Things To Do
The San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade
Happening on Saturday March 14th and kicking off at 11:30am, the 175th annual SF St. Patrick's Day Parade will go directly down Market Street (right out front of The Palace!) and hosts "a dazzling procession of floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups from around the world!" Please note that there will be road closures and traffic will be impacted due to the Parade.
Alamo Square Park
Andrew and Loretta's neighborhood park. A pretty place to take a break and enjoy the views. (The opening shot of Full House is here!) Easy walking to Japantown (Japantown Mall is a cool indoor place in case of poor weather), Hayes Valley (high end shops and fun bars and restaurants), and Divisadero corridor. WARNING: You cannot drive your car up onto the walking path like Danny Tanner has done in the photo shown.
Emporium Arcade Bar
One of Andrew's favorite places to unwind and play some Pinball. Beautiful old theater in a great area of Divisadero with great bars and restaurants nearby.
Cole Valley Tavern
Where we had our first date! Great food and fun neighborhood. Close walking distance to Haight Street (lots of fun shops and people watching) and easily accessible by public transit.
Ocean Beach & the Outer Sunset
Bring layers! It's probably gonna be cold and windy but it's a beautiful place to see the magic of the mighty Pacific. Location of the highly contested "Sunset Dunes" park (formerly known as "The Great Highway") where you can have a nice long walk along the beach without being in the sand. Some cool neighborhood restaurants and bars are on Taraval, Noriega, or Judah streets. Favorites are The White Cap bar, Underdogs Too (kid friendly Mexican food), Damn Fine Pizzeria, Pitts Bar, The Beach Chalet (great views in a cozy environment). (This photo was taken on their second date and Loretta thought Andrew was weird but endearing to take a selfie after meeting twice...)
Ferry Building & the Embarcadero
Easily walkable from The Palace, you will find local vendor stalls, restaurants, and if the weather is cooperative, outdoor seating. There's a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings as well and while it's a beautiful scene, don't plan on finding a deal on your produce. You can walk down the Embarcadero and enjoy watching all manner of skateboards, joggers, and tourists enjoying the area. You can take a historic F-car Street car along the Embarcadero and venture to Pier 39 if walking isn't in the cards.
Tunnel Tops Park & the north end of the City
Absolutely beautiful new park in the Presidio. Great views and lovely environment. Highly recommend checking out. You can often find food trucks at the Presidio parade grounds as well. Lots of kid-friendly places to run around. If you are sticking in the area, Chrissy Field, Fort Point, and Aquatic Park are all worth a visit (all outdoor, so weather dependent). Near Aquatic Park you will find Ghirardelli Square (bowling, mini golf, hot cocoa, ice cream sundaes, and beer oh my!) and the famous Buena Vista, home of the Irish Coffee. If you venture further into historic North Beach, be sure to visit La Rocca's Corner, owned by one of Loretta's three favorite Uncle Mikes, Mike Roddy!
Golden Gate Park
There's so much to do and see! Buffalo! Windmills! Gardens! Art!