The Golden Gate City is full of hilly streets, cable cars, and iconic bridges. San Francisco is a highly sought after destination in Northern California. The city offers unique neighborhoods that portray different characteristics. From the Marina District to the Mission, you are sure to experience all the diversity and magic this place holds. San Francisco is the soul of the Bay Area. A large piece of my heart lives here, as the Bay is the place I call home.

Mode of Transportation

If you are traveling to the Bay Area and plan on spending your time in the city of San Francisco or the Peninsula region, I recommend flying directly into SFO. There are several modes of transportation to get into and around San Francisco. To get into the city from the Peninsula, you can drive, take Bart, or the CalTrain. As for transportation while in the city, you can drive, Uber, take a Trolley, or the Muni. Parking can prove to be difficult in some neighborhoods, but if you are touring around SF in its entirety, then I recommend having a car to enjoy all of the scenic views.

The Itinerary

The Embarcadero

Full of bikers, walkers, and tourists, this strip is located along the water. The view offers great visibility to the Bay and its iconic bridge. You will spot plenty of restaurants, such as the Waterfront Restaurant and La Mar for prime seafood. These dining locations provide excellent food and astounding views.

Ferry Building

Along the Embarcadero is the iconic Ferry Building. This destination is a center hub for transportation, including the Muni, Bart, and Ferry lines. Inside of the historical landmark is a market with plenty of shops to explore and food to try. While you are here, make sure to grab a burger from Gott’s Roadside. When exiting the building from the back side, you will be surrounded with a waterfront view of the bay that is not to be missed!

Pier 7

Located in close proximity to the Ferry Building, it is worth taking a walk down this wooden pier. Bordering the pier are lamp-posts, an SF steamboat, and the Bay Bridge. Walk down to the very end for scenic photos and views of San Francisco from multiple angles.

Alcatraz

In all my years that I have called the Bay Area my home, I have yet to visit the isolated island of Alcatraz. This was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. You can book day and night time tours, where boats will board from Pier 33 to the island.

Sunset Cruise

One of the best ways to see San Francisco is on water. If you are looking to have fun on a sailboat, I highly recommend using Adventure Cat Sailing Charters. Perfect for birthday parties, team events, or date night, the sailboat company has plenty of options for bookings depending on the occasion. The package I once booked for my birthday party included drinks, snacks, and jackets for my guests. Boarding takes place along Pier 39 and leaves promptly on time. Do not be late! The captain will unfortunately leave without you, so give yourself time to find parking and the dock.

Pier 39

The most iconic pier of San Francisco is Pier 39. Known for its sea lions and lively crowd of tourists, there is plenty to explore. The pier has many restaurants, souvenir shops, and video arcades. There is also the Aquarium of the Bay that offers beautiful marine life exhibits. For food, be sure to eat at Bubba Gump for a plate of delicious shrimp and visit the fun sweet shop, Candy Baron for taffy!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Pier 39 is a part of Fisherman’s Wharf. However, as you pass the pier, you will enter into another busy tourist attraction. The wharf has many gift shops and food spots to enjoy, including the California favorite, In-N-Out Burger. There are also many street performers here, including Goldman, Silverman, and Bushman. If you are looking to enjoy a traditional San Francisco dish, stop at Boudin Bakery. The bakery offers sourdough bread and clam chowder bowls. You will also pass through a market that sells fresh crab and seafood dishes.

Ghirardelli Square

As you make your way past Fisherman’s Wharf, you will come across the landmark public square. This area was the original chocolate factory of Domenico Ghirardelli. Ghirardelli is known for its rich chocolate, as well as its ice cream. The square is 3 stories, with restaurants, arcades, and of course, the original chocolate shop. Make sure to come by for a chocolate sundae - it’s a San Francisco favorite dessert! 🍫🍦

This delicious chocolate ice cream was served inside of a crispy waffle cone. Hot fudge was also drizzled on top just incase our chocolate cravings weren’t fulfilled 😋

The Marina District

As you pass Ghirardelli Square, you will make your way into the Marina. This is my favorite neighborhood in all of San Francisco. Chestnut Street offers a lively downtown both during the day and night. There are many great restaurants on Chestnut, such as Blackwood and fun bars for drinks or brunch, like The Tipsy Pig.

