and sweet potato noodles that are out of this world.
2205 Lombard Street & 1310 Grant Avenue
Farm: Table is a homey cafe that prides itself on using sustainable and local ingredients. I’ll forever be thanking them for introducing sun dried tomato and almond hummus into my life.
754 Post Street
Also check out: Gracias Madre
Eat
Stop by Nourish Cafe for a healthy, Instagram-worthy meal. Every dish is 100% plant-based and 100% delicious. It was so good, I went two days in a row. The frittata sandwich is next level!
1030 Hyde Street & 189 6th Avenue
Don’t miss VeganBurg, the world’s first plant-based burger hotspot. Indulgent and downright delicious, you will be dreaming about these burgers (and their creamy soft serve) long after your trip.
1466 Haight Street
Dosa, the first South Indian restaurant in San Francisco, is serving up traditional dishes and cocktails with a flair. Bold and flavorful, you won’t want your meal to end.
995 Valencia Street & 1700 Fillmore Street
Frittata Sandwich at Nourish Cafe
Adventurin’
Take a ride on the wild side and experience the Golden Gate Bridge by bike. While exciting, this is not for the faint of heart. (Props to anyone who can bike uphill with ease). I recommend Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals since it’s only a few blocks away from the main trail. They provide bike locks, pouches and helmets too!
Stop by Lands End for sweet hiking trails and stunning views of the rocky shoreline. Endless viewpoints of the iconic Golden Gate can also be found peaking though the trees. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Sutro Baths located on the other side of the trail.
Also check out: Golden Gate Park and Kirby Cove
For Unforgettable Views
Trade in the hustle and bustle of the city for staggering ocean views. After a 20-25 min drive from the city and a short walk, you will find yourself at Mori Point in Pacifica. The sound of waves crashing and lush blooms swaying is the perfect recipe for peace and serenity.
Quite possibly one of the windiest places, Twin Peaks offers an amazing 360 degree view of the city. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready for this spot.
After biking (or driving) across the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to check out the Marin Headlands. Think secluded hiking trails surrounded by natures best, all while revealing a lovely backdrop of the Golden Gate.
Sweet Treats
Located in the Ferry Building, Mariposa Baking Company has a treat for everyone. Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free—you name it! Finally a bakery that gets it.
1 Ferrybuilding, #32
Committed to sustainability and compassionate living, Donut Farm is another must-visit merchant in the Ferry Building. From classics like cinnamon sugar to top-shelf picks like whiskey tangerine fig, they have something for everyone’s palate.
1 Ferrybuilding #14
Also check out: Wholesome Bakery
A glimpse of the selection at Mariposa Bakery
A Good Cup Of Coffee
Head to Cup-A-Joe Coffee House for great coffee, pastries and vibes. Equipped with plenty of seating and open window walls, it’s the perfect place to catch up on work (free WiFi) or enjoy the fresh air with friends.
896 Sutter Street
When in Oakland, Timeless Coffee is the way to go. With an impressive selection of sweet and savory vegan eats to choose from, this hip coffee roastery and bakery will not disappoint.
4252 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland
Also check out: Blue Bottle Coffee
Tips & Tricks
When it comes to the weather in San Francisco, you never know what you’re going to get. Be prepared for both the Californian sun and bay winds with a warm jacket and sunscreen.
Forget heels and throw on your comfiest pair of sneakers when sightseeing. Your feet will thank you when tackling SF’s long, steep streets.
For longer and farther trips, Zipcar is a great mode of transportation. Nothing beats the convenience of having a car to yourself when traveling. Download the app and pay hourly—gas and insurance included.
It’s no secret SF is serious about its food scene—locals and tourists know this alike. It never hurts to call ahead or go online to make a reservation, especially when dining at a place you’ve had your eyes (and stomach) set on.
xo Kara