So you’re going to San Francisco?

Here are the ultimate 5 things to do in San Francisco – the city by the bay!

Visit the Marina Neighborhood and the Palace of Fine Arts

This part of San Francisco is very cute and has many shops and restaurants. The Palace of Fine Arts is a gorgeous historical space – and a close walk to the Golden Gate Bridge!

Visit the Ferry Building and Pier 39

The Ferry Building is a gorgeous building filled with food stands, markets, restaurants and more. There is so much to do and you have gorgeous views of the Bay Bridge – of course you can hop on the ferry that will take you all over the Bay to Oakland, Alameda, Marin (Sausalito and Tiburon) – it’s a very fun way to see other parts of the Bay Area.

Stroll through North Beach (Little Italy)

Little Italy is a small area jam packed with Italian restaurants, wine bars, gelato shops and more. It’s a lively neighborhood for a stroll and some delicious food. Try Original Joe’s and Golden Boy’s pizza for some quintessential North Beach atmospheres.

Go to a Giant’s game and get a drink at Momo’s

If you’re in SF during baseball season – head to Oracle Park for a day of baseball and breathtaking bay views.

Momo’s is a lively bar across the street and very popular for drinks before and after the games!

Go to the Marina and see views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Visit Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park: SF’s own Central Park is full of beautiful outdoor activity. So for all your outdoor enthusiast: I’d say take a visit there!

Marina: The Marina is a cute and preppy neighborhood in the very northwest part of SF – and it has adorable shops, bars, restaurants – get an espresso martini at Balboa Cafe! Plus there are amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the Marina green.

Take a ride on a Cable Car and Visit Lombard Street

The Cable Cars indelible fixtures in San Francisco you’ve probably seen them in movies or TV shows – they are even featured on an episode of my favorite show: Beverly Hills, 90210 when Jason Priestly’s character Brandon heads up to San Francisco in search of his high school girlfriend: Emily Valentine.

You can hop on and off at various points and the cable car goes right through Russian Hill and you can get off at the most crooked street in the world: Lombard street and get some photos – with gorgeous views of the bay and walk down the street!

It’s also where the Real World: San Francisco’s house was!

San Francisco is not only the city by the bay but it’s a city I hold close to my heart because it is home.  

I grew up about 25 minutes outside of San Francisco and have visited frequently over the years: my dad grew up there and my grandparents lived there a majority of their lives. 

I would often visit him with my parents for brunch or family occasions and the city would always leave its mark on me.  It was foggy and cold but it had the feeling of hustle and bustle to it, that I had only experienced there (until I visited NYC of course).

After college, I decided to live in SF with my best friend and I finally realized why it’s a such a special city.  Living on rolling hills going neighborhood to neighborhood — with bars and restaurants tucked under apartments: there was always a new person to meet or an adventure to be had.  

Now: I live just across from SF so I still make a point of going a few times a month and it’s still just as fun as ever!

Click on any image to enlarge.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco:

Elite Cafe — this Pac Heights restaurant/bar is the perfect place to have some wine and munch on prawn cocktails, oysters, and deviled eggs.

Liholiho Yacht Club — apparently the hottest joint in town right now (reservations are booked six months out) and we were able to wait for a bar seat because of the lack of people in San Francisco this week (we are thinking it’s because of Burning Man).  It’s a Hawaiian asian fusion and it is very good and has large portions which I appreciate.

Za’s Pizza: Russian Hill — amazing pizza place in a gorgeous neighborhood.

Foreign Cinema: well known high end restaurant in the Mission district. Great food and classy ambiance.

Balboa Cafe: amazing burger and espresso martinis!

Or try the newest hotspot in the Marina: Left Door for some elevated bites, drinks and a DJ!

For a true San Francisco treat: head to Buena Vista for gorgeous views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and their famous Irish coffees!

Eat and take a stroll through Chinatown

SF has a bustling Chinatown – with pastry shops, boba, dim sum and more. It’s for sure worth a walk through and a dim sum breakfast!

Is San Francisco Dangerous?

Yes and No. San Francisco has gotten a lot of bad press in the recent years and it’s not to say that’s all completely false but it is not as dangerous as it’s made out to be. Of course there are homeless – something that has always been an issue in San Francisco – literally since I can remember and I am 38. There has been a spike in crime and car robberies so you do need to be vigilant.

My suggestion: don’t have a car in SF while visiting. Parking is already difficult but you are leaving your car susceptible to being broken into – never leave anything in your car. I cannot stress this enough!

Use Uber or public transit and leave luggage at your hotel if you have to while out before your flight. Don’t bother with a car.

Like any big city – you should always be on high alert and watch your surroundings but overall you can still enjoy yourself in San Francisco.

Where to Stay in San Francisco?

The Ritz Carlton – a classic and upscale hotel that borders Chinatown and Nob Hill.

Hotel G – this hotel is downtown right near Macy’s and Union Square – central location and more boutique.

What is the Weather like in San Francisco?

It’s cold and windy! 99% of the year it’s foggy and about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Always bring a jacket or a sweater with you for San Francisco weather. Late August and September can see warm days but still have a light coat on hand.

Denim and a leather jacket will always be the perfect comfortable and cute look in San Francisco – plus it’ll keep you warm.

Try these styles for San Francisco: