I got an email from a reader the other day asking if I’ve ever been to San Francisco. She’s heading out there for vacay and wanted to know if I had any recommendations on what to do/see.
Indeed I have been, and do! Ben and I spent a week in the bay city a couple years ago, pre blog, and it ranks as one of my all-time favorite places in the entire country (just behind NOLA…maybe…eek, they might be tied!)
With spring break just around the corner, I thought I’d share my top 10 things to do in San Francisco in case any of you are headed there! I’m leaving out popular and trendy restaurants, because honestly SF has thousands of them and we had great meals wherever we went. What made my list is a mix of touristy sights, outdoor activities and stuff you won’t find anywhere else except this fabulous, NoCal gem! :)
My Top 10 Things To Do in San Francisco
1. Hike around Sausalito Island.
Sausalito island is located at the non-San Francisco end of the Golden Gate Bridge and is home to some incredible homes and views.
We took a ferry there from Fisherman’s Wharf and spent the afternoon hiking in the sunshine and peeking over the sheer cliffs to the ocean below.
2. Rent a car for the day and drive to Muir Woods.
Muir Woods is home to the world’s oldest and tallest redwood trees. It is impossible to capture how. freaking. huge. they are with a camera.
Walking amongst them will seriously blow your mind and make you want to cry.
In a good way!
3. Drive along the coast.
The views and beach pit stops will have you asking, “Wait, so WHY don’t I live here again??” Get some good friends to show you around too, if you can! ;)
4. Visit Alcatraz Island.
This is simply a San Fran must-see and I learned so much about the island. Like how the guards and their families including their children lived on the island with the inmates!
Make sure to play a fun game of “I won’t talk to you until you say ‘Welcome to the Rock!’ in a Sean Connery accent” like Ben did to me.
5. Go to Bourbon and Branch for a cocktail.
Look up the secret location and entrance password on the Internet, then ask them to take you to “the library!”
6. Shop at the Ferry Plaza and Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market.
THE best outdoor Farmer’s Market and indoor market, um, ever. Just go. Trust me!
7. Lombard Street
They don’t call it the crookedest street in the world for nothin’! (poor Ben being blinded by the sun light but still smiling his little heart out!!!)
If you still have that car from Muir Woods and your coastal drive, give driving down it a shot. Hey, it’s a rental! ;)
8. Eat at the Fog City Diner.
Ok, so there IS a restaurant on my list! My Dad told Ben and I about this place. It’s an old diner with white tablecloths and INSANE food. Best meal of our trip.
9. Visit Ghirardelli Square for free chocolate, then visit the little wine/beer tasting place in the same square for a beer while overlooking the bay.
FREE CHOCOLATE!!!!! ’nuff said. And get the Anchor Steam Beer – mmmm.
10. Explore, explore, explore!
Get off the beaten path and find your own discoveries,
restaurants,
and fun!
And for Heaven’s sake – have some candy. You’re on vacation!
Gosh there’s like a MILLION other things I could tell you about – but this should get you started!
What are your San Fran favorites?
Where’s your favorite city to travel to in the US? (or in your country if you’re outside the US?)
Tara @The Game of Life 03.07.2011
Those sandwiches look great!
I would have to say one of my favorite places to visit is San Diego! I went during christmas time and it was like 70 degrees… you just can’t beat that!! I stayed in the famous hotel del cornado and it was awesome bc there were all kinds of shops around and good places to eat! I love getting to see new places, since I run for Texas A&M I get to see alot of places for free when we travel to meets which is always a plus!
Brooke 03.07.2011
I LOVE San Fran~!!
I have a friend that lives out there and I try to visit as much as possible. With a Family now, it’s a little harder… But I am going this Summer! To add to your list:
I love Fisherman’s Wharf… Go and get fresh baked sourdough bread. Riding the Trolley is a must too!!!
Mimi 03.07.2011
San Fran IS my favorite city in the U.S. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I agree with all the things you mentioned, plus rent a wetsuit and boogie board in the waves.
Sarah 03.07.2011
Visit the Mission & feast on a burrito:
jad18 03.07.2011
San diego. It is so pretty and a nice size for navigating. We are going to sedona in late april/early may and I am looking forward to seeing what it has to offer and seeing the grand canyon.
