While San Francisco is only 7×7 miles, it is packed to the brim with culture, neighborhoods with diverse personalities, unbelievable gastronomy, beaches and bridges, and enough excitement to keep this city and nature loving foodie happy! I was there in late 2019 for a work trip and managed to squeeze in a couple of extra days to soak up some of the goodness the city has to offer - finding myself head over heels for the seemingly perfect (okay, maybe a little pricey) city. Here’s why:
1. Pier 39 to visit the Sea Lions & Eat Seafood
The sea lions first came around following the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 after finding an abundant food source and area sheltered from predators. Follow the crowds to Pier 39 to watch the Sea Lions cuddling, arguing, or wrestling each other off the wooden platform into the cold Bay water. I literally could have stood and watched them interact ALL DAY LONG!
As the sun went down it started to get chilly so I retreated to the Fog Harbor Fish House for Chowder and Cioppino and enjoyed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island over dinner. The day was topped off with Trish’s donuts, right below the restaurant, whilst watching street performers enchant the crowds with their live music.
2. Visit Alcatraz Island
Coincidentally, I’d been reading several novels about life at Alcatraz prior to visiting, so was excited to see the prime real estate that was former home to many of the countries’ most notorious criminals, and now home to nesting seabirds, and the most stunning of gardens in full bloom. Where else in the world are you going to find a prison so rich in history which is also a botanical wonder, and boasts a view of the skyline. I would recommending booking in advance with Alcatraz Cruises, as the boats can get booked up quickly, and they are the only official vendor allowed to dock on this island.
3. Cycle the Golden Gate Bridge
What’s a trip to San Francisco without getting up close and personal with its most iconic structure. The Golden Gate Suspension Bridge is an impressive structure that spans nearly 2 miles connecting the city to Marin County. Biking across it, hair blowing in wind whilst looking up at the mammoth 746-foot towers overhead was such a liberating and memorable experience. I rented the bike for the day from Blazing Saddles at the Fisherman’s Wharf, and so got to appreciate the bridge from many different angles, and in my own time!
4. Spend the afternoon in Sausalito
Why stop after cycling the bridge? Sausalito is a quaint little village which is a hop, skip and cycle away from the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s the perfect little town to wander from one colourful store to another exploring art, souvenirs, and maybe devouring some ice cream - If you’ve biked, you earned it! It also has the freshest seafood which I enjoyed at Scoma’s Sausalito - you must try the Dungeness crab! I took the ferry back to San Francisco with the bike as I had plans to meet a friend and was short on time. The line for the ferry was extremely long around 5pm on Friday, so I had to wait for several ferries to come before I finally got a spot. Make sure you’re in no hurry to get back to the city, or leave earlier in the day.
5. Take a Day Trip
There are so many stunning places on San Francisco’s doorstep and it would be a shame not to take advantage of the quick city breaks that are available and explore. My day trip of choice was Muir Woods and Napa Valley, which provided the opportunity to appreciate the ancient majestic wood trees and sip wine in Sonoma and Napa in a single day. Read all about my day trip here.
6. Explore the Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf
Whilst renowned as a touristy hub of San Francisco, a trip isn’t complete without exploring the dining, entertainment, shopping and good vibes here. It truly is a beautiful pocket of the city with the best harbour views and atmosphere for strolling aimlessly. My highlight was the sourdough heaven, also known as the Boudin Bakery. You can dine in the café on sourdough sandwiches of every kind, eat chowder from a sourdough bowl as I did, or choose a sweet treat or sourdough shaped animal bread as a souvenir or snack! You can also learn about the famous bread and the city that made the magic happen in a tour!
7. Hop on a Cable Car
Much more than a tourist attraction, the cable cars provide a very efficient way to navigate the hilly city. I joined the Powell-Hyde Tram line at Union Square as I was staying at the Westin very close by. I stood on the outside of the cable car tightly clinging the handrails as we descended towards Market Street (Fisherman’s Wharf). The bright side of the STEEP hills are stunning views of Alcatraz Island and the bay. Be warned as they can get very crowded, especially on popular routes!
8. Eat Well
San Francisco is gastronomy heaven, and after a week in the city I barely even scratched the surface. My highlights included:
Swan Oyster Depot – This is a tiny, cash-only family owned and run restaurant that apparently ALWAYS has a line outside it’s doors. It’s renowned for it’s fresher than fresh oysters, for which I can wholeheartedly vouch!
Le Colonial - A quaint and somewhat hidden gem of a restaurant serving French food with a Vietnamese Twist, and delicious cocktails!
Taj Campton Place – This was a more upscale Michelin Starred restaurant serving delicious Cal-Indian Cuisine.
Others previously mentioned are Fog Harbor Restaurant, Scoma’s (ate there in Sausalito and at Fisherman’s Wharf), Trish’s Donuts, Boudin Bakery. I also enjoyed the Southern inspired menu at Hops & Hominy in Union Square, and the modern take on Cantonese food at Palette Tea House in Ghiradelli Square.
9. Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Café
Who knew this would score a section of its own, particularly because I don’t even like Whisky! The Buena Vista Café not only provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but also a delicious, hot Irish Coffee. The cafe is renowned for introducing the United States to Irish Coffee in 1952. If I didn’t have a packed schedule, I could have easily opted for a second as it was comforting and warming on a cold fall day!
After a fantastic week, San Francisco stole my heart and currently sits near the top, if not at the top of my absolute favourite US cities! I didn’t quite manage to see everything I had hoped to. Next time, I hope to conquer China Town, the Cliff House Restaurant, the “off the grid” food truck fair, and visit the infamous “painted ladies”.