We have too many San Francisco recommendations to fit on this page, so check out our long (and constantly updated!) list of restaurants, cafés, landmarks, attractions, and shops that we recommend for visitors and locals alike.
This is one of the places where our story began: we chose the world-famous Saturday farmers' market at the Ferry Building for our very first in-person date in the fall of 2020! No matter which day of the week you visit, though, this is a can't-miss if you love food, coffee, and artisanal goods. In addition to the Saturday market, we particularly recommend visiting Heath Ceramics, Recchiuti Confections, Far West Fungi, Acme Bread Company, Cholita Linda, and Reem's.
Needs no introduction!
One of the quintessential SF landmarks (and photo ops), this is the only remaining structure from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
The green heart of the city. This address is for the de Young Museum, which is in the center of Golden Gate Park and is a wonderful place to start your visit. We also recommend checking out the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden while you're there.
One of the most famous and beloved bookstores in the country (and arguably world), and a bastion of progressive literature and politics. Also the site of one of our early dates in October 2020!
An Art Deco emblem of San Francisco's skyline, with lovely views of the city from its observation deck. Accessible both by foot and car/transit, though we recommend the hike up Telegraph Hill as scenic cardio.
Home to an expansive modern and contemporary art collection, one of the best in the United States, and some impressive architecture and design in the form of the building itself. We're incredibly lucky to live a short walk away and have SFMOMA as our neighborhood museum.
Dubbed the "Crookedest Street in the World," at least for the block between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.
An urban oasis on the roof of the Salesforce Transit Center, featuring gardens themed after different ecosystems and expansive views of downtown. Special mention for the Andytown Coffee Roasters (excellent roasters from the Sunset district) branch here.
Astounding views of the Pacific and the windswept coastline of the city. Visit the picturesque Sutro Baths ruins or hike the gorgeous Lands End Trail from here.
Explore the city in the soothing robotic cocoon of a self-driving Waymo car! Download the app on iOS or Android to get started. (Note: Waymo cars are not allowed to take freeways, so make sure to account for the possibility of extra travel time on surface streets.)
Award-winning pizza in almost every style imaginable.
Best croissants in San Francisco! There are two locations in the city; the other, the original, is in the Richmond district near Golden Gate Park. (The Civic Center location usually has a shorter wait.)
Great for sourdough (San Francisco's specialty bread), cakes, and pastries.
One of the many famous burrito places in the Mission neighborhood. Try their carnitas!
Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated xiaolongbao that we also think are the best in SF. Other locations in the Mission and Pacific Heights (Fillmore Street), under the name "Dumpling Story."
A San Francisco institution (for more than forty years!) and one of the pioneers of California cuisine. The roast chicken and bread salad is justifiably famous.
One of the city's finest coffee roasters. Their original café is in the Mission district, and they recently opened a larger café and roastery in Potrero Hill.
Another excellent third-wave coffee option in a city bursting with them. They have another location in Rincon Hill as well.
For those who want to try California's renowned burger chain, this is the only location within city limits!
Free walking tours organized by a nonprofit, volunteer-run group affiliated with the San Francisco Public Library. Advance booking (especially for walks through more touristy parts of town) is recommended.