San Francisco
The Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide: A Local’s Perspective
I have been fortunate to call San Francisco home for the past 8 years so it feels only fitting that this be the first travel guide that I share with you all. San Francisco is such a special city, tucked into a small 7x7 mile radius, and it is my hope that the information provided below helps any one of you have a weekend to remember. This guide is for anyone who wants a chic, romantic, or "foodie" weekend and wants to avoid looking/feeling like a typical tourist.
Welcome to SF
Arrival: SFO is the primary airport (25 mins to downtown), but OAK (Oakland) is also a great option. It can be cheaper and roughly the same distance if you’re staying on the east side of the city.
The Layout: SF is a patchwork of micro-climates. Like New York, San Francisco is composed of several core neighborhoods, including downtown, Chinatown, North Beach, the Mission, Castro, & Marina, and the Richmond and the Sunset (to name a few). Be prepared - you might be sweating in the Mission and shivering in the Richmond within the same hour - so it’s always great to have a light jacket onhand.
Where to Stay
1 Hotel SF: Located along the Embarcadero, this eco-chic hotel has stunning Bay Bridge views and is hyper-walkable. It is the premier choice for the modern traveler seeking wellness and "quiet luxury" by the water.
St. Regis: Located in SoMa, this sophisticated stay provides luxury near the acclaimed MoMA and the Yerba Buena Gardens. Perfect for those who appreciate high-concept art, 24/7 butler service, and daily champagne in the lobby
Beacon Grand: Located in Union Square, this old-world glamour meets modern SF hotel is also home to the iconic Starlite rooftop lounge. Stay here if you want to be at the center of the shopping district with a drink in hand and a view of the skyline.
The Inn at the Opera Hotel: A boutique "insider" gem in Hayes Valley. This property feels more like a private European residence than a hotel. Located steps from the Symphony and Opera House, it is the quintessential choice for a sophisticated, culturally-immersed getaway.
Cavallo Point: Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, this historic-meets-modern retreat is set on the sprawling grounds of a former Army post. It is the premier choice for the traveler who wants a "nature-luxe" escape that feels miles away from the city while being only minutes from the bridge.
Dinner (Reservations Recommended)
Kokkari Estiatorio: Elevated Greek dining with a sultry, hearth-lit atmosphere. As a Greek local, I can confirm: the grilled lamb chops and honey-soaked loukoumades (Greek donuts) are non-negotiable.
Foreign Cinema: An iconic Mission District date spot. Dine on an innovative, rotating menu in a heated, romantically lit courtyard while vintage films flicker against the industrial walls.
Arquet: A chic new addition to San Francisco’s Ferry Building with unmatched views of the Bay, Arquet is serving modern Californian cuisine with a heavy emphasis on wood-fired cooking
Dalida: A newer gem in the Presidio serving elevated Eastern Mediterranean. Focused on "breaking bread" together, the atmosphere is airy and elegant. Order the octopus and thank yourself later
Rich Table: Modern American that is somehow both fancy and fun. Stop by Absinthe nearby for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Drinks
BIX: Like stepping back into the 1960s. Expect white-jacket service, live jazz piano, and the best martinis in the city hidden down a Jackson Square alley. Not to mention, their bar mix is… special
Key Klub: The quintessential spot for an elevated GNO. It’s high-energy and wine-focused, pairing a great soundtrack with shared bites and an effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Moon Gate Lounge: Tucked away on the second floor of the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s, this is arguably the sexiest bar in the city. Go for the lunar-inspired cocktails and the moody, high-design interior.
Bella: Think retro Italian-summer energy, and a lo-fi sound system. With vintage records spinning, a nightly DJ and a standout happy hour, it’s the perfect place for a casual yet chic late-afternoon spritz
Union Larder: A high-ceilinged, romantic wine bar on Polk Street. It’s the city’s best for a California-meets-Europe wine list paired with artisanal charcuterie and intimate conversation.
The Casual Classics
Udon Muzigo (Japantown): Enjoy a steaming bowl of Udon, made live daily, followed by a stroll through all of the local shops selling Japanese pasteries, toys, books - you name it
Roma Antica (The Marina): This place is loud, lively, and unapologetically Italian. We love the Amatraciana, Cacio e Pepe, and their spicy salami Pinsa (an ancient Roman style of pizza with a light, airy crust)
La Taqueria (The Mission): Grab a carne asada burrito and head to Dolores Park for a relaxing park day and some of the best people-watching in the city.
North Beach Pizza Crawl (North Beach): Do a "slice tour" of Tony’s, Golden Boy, and Flour + Water.
Breakfast & Caffeine
Plow: Prepare for a wait, but the homemade buttermilk biscuit is earth shattering
Devil’s Teeth: Great for a quick grab and go breakfast, serving the best breakfast sandwich in the city. Get the Special Breakfast Sandwich on a sourdough biscuit - you won’t regret it
Home, Motoring Coffee, Andy Town & Flywheel: For when you need a caffeine kick with a fun aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Take your coffee to the Ocean Beach, the Marina Green, or Golden Gate Park for a stroll
Top Local Experiences
The Saturday Ritual: Visit the Ferry Building Farmers Market. Grab a coffee and wander the stalls. If you’re feeling fancy, enjoy afternoon caviar at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Cafe
The Views: Hike Land’s End for coastline views or walk the Marina Green to see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory.
Art & Culture: For the museum goer, explore the De Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. For the city wanderer, go vintage shopping on Haight-Ashbury before grabbing a famous "Hot Cookie" in the Castro.Or, explore Fillmore Street and Maiden Lane for more luxury-leaning boutiques and shops.
Nightlife: Catch live jazz at Mr. Tipples or grab tickets to a show at one of San Francisco’s many music venues
Sight Seeing: Catch the hop on hop off buss or do a self guided GoCar tour. If you are planning to visit Alcatraz, make sure to book in advance as it does sell out.
When to Visit
As Mark Twain once said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."
Best Time: September & October. This is our "Actual Summer." The fog clears, and the city comes alive
The "June Gloom": June and July are notoriously grey, windy, and chilly. If you visit then, pack a thick jacket! You’’ll need it
How long to visit: For a first visit, I would recommend 3-4 nights in San Francisco so you have time to enjoy both the tourist attractions & local experiences
Local Pro-Tips
Skip the Rental Car: San Francisco is a city of hills and hidden staircases best explored by foot or car service; skip the rental car to avoid the logistical headache of city parking.
Explore Neighborhoods, not just tourist spots: The best of SF can be found in it’s many neighborhoods, outside of the common tourist areas. Aim to visit 2-3 adjacent neighborhoods each day of your visit for the best and fullest SF experience
The Tech Experience: Download Waymo. Taking an autonomous car through the city streets is the most "Future SF" thing you can do.
SF Attire: Always carry a light jacket or "puffer." The temperature drops 10°F the moment the sun goes behind a hill and on average, only reach 62-65 degrees on a given day
Transport: Use Muni for the classic cable car/bus experience or Uber/Lyft for efficiency
Extend your trip by a few days: After enjoying SF, head to California’s famous Napa Valley for world renound wine tasting & vineyard views