Fort Mason

This is a former United States Army post, originating as a coastal defense site during the American Civil War. It now serves as spacious green landscape with views of the Golden Gate and nearby harbor. You will often find Fort Mason full of people celebrating birthdays or mingling with park blankets and drinks. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy food and drinks close to Fort Mason, I recommend the German Beerhall Radhaus.

Fleet Week

Every October, Fleet Week takes place between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The waterfront event is headlined by The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and is the only air show in the United States with a commercial airliner, the United 777, to perform a fully choreographed act. The best place to watch the Blue Angels is from Fort Mason, the Marina Green, or a rooftop in the neighborhood. My cousins Chris and Kevin both live in the Marina, so we have gotten to experience a rooftop showing before. It was the best view of the planes!

Marina Green

Just down the hill from Fort Mason is the Marina Green. This is my favorite place in the neighborhood, as it has flat green grass and great views of the Golden Gate. There is a spacious parking lot free of charge for easy access. This area serves as a great picnic location on a blue skied day. Grab a box of Delarosa pizza from Chestnut Street and enjoy the park grounds. There are several surrounding food trucks, my favorite being the Philz Coffee for a hot chocolate.

Palace of Fine Arts

The palace is a monumental structure that was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Exhibits and works of art were presented there. The palace grounds offer a gorgeous walk on a sunny day and picture-perfect souvenirs. You can rent the palace expo for large events. Facebook’s company holiday party was hosted here one year and it was a blast! You’re in for a special treat if you visit the palace at night, as it’s lit up.

The Presidio

This area of San Francisco is a former military post. It has forested areas, miles of trails, a golf course, and scenic overlooks of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to check out the sandy Baker Beach on a warm, sunny day! The Walt Disney Family Museum is also located in the Presidio for my fellow Disney fans 🤗 

Crissy Field

This public recreational center in the Presidio provides a large field of grassy areas, picnic tables, and trails. Enjoy a walk here or bring a blanket and soak up the California sun ☀️ Although it looks like a clear-skied day, I recommend always bringing a thick jacket with you to the city. The wind and fog tend to come out of nowhere!

Lover’s Lane

Bring your lover, or your friends, to visit the woodsy trail. The path goes on for 1 mile and has a windy log middle section that makes for great photos. Fun fact - the Presidio has heavy military history. Soldiers used to take this route 150 years ago to go into town, where they met up with their sweethearts 💕 

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most recognized landmarks in the world, a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge must be made while visiting San Francisco. The bridge has a walkway that is both safe and accessible for pedestrians and bikers to enjoy. The walk takes about 30 minutes, but add extra time for pictures along the way 📸

Marin Headlands

Drive your car up the the Marin Headlands for the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco. You may be greeted with Karl the Fog and colder temperatures, so dress warmly. Bring your camera, as there will be so many prime photo opportunities here.

The first stop of the Marin Headlands drive is my favorite viewpoint. A night time visit also provides a beautiful view, as the Golden Gate Bridge is lit up in the darkness. The city below twinkles brightly.

Kirby Cove

Park your car along the first stop of Marin Headlands and walk to the trail that leads to the hidden gem of Kirby Cove. Wear a comfortable pair of sneakers for this 3 mile round trip walk. The end of the trail will take you to the shore of a beach with memorable views. Be on the lookout for the swing. Sometimes, the city will take it down 🥺  I would look at Instagram under recent photos of Kirby Cove to confirm if the swing is there during your visit!

Sausalito

As you drive past the Golden Gate Bridge, make sure to visit the town of Sausalito. You can access this area by Ferry Boat, car, or bike. Sausalito offers a charming downtown full of restaurants, shops, ice cream parlors, and waterfront views. Stop by Bar Bocce for a game, drinks, and lunch.

Lombard Street

Known as “The crookedest street in the world”, Lombard Street is another landmark of San Francisco. It has eight sharp turns that cars drive down. There is a staircase on the side of the road for pedestrians to walk Lombard if driving is not appealing 😆 The drive or walk offers stunning views of Russian Hill, perfectly manicured flowers, and views of the Bay.

