Ultimate San Francisco Guide - 16 Places to Visit in San Francisco
I was unsure how I would feel about catching a plane from Seattle to San Francisco. You hear a lot of bad things about SF on the news and online, often hailing SF as a failed city with very little to offer tourists except a miserable time and a significantly lighter wallet. And while I know I shouldn’t listen to everything I see online, I will admit I had my serious doubts, and while I may not be your typical Cali fan, I will also be the first to admit that I had a spectacular visit and I know you will too.
San Francisco, with its intensely steep hills and colorful Victorian houses, is truly an incredible city to visit. Such great history and innovations comes from this city, and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, one cannot deny its importance and impact on our everyday life. The tech boom in the Bay Area enticed droves of people to pack their bags and move there for job opportunities. And with that influx of new people, it also brought an influx of new, innovative ideas, not just for start ups and products, but for food, tourism, and entertainment too. Because of this, as a tourist, you have a whole melting pot of fine-tuned cuisine, diverse architecture, and a multitude of activities to fill your time with.
We could return to San Francisco, and indeed, the Bay Area as a whole time and time again. But for now, below are a few places we loved so much, we hope to return again.
Hotel
PALIHOTEL SAN FRANCISCO
We love the design aesthetic and boutique, personalized service of Palihotels around the country, and the Palihotel San Francisco was no exception. Centrally located and beautifully decorated, you’ll be able to walk or take public transit from to just about anywhere in the city from this property (Book on Expedia).
PLACES TO VISIT
#1: Golden Gate Bridge
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge (open in Google Maps) is an exhilarating and fun free activity for everyone. While I may be absolutely terrified of heights, we had a blast walking the bridge and soaking in the views. At the time the bridge was built, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. While it may have been surpassed now, it remains a testament to the genius of the engineers that constructed it. That being said, while Brenna was enjoying the views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and boaters skimming the waters below, I held on tight to the railing as huge gusts of wind battered my face, trying to also pinpoint areas of interest in the distance through watery eyes.
There is also a park on either side of the bridge, with the south end being the Presidio of San Francisco, a massive park with hosts of views of activities for everyone in your group.
#2: Baker Beach
On the southwest corner of the Presidio lies Baker Beach (open in Google Maps), which was by far my favorite spot in San Francisco. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge were immaculate and would make an excellent spot for a picnic or a chill sunset hangout spot.
#3: Ferry Building
Right outside of the Financial District downtown is the iconic Ferry Building (open in Google Maps). While you can of course catch a ferry to Oakland here, the many shops and weekly farmers market is what makes the Ferry Building worth a visit. Come here to browse fun shops selling artisan goods, grab a tasty lunch or coffee and enjoy the views of the harbor.
#4: Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park (open in Google Maps) is a beautifully scenic city park with fantastic views of downtown. We had a great time strolling through and watching people hang out, playing music or picnicking. Altogether a great place for people watching or to relax for a minute.
#5: Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
Alamo Square (open in Google Maps) is a beautiful park in the Fillmore District, with great views of the downtown skyline. But the park is most known for the Painted Ladies, which are a group of cute Victorian houses that are often featured in tv shows and films. We loved walking around the park, imagining what life would be like if we lived in one of these iconic houses.
#6: Ina Coolbirth Park & Russian Hill
My other favorite spot in SF was the Russian Hill neighborhood. It was a misty afternoon as we climbed up to Ina Coolbirth Park (open in Google Maps) to get yet another view of the city skyline. This park is cute and the view is well worth the intense uphill workout.
From here you can explore the rest of the Russian Hill neighborhood, stopping by the strange and intensely curved Lombard Street. I don't know why you would wait over an hour to drive down the street, but it was pretty enjoyable to watch cars struggle down the street as pedestrians.
#7: Ghirardelli Square
We happened upon the infamous Ghirardelli Square (open in Google Maps) on our late afternoon hike around Russian Hill and knew we had to venture back later on our trip. This is truly an institution. Featuring multiple restaurants, a “chocolate experience”, and of course a gift shop for all your chocolate needs, Ghirardelli Square is definitely worth a stop if you ever find yourself with a sweet tooth or some time to kill.
