Alexandra & Christian
Things To Do
North Beach (From the Groom - Christian)
North Beach is SF’s original Italian neighborhood. Catch a comedy show at Cobb’s; enjoy a beer at cash-only dive bar (and popular firefighter hangout) Gino and Carlo’s; grab a sandwich at Molinari’s Deli to enjoy in Washington Park; wander into City Lights bookstore; and, sip an espresso at Caffe Trieste. Don't forget to try and grab a meal at Original Joe's! A classic San Francisco restaurant.
Oracle Park to Catch a Baseball Game (Alex + Christian)
Watch San Francisco’s beloved team play at Oracle Park. By the way, if you go, don’t miss the crab sandwich or garlic fries!
Ferry Building (from Simon - Brother of the Bride)
Located in the Embarcadero, it’s fun to wander the shops and many restaurants (check out Gott’s Roadside where Christian’s brother, Jeremy is a manager) to choose from in this SF landmark. They also have a weekly farmer’s market on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Ferry Ride (On the Bay)
Ride to Sausalito or Tiburon
The Buena Vista (from Andy - Father of the Bride)
Famous for its Irish Coffees, people watching, as well as for a classic old-fashioned breakfast. If you’re in the mood take one of the cable car lines to this destination.
Ride the famous SF Cable Cars
Catch a car at the Hyde St corner of the park (across from the famous Buena Vista Cafe); hang on and enjoy the ride. It’s a great way to get a feel for some of the neighborhoods along the way.
Filbert Street Steps (Brian - Grandfather of the Groom)
Climb from Sansome Street near the Embarcadero up to Coit Tower where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the SF Bay. As you find your way up the steps you’ll weave past houses on the steep hillside as well as pass through beautiful gardens. If you’re lucky you may spot the famous flock of wild parrots that frequent the area. Note: Other pathways through this unique area in the heart of the city can be enjoyed as well. For example, Napier Lane. You can’t go wrong. Can also be combined with Lombard Street!
Coit Tower (From Sue - Mother of the Groom)
Pair with the Filbert Street Steps hike of simply take a ride/drive up to Coit Tower just north of SF's North Beach neighborhood. The tower was constructed on behalf of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, whose will included two bequests, one to create a memorial to the city's volunteer firefighters, which was done by statuary in Washington Square, and the other to beautify the city. Check out a beautiful view of SF's Bay all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge! (Weather permitting of course)
Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel (Simon)
For drinks, panoramic view and where Christian’s grandparents, Brian and Lynn were engaged. Try to secure a reservation as it is a popular destination! No reservation required
Crissy Field (from Valerie - Mother of the Bride)
Enjoy a crisp morning walk along the Presidio’s SF Bay shoreline where you will find closeup views of the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB). Along the way you’ll pass by several marshes for as much or as little bird watching as you like. Allow yourselves 1.5 -2 hrs if you plan to walk to the GGB and back. You can park for free at the Crissy Field Parking lot right beside East Beach then head on foot toward the bridge. If it’s foggy take in the sound of the iconic fog horns.
Stroll along Hayes Street, Fillmore Street, Sacramento Street, or Clement Street (Valerie)
Good streets to wander, shop, and eat. Hayes and Clement are a little more youthful and laid back. Sacramento is more upscale with home decor and local clothing boutiques. Fillmore has a nice variety of both upscale and more casual shops, cafes, and restaurants (some favorites include Delfina’s pizzeria, Nest boutique, La Mediterranee (Andy’s longtime favorite), and Freda Salvador’s Italian-made women’s shoes. Wave hello to Engine 38 (Christian’s station) if you see them passing by!
Corona Heights Park (Christian)
Take a short hike from the street (5 minutes) up to one of my favorite viewpoints in all of SF. Think Twin Peaks without the crowd! This was my planned proposal spot before Covid threw a wrench in my plans! 🤣 I had planned to drag Alex up here before a planned family dinner with my parents and Alex's parents. Unfortunately Alex, Andy, and Valerie all got Covid at Valerie's birthday dinner earlier in the week.
Mitchell's Ice Cream (From the Bride - Alex)
Old-fashioned ice cream in both classic and tropical flavors. Also in the Mission District, I highly recommend El Farolito on 24th for the carne asada super burrito which you can take out and enjoy in nearby Dolores Park.
Elena's Mexican Restaurant (Alex)
A great new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Original Joe's franchise. They do not take reservations at most times, we recommend going for lunch or showing up between 4 to 5 PM for dinner on a weekday. On Weekends - Good luck 😅
El Techo (Alex and Christian)
A cool rooftop Bar and Restaurant in SF's Mission District where Alex and I had our second date! Grab a drink and some Latin bites and take in the view of downtown SF. Located right next door to Foreign Cinema (Wedding Reception site)
Zuni Café (Valerie)
This beloved restaurant and classic SF institution opened in 1979 and has not skipped a beat since. The ambiance is unbeatable with its copper bar, grand piano, fresh flowers, and delicious food. Try the iconic whole roast chicken for two or the shoestring-style French fries. Reservations (up to 4 wks/advance.)
Sea Cliff Neighborhood (Andy)
Drive through this beautiful neighborhood on the bay to enjoy the vistas and glimpses of homes where many beloved, well know public figures and creatives have lived. (E.G. Robin Williams, Sharon Stone, Ansel Adams, Jack Dorsey, Eugene Levy of ‘Schitt’s Creek….)
Ghirardelli Square (Alex)
Grab an ice cream cone or a sundae & enjoy watching the activity on the bay from the park across the street from the Square. Look for the powerful Dolphin Club swimmers who brave the cold waters year-round.
Golden Gate Park (Andy)
Many activities abound in the park including a walk or jog around Stow Lake or a visit to the Japanese Gardens, the Arboretum, the Conservatory of Flowers (the Dalias may be in bloom!) or the deYoung Museum.
Museums
MOMA (Downtown SF); de Young (GGP); or, The Legion of Honor (overlooking the Pacific Ocean).