Things To Do
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park offers so many fun things! We used to spend a lot of time here throughout the beginning of our relationship. Some Highlights: * California Academy of Sciences! * Conservatory of Flowers * Japanese Tea Garden * The Bison of the Park * de Young Museum
Ocean Beach
Fun Fact: Tara used to live less than a mile from this beach and would often visit on morning runs. Walk along Ocean Beach, check out the camera obscura near the Cliff House and make your way to the Lands End walking trails and lookout that offer golden gate views and shade from pretty cypress and eucalyptus. If you continue on, you'll hit the Ruins of Sutro Baths. If you are in this area and hungry, check out Beach Chalet, a second floor restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean.
Muir Woods National Monument
We will be very close to Muir woods during our trip north of the city on Thursday evening, but if you get a chance to visit Marin County again and want to walk through some beautiful Redwoods, we recommend.
Spooky Haunts
(That are worth visiting...it is Halloween weekend!) SUTRO BATHS: The ruins of the Sutro Baths have a haunting appearance even in the daytime, especially the popular tunnel. Once a public bath complex, with indoor swimming pools, museums, restaurants and more, the abandoned building burned down in 1966 under suspicious circumstances. It's a fun area to explore! SF COLUMBARIUM: Final resting place of over 8,500 persons; an impressive, domed building with beautiful stained glass windows. ALCATRAZ: Alcatraz was home to many prisoners over the years, often housed in grim conditions. Initially, starting in 1912, military prisoners were held there, and later Confederate prisoners of war were housed at Alcatraz. THE PRESIDIO: Former military post with several “haunted” spots, including: a row of Civil War era houses, Letterman Hospital (now Lucasfilms), SF National Cemetery, Presidio Pet Cemetery, & more. Fun Fact: City Hall itself was built over an abandoned cemetery!
Beverages
* Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe (near Ghirardelli Square, close to where we will be Friday evening!) * Smugglers Cove: Small, cozy spot with great Tiki drinks and decor * Very Tasty Cocktails at: Trick Dog | True Laurel | ABV | Pacific Cocktail Haven * Tonga Room: More Tiki, but inside the beautiful Fairmont in Nob Hill * Bourbon & Branch: speakeasy that has been operating for over a century and a half * Vesuvio Cafe: If you're interested in the Beat Generation, check out Vesuvio Cafe where many writers and artists at the forefront of the 60's counterculture movement would frequent. Across the street is City Lights Bookstore!
Mission District
- Get a Mission burrito! The best burritos in San Francisco can be found in this neighborhood. - If you're interested in shops, Valencia Street is one of the main arteries of the district and has a lot to offer (like Dog Eared Books). - Mission Dolores church is the oldest standing building in San Francisco, but what is even better is the park right next to it. Mission Dolores park is a really vibrant place that offers a great view. If you're looking to just lounge around one morning (or afternoon), we recommend walking to the Bi-Rite market across the street to grab a sandwich or snack, and setting up for a relaxing picnic in the park. - The art scene is thriving here. If you're interested in seeing some cool murals, check out Clarion Alley.
Chinatown
Every major city has one, but SF has North America's first and largest Chinatown. Some of the best restaurants are here - we recommend City View Restaurant for Dim Sum. Hang Ah Tea Room is the oldest Dim Sum restaurant in the US and offers a no frills vibe. Very close by is Mister Jiu's, if you're looking for a more modern & stylized experience.
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is perfect for strolling along the waterfront and looking out over the Bay. Start at the Ferry Building (or if you’re interested in checking out the Giants ballpark, start there). The Ferry Building offers great shops and restaurants. If you're looking for grab & go, we recommend El Porteño Empanadas. Want to sit down? We recommend Hog Island Oyster Co. After leaving the Ferry Building, head north and explore the route toward the Wharf. Some things to check out: - The Exploratorium museum (especially for kiddos, but adults too) - Sea Lions on Pier 39 - Ghirardelli Square - USS Pampanito (WWII submarine) - Musee Mecanique
North Beach
- Bohemian charm, major Italian influence, and literary connections - Coit Tower - City Lights Bookstore / Vesuvio Cafe - Beat Museum - Washington square park On sunny days, the sidewalk tables are full of folks sipping wine or cappuccino and soaking up the atmosphere.
Other Fun Neighborhoods!
One thing we love about San Francisco is each neighborhood has it's very own distinct culture and charm - which seems impossible in a city that is 7 x 7 miles! A few highlights below: * Castro District * The Dogpatch * Potrero Hill * The Haight (Haight-Ashbury) * Union Square (shopping -- or catch a ride on the iconic Cable Car here!)
Wine Country
We've spent a lot of time exploring the best spots in wine country. If you plan to extend your trip to explore Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, or anywhere else outside of the city, we'd love to give recs and help you plan your trip.