#8: Palette Tea House
Speaking of food, if you ever find yourself getting tired of sweets in Ghirardelli Square, make yourself over to Palette Tea House (open in Google Maps) for some seriously delicious dim sum. Expect long lines if you did not get a reservation like us, because everyone in SF seems to want a taste of these dumplings.
#9: China Live
The first restaurant we made sure to book for our SF trip was China Live (open in Google Maps), which is located on the north edge of Chinatown. Come here with an appetite, cause you will end up, like us, ordering way too much. Everything was bomb.
#10: Marufuku Ramen
Ramen is my favorite food, so I always make it a point to at least try to find some ramen wherever we travel. Marufuku (open in Google Maps) was an incredible experience. While the wait was long (we waited well over an hour) it is conveniently located inside a japanese mall, with countless vendors selling kitchen ware, matcha, ice cream, as well as other restaurants. We ordered a couple iced matchas as we waited. By the time our name was called we were famished, and nothing beats hunger like a bowl of steaming hot spicy tonkotsu ramen paired with a Sapporo.
#11: Pearl 6101
We came across Pearl 6101 (open in Google Maps) after we soaked up the sunset views of Baker Beach. Another busy spot, but understandably so. The design was sublime, the drinks were top notch, and the mediterranean inspired cuisine was out of this world fresh and delicious. We think often about the crudo and the grilled octopus, but more than anything we remember the incredible service. The staff here are so genuinely kind, they even gave us some more restaurant and coffee recommendations. On our next trip to SF, we will definitely make it a point to stop by once again.
#12: Maison Danel
Maison Danel (open in Google Maps) is a Parisian-inspired cafe/patisserie in the heart of downtown San Francisco. You can’t help but smile as you walk in and see all the intricately designed pastries and tarts. A common theme on our trip were the lines and the overall busyness of these restaurants. Take it from us, if we did not have a reservation, we would not have dined here. But the food and classic tea service was well worth the wait - I especially enjoyed the boeuf bourguignon sandwich.
#13: Tartine Manufactory
The world renowned Tartine Bakery has a few locations in San Francisco, but we opted for the Manufactory in the Mission District (open in Google Maps). Stepping inside, you are greeted with the overwhelmingly enticing aroma of fresh baked sourdough loaves and pastries. We started with their standard morning bun and ended with their avocado toast, which was in a class of its own. Highly recommend making a reservation and treating yourself to a gluten overload.
#14: Sightglass Coffee
Our favorite coffee we had in SF was without a doubt Sightglass (open in Google Maps). They have a few locations around town, but the Mission location was our favorite. This location made one of the best cortados I’ve had. Make sure to grab some of their bags of freshly roasted coffee as well. I would highly recommend trying their Owls Howl espresso blend if available.
#14: Saint Frank
Another great coffee shop in Russian Hill is Saint Frank (open in Google Maps). We came here on a hot sunny afternoon and really enjoyed sitting back and sipping on a few espresso tonics. It can get quite busy with the remote workers and students, but their top quality coffee demands some attention for sure.
#14: Smuggler’s Cove
this was the only photo we had…
Last, but certainly not least, a trip to SF would not be complete with trying out a few elite cocktail bars. We went to a few on our trip, but Smuggler’s Cove (open in Google Maps) without a doubt takes the win. Walking up to the entrance of Smuggler’s Cove, you would not expect the interior to be much to brag about. But upon entering, you realize that you and your party are in for a crazy good time, or else yee be walking the plank. The interior is as if the Pirates of the Caribbean ride served stiff cocktails, which sounds like a dream come true if you ask me. The drinks are extremely inventive and potent (each person is limited to two drinks, if you get my drift). They also sell one of the best cocktail books you can buy, assuming tiki cocktails are your thing. We had an absolute blast here and will return on our next trip no doubt.