San Francisco is famous for its Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, but the “Golden City” has more to offer than its touristy destinations. Its restaurants are some of the best in North America and the Pacific coastal views are astonishing. Be sure to bring an extra jacket as the city is surprisingly pretty chilly even in the summer months. See below for my favorite things to do, sites to see, and restaurants to visit in San Francisco.
Travel date: June 17th, 2021
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Things to do
View the Golden Gate Bridge
When visiting the “Golden City,” it is only right that you make a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. Due to its popularity, it is best to arrive early in the morning to ensure access to the bridge’s best viewing points. You have two options for viewing the bridge — either on the San Francisco side or across the bridge on the Sausalito side. My favorite was the Sausalito side at the Battery Spencer viewing point. You can also take a quick hike down below to Kerby Cove for even better views. On the San Francisco side, you can walk through Crissy field to Torpedo Wharf to the Golden Gate Post Card viewing point for the best views.
Review: Green – must-see in San Francisco
Tip: it is usually very foggy so don’t be surprised if you are not able to see the bridge very clearly (see picture above). For best visibility, it is recommended to visit in the afternoon.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
Another famous site in San Francisco is Fisherman’s Wharf, which is one of the most visited sites. This is a great place to walk around, visit the shops, catch a boat tour, view Alcatraz from the pier, or grab a bite to eat. A few of my highlights were the sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery, seafood at various restaurants nearby, and seal viewing at Pier 39.
Review: Green – variety of things to do for all travelers
Walk or Drive along Lombard Street
This famous street is known for being the crookedest street in the world. Visit it by walking or driving through Lombard street and marveling at the amazing views of the city.
review: Green – quick and easy stop if you are driving
Watch the Sunset at Mission Dolores
Mission Dolores Park is a nice, lively park that is great for picnicking, people-watching, or evening taking a quick nap. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with amazing views of the city. We grabbed a few pints of ice cream from a nearby ice cream shop and enjoyed the sunset views on our picnic blanket.
Review: Green – great vibes and even better views
Places to eat
Boudin’s Bakery for sourdough bread
This bakery is known as San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating business. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, baked goods, pizzas, and soups. I’d highly recommend trying the clam chowder in sourdough bread. While this place gets busy with tourists, the service is very quick, with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating available.
Review: Green – loved the clam chowder and location right on Fisherman’s wharf.
Flour + water for pasta
This highly-rated Italian restaurant offers great food and an even better ambiance. They serve small plates, made for sharing, accompanied by a large selection of wines. Be sure to reserve a table a couple of weeks before your trip as reservations fill up weeks in advance.
Review: Green – food made with fresh ingredients; margarita pizza and tagliatelle with veal bolognese were our favorites
Ghirardelli Square for ice cream
Ghirardelli is known as the original chocolate manufacturer in San Francisco, and this high-end shopping center sits right outside Fisherman’s Wharf at the original factory site of Ghirardelli. In the back of the store, there is a chocolate-making exhibit that you must stop by and see.
Review: Green – great place to grab a scoop of ice cream. Be prepared to wait during peak summer months.
Humphry Slocombe for ice cream
I always love trying different ice cream shops in new cities. I received Humphry Slocombe as a recommendation and honestly was not thrilled. Maybe I just did not like the flavors I got but I have had much better ice cream.
Review: Yellow – Ice cream flavors were mediocre in my opinion.
Other recommendations we missed
Things to do
Ride a Cable Car
For a cool experience, ride the California line cable car until Powell Street and then connect to the Powell-Hyde line and ride to the terminal station. Check the website for more information around travel times and COVID restrictions.
Experience the GoCar Excursion
These famous “little yellow cars” will take you on a self-guided tour of the city. It’s a great way to take in the beautiful hilly city without a car. For discounted prices check out Groupon to purchase tickets.
Take a cruise to Alcatraz
There are several tours leaving from Fisherman’s Wharf that take you to Alcatraz Island. It is also a cool option to visit at night with a tour group.
Places to see
Visit Chinatown
San Francisco houses the largest Chinatown outside of China and the oldest Chinatown in North America. This is a great place to grab a bite, enjoy or drink, or even try karaoke at one of the bars.
Enjoy the Beaches
There are several beaches in San Francisco for you to enjoy a nice stroll along the coast. Marshall Beach, Baker Beach, and China Beach are a few recommendations I have received.
Places to eat
Breakfast
Sweet Maple, Brenda’s French Soul Kitchen, and Pinecrest Diner are all good options from the recommendations I have received.
Please leave comments below with your recommendations for San Francisco!
