Growing up only a few hours from San Francisco, it used to be my favorite city destination in California. The vibrant culture, art, and food are just a few of the reason why San Francisco is one of my favorite U.S. cities. San Franciscans are known for their enthusiasm for all things healthy and outdoorsy, so don’t be surprised to find the next big health food trend you haven’t even heard of yet. From the best food trucks to the Michelin-starred restaurants, we’ve got you covered for the best places to eat, drink, and be merry.
Thursday:
12:00pm– Check-in to the Fairmont Hotel, located at the top of Nob Hill overlooking both Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. This 592-room hotel is definitely most suitable for the seasoned traveler, one who prefers classic luxury to more modern accommodations. Built in 1907, this hotel is now a landmark within the city.
If you would like a hotel that is a bit more modern with some chic flair, check out The Clift, located on famed Geary Street just steps from the cute neighborhood of Nob Hill. From the second you enter the glowing purple entranceway you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.
2:00pm– If you’re trying to steer clear of the more run down tourist areas (cough cough Union Square), head to Haight & Ashbury for some eclectic shopping and stores. Most famously known for being the origin place of the hippie culture.
4:00pm– Check out the De Young Museum in Golden Gate park. They will be featuring a very exciting exhibit on Oscar de La Renta this March 2016. The California Academy of Sciences is also just a few steps away.
8:00pm– Dinner at Gary Danko. This high-end restaurant is near Fisherman’s Wharf. It is probably the most quintessential San Francisco dining experience. Insider tip: Their cheese cart is amazing.
If you are looking for an unpretentious eatery, try The Chubby Noodle. It is located in one of the hottest neighborhoods but has not sky rocketed it’s prices. Opt for the BBQ ribs, peking duck steam buns, chubby chow mein. Insider Tip: they give out free sake shots!
10:00pm– Drinks at Wilson & Wilson, this swanky speak-easy is the perfect place for after dinner drinks on your date night or with friends. Reservations are needed.
Friday:
9:30am- Breakfast at Sweet Maple, it’s extremely large menu has a section devoted just to Benedicts (try the Hemingway with salmon and wasabi Hollandaise). But their shining star is the bacon,they batter and deep-fry it (Dixie Bacon) or bake it in brown sugar with cayenne and red & black pepper (Millionaire’s Bacon).
11:30am– Take a morning tour to Alcatraz Island, the view will be spectacular because the morning’s fog will just be clearing up and you’ll be able to watch it retreat back into the hills. Make sure you do the audio tour of Alcatraz when you go!
1:00pm– Head to the super trendy neighborhood, The Marina, and walk around for some high-end shopping and fresh juices. Stop in to Tacolicious for some of the best taco’s in the city! There is always a line around the building waiting for a table here so try to go on an off-hour. Their guac is so superb you might stuff yourself silly.
3:30pm– Work off all those taco’s with a hike at Land’s End, one of the most beautiful views in all of San Francisco. This hike runs along the ocean cliffs overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s not a hard hike so don’t be too intimidated!
8:00pm– Splurge on yourself at SPQR, the sister property of A16, an equally great restaurant with wood-burning pizzas. SPQR focuses on traditional Italian dishes which include fresh, house-made pastas, but be sure to go with a small group of friends (they only allow tables of four people max).
10:30pm– For a lively bar that’s very in with the cool-crowd, check out Ambassador for an after-dinner martini. The music starts to get louder around 11:00pm so get ready to dance!
Saturday:
9:00am– Head to The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero (right on the water), one of my all-time favorite places on a Saturday when there is a farmer’s market. One of SF’s best restaurants is also located here, the Slanted Door (Vietnamese) is here, so make sure you stop by for breakfast. Make sure to go with an appetite!
1:30pm– Hire a car and spend the day oyster shucking at Hog Island Oyster Company. Stop by Palace Market to pick up picnicking supplies for your journey (i.e. beer, wine, and champagne, the essentials). For the price of the oysters and a $5 picnicking fee, you’re treated to complimentary shucking equipment, a shucking lesson, lemon, and ALL the hot sauce. Purchase charcoal for $7 or bring your own. Also, stop by Cowgirl Creamery, right around the corner, for some of the best cheese in the city.
5:00pm– Check out Arlequin Wine Shop, it’s a little taste of Napa without having to drive all the way there. Being that its something of a local secret, not many people are aware of the magical community garden out back, where you can drink any wine from the shop by the glass for a small corkage fee.
8:00pm– State Bird Provisions, a haven of gourmet dumplings and savory pancakes and a separate menu where you’ll find the quail dish that gave the restaurant its name. Three years and two James Beard awards later, getting a table here is as difficult as ever.
Or get a table at Aatxe, located on Upper Market street, named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the U.S. by Zagat. The restaurant recreates the charm of Northern Spain, using dark wood and Spanish tiles that recall the tapas bars of the Basque country.
Sunday:
10:00am– Make a quick stop at Judahlicious for one of their vegan acai bowls in the Ocean Beach area. What’s a stop in SF without something ridiculously healthy?
12:00pm- Sundays in San Francisco are spent at Off The Grid, the largest collection of food truck in the city with a stunning view overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge at Presidio Park. Come, and bring your picnic blanket, and listen to live music while you sample some of the best artisan foods in the city. Food trucks not to miss: Three Twins Ice Cream, El Porteno, Grilled Cheez Guy, DUM Truck, and Happy Moose Juice.
11:00am– Before you head home, make a pit stop at Golden Gate Park and go for a paddle boat ride on Stow Lake. The park also offers Japanese Tea Gardens if you want to be a little more zen.
