San Fran Faves
I fell in love with San Francisco the moment I stepped foot into the city. I love everything about this city - the crisp bay air, the fog, the architecture, the food. I could easily see Alex and I living in the Bay Area someday. We've been to SF many times (and luckily, Alex's brother lives there so we have a place to stay - I love easy-on-the-wallet getaways) and I've never gotten around to putting together a list of my very favorite places until now...
This list doesn't include a lot of the typical San Fran sights - those are a no brainer. I wanted to include some off the beaten path restaurants & hidden gems & add to it each time we visit! This is the first list of many San Fan Faves! (each linked below)
Fresca Peruvian Restaurant - Amazing, authentic Peruvian Cuisine in one of the cutest up & coming neighborhoods - there's also a cool wine bar across the street.
The Ferry Building - this is one of those no-brainer sights but I'm including it anyway because I love all of the shops inside - there's everything from great restaurants to flower shops to the best ice cream in SF.
Hog Island Oyster Co - Located inside the Ferry Building; ask for an outside seat if you can get one! You'll have a beautiful view of the bay and Treasure Island while you scarf down your oysters.
Blue Bottle Coffee - Some of the best coffee in San Fran - also located in the Ferry Building and lots of locations throughout the Bay Area.
Chinatown - Also a no brainer but a definite must on every SF visit. What I love most about Chinatown is the art - it's full of beautiful murals (like the one pictured below). I really just love to listen to the languages, look in the shop windows & wander around - you truly feel like you aren't in the US anymore & I love it.
Artist & Craftsman Supply - Alex & I really wanted to check out some art stores while we were in town (he hoards pens for handletting) and we found this cool store in the Financial District. They've got two stories full of everything an artist could want and offer classes!
Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco - When we were in SF, MOIC wasn't open yet but the pictures I've seen of the finished museum look incredible! I've been to the LA version & loved every second!
Color Factory - Another experience museum/Insta porn.. haha! Super fun and definitely a must for color lovers! I have a separate post on Color Factory coming soon!
Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot - I love hot pot! A friend from the area recommended this place & we were in heaven! If you've never had hot pot, please try it - it's amazing!
MOMA San Francisco - You know, I'll be honest... I don't love MOMA. I'm not a huge fan of most modern art but I can still appreciate it. The building itself is beautiful & I would recommend the photography exhibitions.
Tonga Room - Located on the terrace level of the Fairmont Hotel, this place is a fun hidden gem! The room that houses the bar used to have a huge swimming pool & now, live bands play on a boat in the center of the pool. They serve great cocktails, food & have live dancing!
Treasure Island Flea - One of my favorites things about San Fran! The flea is held on the last weekend of every month & you can find everything from antiques, to custom woodwork, spices, food trucks & really, really good drinks. We even saw a dog wedding!
The Cliff House - My favorite breakfast in the Bay Area. The restaurant sits high above the ocean on a cliff with panoramic views all around. We've been lucky enough to get a window table every time we've gone. I love sitting there, sipping coffee & watching people and dogs alike play in the ocean. The walls are covered with signed celebrity portraits. Also, their scones are famous. That's reason enough to go.
Sutro Baths - Once a massive public bath house, the original building could fit at least 10K people in it. To make a long story short, the original building burned down in 1966 & left the ruins we see today (read more in the link!). Now protected by the National Park Service, you can walk along the ruins & watch the sea. The Baths are also located right next to the Cliff House, so it's the perfect morning excursion.
Sausalito - I absolutely love Sausalito! It's a short drive or ferry ride (my preferred way to get there) and a perfect day trip from the city, especially if you can't make it to Napa. All of the following are my faves in Sausalito - Blue & Gold Fleet Ferries / Lappert's Ice Cream / Napa Valley Burger Company / Fotsh Vineyards for Wine Tasting
I'd love to hear more about your San Fran Faves over on Instagram!
