See San Francisco
The perfect day in San Francisco includes great food, beautiful views, and some culture. Check out below for a list of our tried and trues!
Museums
De Young - Amazing art museum located within Golden Gate Park. There are always new exhibits that are worth checking out. The building has incredible architecture, including a sky deck with great views of the park. While you are in the park, have a look for the American Bison that graze there!
Night life at the California Academy of Sciences - The Cal Academy is also located within Golden Gate Park, in close proximity to the De Young. This museum has an incredible indoor rainforest green house that you can walk through. There is also a wonderful exhibit about redwoods that gets you up close and personal with the species and its relationship to the Bay Area. The Academy also hosts fun night events that allow visitors to experience the exhibits with a cocktail in hand.
Japanese Tea Gardens - A personal favorite of Jill’s. You’ll find a landscape of Japanese plant species, architecture, and can even enjoy some Japanese green tea.
Alcatraz - A great combination of culture, nature, and experience. To get to Alcatraz, you will take a 15–20-minute ferry ride across the Bay. On your trek to Alcatraz, you will have amazing views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. Once you arrive you can choose your own adventure, whether you would like to walk up to the top of the island for some amazing views, tour the prison, or check out the museum and gift shop near the pier. A few hours on the island is all you need to get some excellent views and learn about a prison that used to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the U.S. as well as learn some more recent history about the island as well.
Like a true San Franciscan
Clarion Alley- Neat spot to check out in the Mission district. This entire alley is filled from end to end with street art created by local artists. Come to the Mission check out the art, stay for a drink and some excellent late night Mexican food!
Dolores Park- When good weather rolls around, you’ll find SF natives grabbing a blanket and posting up in Dolores Park to enjoy a blunt and an adult beverage. Great people watching opportunities and a close walk to many of our favorite bars if you want to continue the fun after the sun goes down.
Giants Game- Check out a baseball game at the Giant stadium, located right next to the water (committed fans will watch the game by boat- hoping to snag a ball heading for the water!).
Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building- Year-round on Tuesday’s and Saturdays, the Ferry Building in San Francisco hosts one of the largest farmer’s markets in the country. Excellent produce as well as prepared foods. Don’t skip the inside of the Ferry Building as well, which hosts a number of wonderful vendors. Some of our favorites include: Gott’s Roadside (hamburgers, also one located in St. Helena), Humphry Slocombe (unique ice cream flavors), and Blue Bottle coffee.
Urban Hikes
Bernal Heights- South part of the city, climb up through some cute neighborhoods for an excellent panoramic view. Reward yourself after the climb with an adult beverage at Bare Bottle Brewing (fave brewery) or El Rio (fave queer bar).
Twin Peaks- Explore the charming and historic Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods and climb up and up. Pro tip, grab a bagel and coffee from Philz to enjoy when you get into the top!
The Embarcadero- If you aren’t up for all the hills you’ve found yourself in the wrong city! Just kidding, check out this flat flat stroll along the Bay with fun views of the Bay Bridge along the way.
Coit Tower- Located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, climb up and up to witness the beautiful and historic tower that can be seen all around the city (and beyond).
The Presidio and Chrissy Field- if you are looking for some open green space and lots of dogs, check out Chrissy field. A beautiful open green park where people flock to exercise, walk their dogs, and marvel at the windsurfers on the water on a windy day.
Actual Hikes
Muir Woods- just across the golden gate bridge sits beautiful Muir Woods, stocked full of ancient Redwoods. Parking is not always plentiful, so plan ahead and utilize the shuttle bus if needed.
Marin Headlands- Tucked in the North Bay just over the Golden Gate Bridge, great spot for surfing (not for beginners!) and excellent hike. Keep your eyes peeled for bold coyotes and other wildlife.
Sutro Baths/Landsend- located in the top northwest corner of the city sits a fun piece of San Francisco history. Once an indoor/outdoor bathhouse for San Francisco’s wealthier residents is now a beautifully maintained set of trails and small museum. Great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay.
Angel Island- If you fancy a ferry ride, hop on a 15 minute Ferry ride to Angel Island. Though not particularly large, the island has a number of different trails of varying difficulty along with a shuttle (during peak times). Give yourself a few hours to explore and have plenty of time to catch the ferry back.
Classic Tourist Sites
Cable Car Ride- a San Francisco classic, hop on one of the many trolley cars traversing the city and ride it for a few blocks.
Bike the Bridge (Golden Gate Bridge)- if you aren’t afraid of a little wind, visit one of the many bike rental shops and bike your way across the bridge! If you still have more energy, you can easily bike into one of the north bay towns like Sausalito for lunch and ice cream.
Buena Vista- a San Francisco institution not far from Fisherman’s Wharf and Aquatic park, the food is just “ok” but you can’t visit without trying the famous Irish coffee.
Ghirardelli Square/Fishermans Wharf- fun spot to walk around near the water, grab a sundae or some Ghirardelli chocolate, and visit the sea lions. This spot is definitely touristy, but is definitely worth a visit!
Famous Buildings Tour- SF is home to a number of famous buildings and homes, some of which have made their way onto television shows and movies. Check out all of the cities cool architecture and be sure to visit the “Full House” House, Mrs. Doubtfire House, and the Painted ladies! And while you’re busy checking out all those neat houses and architecture, don’t forget to check out the “most crooked” street is San Francisco, Lombard Street.
