No visit to San Francisco is complete without a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or snapping a photo at Alamo Square with the Painted Ladies and skyline backdrop.
Hayes Valley – Welcome to our neighborhood! Think boutique shopping, wine bars, and cafes with serious style. Our favorites are: - La Boulangerie (coffee and pastries) - Chez Maman (French Bistro) - Hazies (all day bar with food - we'll likely end up here on Saturday!) - Anina (see above sans food) North Beach – San Francisco’s “Little Italy” with great coffee, pizza and people-watching. Visit Acquolina for an Italian-worthy Aperol Spritz. Pacific Heights – Elegant streets lined with historic mansions, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes. Make sure to check out: - Harry’s Bar - Choquets - The Snug Marina District – Trendy waterfront neighborhood with stylish shops, lively bars, and beautiful views. We love: - Cultivar Wine Bar - Delarosa - Bar Darling - Causwells - Very good burger!
San Francisco loves burritos and dumplings! For great dumplings, head to any place called "Dumpling [insert name]". Dumpling Home (by far the best), Dumpling Time, etc For burritos, head to the mission! Below are some good spots in no particular order. Ryan has committed to trying and ranking his top 5 before the wedding. 1. El Farolito 2. La Taqueria 3. El Toro 4. El Buen Sabor 5. La Palma $$$$ Restaurants: If you're feeling fancy and flush, these are some of the best fine dining restaurants in the city. The Progress State Bird Provisions Foreign Cinema Tailors Son Four Kings 7 Adams Bix Brunch: The Buena Vista - Best Irish coffees! Sweet Maple 6 Tables The New Spot on Polk Other: Scomas. A San Francisco seafood staple near the hotel Anywhere in North Beach or China Town Ferry Building Marketplace – Local vendors, gourmet bites, and bay views. Celeste Wine Bar – Charming spot with an extensive wine list and cozy ambiance.
Golden Gate Park – A massive urban oasis with gardens, trails, and museums. The Presidio – Former military base turned nature preserve with trails, art, and scenic overlooks. This is where our venue is. Dolores Park – A laid-back local scene with skyline views and sunshine. Crissy Field – Beachy walks with unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge photo ops.
If you’re staying a little longer, California has it all! Here are our tips and recommendations. Grab a car and head north to Napa or Sonoma for rolling vineyards, wine tastings, and sun-soaked afternoons in charming towns. In Napa, be sure to check out Wine Girl Napa (Olivia personified). Venture south along the iconic Highway 1 for one of the most scenic drives in the world - making stops in Half Moon Bay for coastal views, Carmel for charming seaside strolls (we got engaged on this beach!), and explore the 17 Mile-Drive - it's well worth the $12 entry fee. Continue on to Big Sur for jaw-dropping cliffs, and Santa Barbara for a taste of Mediterranean-style California living. Continue on to Los Angeles for some Hollywood sparkle. (Note portions of Highway 1 are often closed due to landslides so be sure to plan your route ahead of time!) For mountain lovers, Yosemite National Park is within reach for a day or overnight trip from SF.