Things To Do
Golden Gate Park
We love spending sunny days here. Bike or walk down JFK Promenade, visit museums inside the park (Cal Academy of Science, de Young Museum, Botanical Gardens), or just relax with lunch. Bigger than Central Park, explore the gardens, trails, and take it all the way to Ocean Beach.
Ride a Cable Car
Nothing more iconic than riding a cable care in San Francisco. There are 3 routes total-we like the Powell-Hyde line to really see the city. Get on at the point of origin (Powell Street or near Fisherman’s Wharf) or hop on along the route (if you are staying at the Stanford Court it's right outside of the hotel!). Make sure you get a ticket ahead of time.
Rent a bike and explore the city
SF is very bike friendly and one of the best ways to see the city. Bike rentals are available at Blazing Saddles and other stores like Sports Basement, or you can use a Lyft bike from anywhere in the city. Bike through Golden Gate Park, down Marina Green, and across bridge to Sausalito, then take the ferry back. Wear a helmet!
Fisherman's Wharf
Things to do: See the famous sea lions and other attractions at the Wharf. Very close to Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason Park, Cable Car entrance,, ferris wheel, and the Alcatraz Ferry. Cafes/Restaurants: Scoma's, In-n-Out Burgers, The Grotto, Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Bars: The Buena Vista
Alcatraz Island
A must do if you've never done it, great historical value. Must take a ferry from the SF Piers. Plan to spend ~3 hours total and bring headphones for the audio tour!
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a must see on your visit. Checkout the southern end of the bridge for a historical welcome center and some surrounding walking trails and scenic backdrops. You can walk across the bridge on the east side to the other end and see the entire city (FYI it's an almost 2 mile walk each way, so plan accordingly).
Presidio of San Francisco
The area for our wedding ceremony! A one time military base now operated by the National Parks Service, the Presidio is full of walking and hiking trails through the woods or along the water, numerous parks and outdoor spaces to explore. Things to do: Explore the Golden Gate Bridge (you can walk along the east side and there is a great historical welcome center), hangout near Crissy Field or the Tunnel Tops Park, hike one of the many trails or take a bike ride to explore.
Palace of Fine Arts
Right on the edge of the Presidio, Palace of Fine Arts is an outdoor park and monument originating over a century ago in San Francisco. A peaceful place to wander and relax.
Lands End
Great easy hike with beautiful views of the Bay. See the Sutro Baths and get 360 views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Pro tip-go to Devil’s Teeth for breakfast or Hookfish for lunch/dinner after visiting.
Ferry Building
A fun location to not only catch a ferry to surround bay areas, but also filled with numerous food and drink options! Go after a trip to Alcatraz for lunch or go enjoy a walk along the Embarcadero.
Chinatown
A short walk from both the Stanford Court and Hotel Caza with so much to explore! Things to do: Explore the numerous shops on Grant Ave and hole in the wall stores on side streets, go to the fortune cookie factory or have dim sum. Restaurants: China Live, House of Nanking, The Great Eastern, Good Monk Kok Bakery, House of Dim Sum, Bars: Cold Drinks Bar, Li Po Cocktail Lounge, Moongate Lounge, Red's Place
North Beach
Nearby location if staying at Hotel Caza, but also an iconic San Francisco neighborhood. Things to do: Enjoy classic Italian food, walk the Filbert steps to Coit Tower, relax in Washington Square Park, take a walk over to Fort Mason or the Embarcadero. Cafes/Restaurants: Trattoria Contadina, Original Joe's, Soto Mare, Molinari's Deli, Red Window, Farolitos, Cafe Trieste Bars: Vesuvio, 15 Romolo, Devil's Acre, Bodega, Maggie McGarry's
Lombard Street
Checkout the famous crooked and windy street, filled with gardens and good views of the city. You can take the Powell Hyde Cable Care to get off right at the top of the street.
Coit Tower
Great 360 view of the city with some history inside. Walk up the nearby Fillbert Steps to take it all in.
Nob Hill
Area surrounding the Stanford Court hotel. Things to do: Hop on the cable car to explore the city, visit the historic Grace Cathedral, visit the SF Cable Car Museum, walk down the hill to Chinatown. Cafes/Restaurants: Nob Hill Cafe (one of our favorites!), Back to Back, The Coffee Movement Bars: Tonga Room, Top of the Mark, Peacekeeper
Lower Haight
This is our neighborhood and where we will be hosting our welcome party at Woods Lowside! Some of our favorite things in the area: Things to do: Checkout the painted ladies at Alamo Square, see old Victorians on Waller or Page streets, have a snack and go to Duboce Park. Cafes/Restaurants: Duboce Park Cafe, Tarragon Cafe, Dumpling Union, Otra, The Mill Bars: Stoa Bar, The Page, Last Rites
The Painted Ladies
Great option before going to our welcome party on Saturday! Just a short walk from our apartment, grab a sandwich and enjoy the park and great views. Lucinda’s Deli down the block is one of our go-to’s.
Hayes Valley
A short walk from our neighborhood in Lower Haight. Great neighborhood with plenty of food and drink options, plus shopping. Things to do: Great selection of stores and boutiques on Hayes Street, catch a jazz show at Mr. Tipples Cafes/Restaurants: Dumpling Home (there will be a wait but it is worth it!), a Mano, Elephant Sushi, Papito Hayes, La Boulangerie, Souvla, Salt and Straw Ice Cream Bars: ANINA, Brass Tacks, Birba, Biergarten
Double Decker Bus Tour
To see the city without climbing the steepest of hills, checkout the hop on hop off bus tours. They go all over the city and even across the Golden Gate Bridge!
Hook Fish Co
One of our hands down favorite meals in the city is a Poke Burrito. Go after a hike or take some food to the beach a couple of blocks away. You can take the N Judah train.
Muir Woods National Monument
If you are exploring outside of the city: See the "small" redwood trees native to California. Reservations are ALWAYS required, so plan ahead at GoMuirWoods.com. 30 minutes from SF and worth it!
Tennessee Valley Trailhead
If you are exploring outside of the city: This is a great hike for all levels and abilities. Just under 4 miles, you hike out to the beach and back. Go about 90 minutes before sunset to catch incredible views.
Alta Trail
If you are exploring outside of the city: Moderate 5 mile hike with views of Mount Tamalpais, the Bay, and Angel Island State Park.
Sausalito
If you are exploring outside of the city: Just a short car or ferry ride across the Bay, perfect town to go spend some time exploring, take in the views along the water, or have some food and drinks.
Napa and Sonoma
If you are exploring outside of the city: If you have time, a day trip in Wine Country is worth it. Only an hour outside of SF to Sonoma or Napa. Reach out to Ellie or Ryan with questions about planning a trip to the area for wine tastings.