North Beach

This neighborhood is made from Italian heritage. If you are on the hunt for an authentic Italian meal, then North Beach will be your destination. Stop by Golden Boy Pizza for a slice, or box, of focaccia breaded pizza with delicious veggie and meat toppings. For a more intimate dinner, make a reservation at a white table cloth restaurant for homemade styled gnocchi, pasta, and lasagna.

Coit Tower

The tower rises from the top of Telegraph Hill. It has contributed to San Francisco’s famous skyline since 1933. Coit Tower is an observation deck that is reached by elevator. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop. The deck provides 360 degree views of the city.

Bernal Heights

This residential neighborhood offers breathtaking views of the city. Check out Bernal Heights Park, which provides a panoramic viewpoint. When Trevor took me to this park a few years ago, we enjoyed taking photos from the swing. Similar to Kirby Cove, I would do some social media investigating to see if the swing is available during your visit.

The Castro

A vibrant neighborhood located in Eureka Valley, the Castro is internationally recognized for supporting the LGBTQ community. There are rainbow flags and crosswalks in the spirit of the culture. The Castro offers fun night life, restaurants, and shops to visit.

The Mission

The Mission District is made of rich Latino roots. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, it doesn’t get better than this. There are plenty of taquerias and restaurants to explore, such as El Techo and Foreign Cinema. Vibrant murals line the streets, adding to the cultural identity of this neighborhood. Enjoy a game of mini golf at Urban Putt if you are in the area!

Mission Dolores Park

This park attracts a diverse crowd. People come here for a park day with friends while enjoying drinks, music, and games. Every June, Dolores Park is full of supporters of the Pride Parade and weekend festivities. The park overlooks the city skyscraper, offering magnificent views.

Oracle Park

Formerly known as AT&T park, this baseball field is home to the San Francisco Giants. Order nachos, a beer, chicken strips, or a hot dog while cheering on the baseball team ⚾️ Make sure to checkout the Coca-Cola slide and be sure to bring a thick jacket and blanket with you. The outdoor field by the Bay means wind and lower temperatures in the evening.

The Dogpatch

This neighborhood, also known as Mission Bay, will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where Trevor and I spent our first year dating 💕  In 2019, Trevor was living in the Dogpatch and working at Uber. He lived in a gorgeous 3 bedroom condo with a couple of his coworkers, now lifelong friends. This area is half industrialized and half residential. In recent years, it has blossomed into a waterfront neighborhood.

Chase Center

Located in the Dogpatch is the newly built Chase Center. This facility is used for concerts and is home to the Golden State Warriors. There are delicious restaurants located in the arena’s vicinity. Stop at Dumpling Time or Gott’s Burgers for dinner and drinks before your event.

Warriors Game

Enjoy an evening at the Chase Center watching Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the superstar team 🏀  The Warriors have been crowned the NBA Champions several times in the last few years. They put it all out there on the basketball court!

Golden Gate Park

This is Trevor’s favorite place in all of San Francisco. Made of over 1,000 acres of park grounds, there is plenty of space to explore and relax. Traditionally, we grab Senor Sisig burritos and picnic at Lindley Meadow on a summer day. The park is also home to the California Academy of Science. Check out their Thursday Night Life event for adults 21+. I recently discovered a ferris wheel adjacent to the Cal Academy thanks to Trevor, who took me here for a romantic date night 🤩  The Japanese Tea Garden is also worth visiting while at Golden Gate Park.

Stow Lake Boathouse

The best way to see Golden Gate Park is on water. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat at the Stow Lake Boathouse with friends, your person, or family. The boats seat 1 - 4 people and no reservations are required. You can purchase tickets onsite for convenience.

Outside Lands Music Festival

The greatest summer event takes place in Golden Gate Park. Every August, a three day festival gathers thousands of concert goers for a weekend full of food, drinks, and live music. I have been lucky enough to see some incredible musicians at this event, such as Sam Smith, Lorde, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, G-Eazy, and more.

Alamo Square

This hilltop park has postcard worthy views. It is the perfect spot to spread a picnic blanket, soak up the sun, and meet up with friends. The park offers scenic views of the city skyline, making it a desirable neighborhood and visiting location.

Painted Ladies

Within Alamo Square are the famous 7 Painted Ladies. These Victorian styled houses are all painted different colors and feature a stunning view of San Francisco’s skyline right behind the homes. Commonly mistaken for the sitcom Full House house, you can find the real one from the show about a mile away at 1709 Broderick Street, San Francisco CA 94115.

