One of our favorite places in the world and what we consider the crown jewel of the city. You can't see it all in one day, but we highly recommend walking on JFK promenade from the panhandle to 10th Ave. Sunday afternoons are the best times to go and people watch at the roller disco rink and Lindy in the park, which is free swing dancing!
Fleet week happens once per year, normally the first week of October but they changed it this year to be on the same day as our wedding! If you want to watch the air show, the best views will be in the marina. More details found here: https://fleetweeksf.org/
Crissy Field, a scenic beachfront park in San Francisco, offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Alcatraz. This revitalized former military airfield is a popular spot for picnicking and walking along the marina.
Visit the farmer's market at the Ferry building every Saturday morning. This is where you can buy the best produce that the Bay Area has to offer and get a bite to eat at its many vendors. This is walking distance to the California St. cable car line and Filbert St. steps.
The Filbert Street Steps in San Francisco are a set of stairways that offer a hidden urban hike through lush gardens and charming cottages, leading up to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. This hidden gem provides a unique blend of natural beauty and city views, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking a picturesque and peaceful escape in the heart of the city. This is an "off the beaten path" tourist suggestion that we always make.
Alamo Square Park is famous for its view of the Painted Ladies, a row of iconic Victorian houses set against the backdrop of the city skyline. This chill park, nestled in the Western Addition Neighborhood is ideal for picnics and enjoying a relaxed afternoon in a picturesque setting.
This is the park in SF where people go to party, especially on a sunny day. Fantastic views of the skyline further up on the hill.
Watch "The Rock" with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery then visit the famous island in the middle of the bay that was once a high security prison. ***If you want to do this, you will need to book your tickets in advance. The only way to get to the island is by ferry, and you will need to allocate at least 2.5 hours to the trip***
Riding the cable cars is the quintessential SF tourist activity is and is totally worth doing. There are 3 cable car lines: the California line, Powell/Hyde line and Powell/Mason line. We recommend either taking the California line from California & Drumm St up Nob Hill, where you can get off on Polk Street and eat at Swan Oyster Depot which is an old school SF seafood restaurant (there can be a line and is cash only), or going on the Powell/Hyde line from Market Street all the way to the last stop, and getting an Irish Coffee at its alleged birthplace, The Buena Vista. Pro tip is if there is a line to get on the cable car, you can usually just walk up a few blocks to the next stop and try to get on there since they usually keep some seats open for later stops.
Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a must for anyone traveling to San Francisco, as it's not only an iconic engineering marvel but also offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay Area. You can walk, bike or drive across.
You like art? Check out the MoMA!
If you want to just walk around, shop, get a coffee, get a bite to eat, or get a drink, we recommend the following areas: The Mission (Valencia Street): SF's mural lined Latino neighborhood, the Mission District is great for thrift stores, independent bookstores, and boutiques, along with great food and drink options. Haight-Ashbury: Famous for being the epicenter of the Summer of Love, Haight-Ashbury is ideal for vintage clothing, record stores, and gifts. Chinatown: One of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S., this neighborhood is brimming with cultural shops, herbal stores, and markets, ideal for finding unique gifts, traditional crafts, and authentic Chinese goods. North Beach: Known as San Francisco's Little Italy, North Beach offers a nice mix of Italian-themed shops, bookstores, and cozy cafes, all within walking distance of historic sites and beautiful views.
Divisadero St in NOPA: This is Connie and Austin's neighborhood and where we go out to the most. We recommend going to Nopa (the restaurant), The Mill, The Page, and Fool's Errand! Close to Alamo Sq which is a great fleet week + picnic viewing point. Castro District: The heart of San Francisco's LGBTQ community Clement Street: SF's "second Chinatown," Clement Street in the Richmond District offers an array of Asian markets, unique bookstores, and eclectic shops, alongside great restaurants and cafes. We go to the Clement St farmer's market every Sunday. Hayes Valley: Known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops and small gathering place with public art, Patricia's Green Chestnut Street in the Marina District: This area provides a more upscale shopping experience with boutiques, beauty stores, and cafes. Close to Crissy Field. Fillmore Street: In Pacific Heights, Fillmore Street is lined with high-end boutiques, designer shops, and charming cafes.