Lauren 03.07.2011
This post is GREAT! We are heading to San Fran this summer and I’ll definitely be taking you up on some of these. You were so helpful for my Vegas trip and now San Fran! You should just come with me on these trips girl. ;)
maria 03.07.2011
yay sf! i moved here about 2 yrs ago. what i recommend:
1. the tonga room!! tiki bar/restaurant. there is indoor rain, a lounge singer on a boat on a river, and a drink called the zombie that makes me feel like one. its in the fairmount hotel, so be sure to sneak up on the roof for a great view.
2. a burrito in the mission. my personal favorite is el farolito, but there are lots of good ones
3. bi-rite ice cream. eat it in delores park and feel like a hipster
4. rosamunde sausages in lower haight –eat them next door at el toronado with some damn good beers
5. tomasso’s in north beach. legit food!
these are the things i do with all my visitors : )
Sarah @ goingongoals 03.07.2011
What a coincidence, I leave for San Francisco on Saturday!!! I really appreciated this post and may be printing this out to take with me!!
Also, my roommates boyfriends grandma (like that huh?) lived on Alcatraz as a child. Her father was a guard. It soo crazy to think about!!! I can’t even begin to imagine growing up there!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef 03.07.2011
i love california!!! it’s definitely my favorite state. i wanna live there someday :)
Lisa (Dishes of Mrs. Fish) 03.07.2011
I am going to a wedding in California in a few months, and this post got me so excited. Although, I’ll be in So Cal, LA. I’ve loved San Diego and Nashville the most of all my travels. I love cajun food, so I can’t wait to go to New Orleans!
Lindsey 03.07.2011
Gotta agree! San Fransisco is such a cool place! I got lost just looking at all the houses and roads… wonderful vacation!
my little celebration 03.07.2011
Pier 39 was my must see. And my favorite restaurant was Fisherman’s Grotto (or Warf..don’t remember). San Fran is beautiful and is probably on my top 3 of cities to visit, along with Portland and hopefully someday NYC! A girl can hope :D.
Martha Brown 03.07.2011
I loved NY! One week barely even scratched the surface!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) 03.07.2011
I REALLY want to go to San Fransisco–it is definitely on the top of my list!
I love to travel period! But I especially love Portland, OR.
Sarah 03.07.2011
I would love to visit San Fransisco some day. I’ve been to New Orleans twice, but only for a few hours each time. I’d love to spend more time there. One of my favorite cities is Duluth, MN. I spent a few days there three years ago and have been wanting to go back ever since.
Blog is the New Black 03.07.2011
I loved San Fran and Cali in general but I LOVE Chicago!!
Amy 03.07.2011
Growing up in the Bay Area, we didn’t venture into San Francisco all that much, but when we did it was a big deal. Even now, as a Midwesterner, I like to spend the day with my parents as a ‘tourist’ in the City.
Be sure to explore the North Beach area, home to the Italian restaurants and the south end of it bleeds right into Chinatown. Also, the shopping is a must, especially in the Union Square area (Macy’s even has a Cheesecake Factory on the top floor overlooking the square). Also, if time allows and the weather is decent, see the buffalo in Golden Gate Park, the Cliff House Restaurant on the ocean and walk through the Lucas Campus!
So much to do, but regardless, remember to pack your layers!
Molly 03.07.2011
<3 this. and LOVE maid rite. I miss Iowa :(
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles 03.07.2011
I just moved to the Bay Area (about 15 miles south of San Fran) this past fall – so happy to see this post! :)
Iowa Girl Eats 03.07.2011
Jealous!!!! ;)
Jess@atasteofconfidence 03.07.2011
I love San Fran! I loved Muir Woods, taking the trolley, and seeing the “full house” houses.
shandy (@webgals) 03.07.2011
As a huge fan of Maid-Rite….I’m going to have to dispute your calling that a Maid-Rite. It’s a loose-meat turkey sandwich. Only a Maid-Rite is a Maid-Rite. :)
Iowa Girl Eats 03.07.2011
Hahaha I know, I know. I deserve this. Honestly though, we thought they were tastier than the beef ones I made a couple months ago!
shandy (@webgals) 03.07.2011
It does look tasty though. :)