Asian Art Museum

This museum is located by the Civic Center. On the first Sunday of each month, general admission is free and tickets to special exhibitions are $10. This museum specializes in Asian art. Trevor and I went to visit the Team Lab: Continuity Exhibit. It was an immersive and very unique experience. Reservations are required in advance for this visit. Make sure to also do the interactive under the sea exhibit. That was the highlight!

Chinatown

San Francisco Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco, as it is full of cultural diversity and shops to visit.

Union Square

Right outside of Chinatown’s entrance is Union Square. The square is full of shopping boutiques and luxury stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. There is a huge Macy’s located here with a Cheesecake Factory on the rooftop. The most magical time of year to visit Union Square is in December. There is an enormous Christmas tree and ice skating rink in the center, making it a festive experience. Check out the sports bar and arcade Golden Gate Tap Room. Trevor brought me here for a fun date night and we had the best time!

Cable Car

San Francisco is known for its cable cars. This is the world's last manually operated cable car system and is iconic to the city. The experience starts while waiting at the cable car turnarounds at Powell and Market Street, or along the routes. While you are on the cable car, you can sit or hold on to the handles as you ride through the streets, taking in the scenic views.

SF MOMA

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest modern and contemporary museums in the United States. General admission is $25 per person and tickets can be purchased onsite. Give yourself a few hours to explore all of the exhibits in this museum.

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Located in the Fairmont Hotel, this tropical themed bar is on the top of my recommendation list. The bar serves tiki drinks while a live band performs afloat a lagoon. It also serves as a restaurant. You must experience the fun for yourself!

Twin Peaks

This site brings tourists from all over the world, as it offers vast views of San Francisco and the Bay Area. At nearly 1,000 feet in elevation, the best way to get to the top is by car. There are parking spots readily available, making it easy to access. It can get very windy, so be sure to bundle up for this activity. Have your camera ready to go, as there is plenty of views you will want to capture.

Legion of Honor Museum

Built to celebrate the Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion of Honor is an art building located in Lincoln Park. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and the city, the Legion is recognized for its stunning surrounding views.

Muir Woods National Monument

An escape to nature is just around the corner of the bustling city. Located in Marin County, the national monument is home to sky high redwood trees, peaceful trails, and nature preserves. There are trails for quick and long hikes. Carve out a day or half day for this excursion!

Muir Woods Lookout

Trevor took me to this viewpoint as a surprise. We arrived around sunset after spending the afternoon in Sausalito. Bring your picnic blanket and sit back, relax, and enjoy the epic show.

San Francisco Zoo

Located in the Sunset District, the SF Zoo has a wide range of exhibits and exotic animals to visit. You will need several hours to walk the park grounds and fully enjoy all it has to offer. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Be sure to visit the flamingos while here - they are my favorite animal 🦩

Sutro Baths

Located in the Outer Richmond District, Sutro Baths is a historical landmark. It was a privately owned public saltwater swimming pool complex. Built in 1894, the Sutro Baths was located north of Ocean Beach and the Cliff House. Today, there are only ruins that remain, commemorating what was once there.

Lands End

Adjacent to the Sutro Baths is Lands End. The 3 mile loop trail will take you to Eagle Point Labyrinth. There are many scenic overlooks along the hike that are worth stopping for. Wear sturdy shoes if you will be making the trek to the labyrinth.

Ocean Beach

Located in the Sunset and Richmond Districts, Ocean Beach provides stunning Pacific views. However, this beach is not swimmer friendly. Generally, beaches in Northern California are freezing cold with high tides. Gatherings are common here, where friends create bonfires and enjoy each other’s company as day turns into night.

Sea Cliff

One of the most famous people to have lived in the Sea Cliff neighborhood was actor and comedian Robin Williams. Prime for its oceanic views, this area is home to luxury real estate properties.

There is so much to see and do in the Golden Gate City. From visiting sea lions, sailing the Bay, eating a Clam Chowder bowl, and riding a cable car, there is no shortage of activities and sights to see. San Francisco is full of rich diversity, unique neighborhoods, and exquisite dining. There truly is no place like home!