Hi guys!

Happy Tuesday! I’m trying to work as little as possible the first half of this week as my mom is in town and I’m trying to spend as much time with her as I can–so today, I thought it would be a great time to post my updated San Francisco Guide!

I recently took my second trip to San Francisco with Neal (he travels there for work sometimes, so I go with him whenever I can!) It’s always a very quick working trip for the two of us (so we haven’t been able to truly enjoy the city like we would if we were on vacation) but we still always have so much fun!

 

Here are my favorite things to do in San Francisco (including some updated coffee shop reccos and restaurants, too!)

5 Fun things to do in San Francisco:

Neighborhood Hop:

There are SO many amazing neighborhoods in San Francisco, and they’re all so different and fun to explore! Make a point to bounce around to at least a couple of them!

I particularly fell in love with Pacific Heights. Everywhere you look, one house is more beautiful than the next. They have adorable shops, great restaurants, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood is just adorable. Everything is so picturesque! Even if you have no agenda, just have your Uber drop you here to walk around.

My best friend Michal says her favorite neighborhood is the Mission District–it has an eclectic hipster vibe with lot’s of street art. Some of the city’s hottest restaurants and retail pop-ups are here! We didn’t make it there on our trip but it’s definitely at the top of my list for next time!

The Ferry Building at Sunset

See the Ferry Building:

I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the Ferry Building. During my fall trip, I went there during the day to hang out, and had lunch with my Lolë friends! I thought it was so cool, and their Oyster restaurant is famous–so I had to bring Neal back the following night! (More on that below!) They have a farmer’s market outside, tons of adorable shops, several restaurants, and an awesome array of local food vendors. (If you’re there in the morning, get a smoothie from the grocery market there–it’s in the back of the store! It was so delicious!)

Find a Farmer’s Market:

Speaking of farmer’s markets, the city is full of them! Maybe it’s because I live in a city that can only hold farmer’s markets from May through September, but something farmer’s markets puts me in my happy place. There are few things I love more than strolling through a farmer’s market with a fresh juice or a coffee. This website has a huge list of SF farmer’s markets that you can sort by the day, which is super helpful!

See Neal’s outfit post here

View from Alta Plaza Park

See full outfit post here

Take in all the scenery:

SF is such a walkable city. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I was just soaking up the beautiful weather and the change of scenery so much, one of my favorite parts of our trip was just walking. If I found a hill, I’d walk up it and turn around to find the coolest views of the city and of the bay! Like I said before, each house is cooler than the next. No two are alike–everything is just so charming.

Jane’s on Fillmore

Hog Island Oyster Co

Explore the local food scene:

A few of our favorite places we’ve tried while in SF: 

Park Tavern: 

A staple in SF, according to my local friends! A charming, bustling bistro that draws lot’s of locals and tourists alike. You have to get the crispy lemon chips and the waygu beef jerky to start. I had the burger and it was phenomenal.

Stooky’s:

An art-deco inspired 1930’s cocktail bar with a menu that stays true to the era. It feels like a trendy speakeasy and a hole in the wall all at the same time. Our bartender was awesome and the drinks were really unique!

Lers Ros Thai: 

A totally unassuming restaurant but hands-down the best Thai food we’ve ever had. We split the Larb salad and a stir fry special. Their portions are really big! They have a few locations but we went to the one on Larkin street.

Jane’s on Fillmore:

An adorable breakfast or lunch spot. The upstairs is a good place to get some work done!

Hog Island Oyster Bar: 

One of the most famous oyster bars in the city–it’s right on the water in the ferry building with a great view!

Balboa Cafe:

An old-school SF classic–unfussy with great food!

Tropisueño:

An amazing Mexican spot–if you’re looking for something trendy, this isn’t it, but if you’re trying to do SF on a budget or are traveling for work and staying near the Financial District, it’s pretty tough to beat.

Like I said, we were there because Neal was on a work trip and I just decided to tag along. We were exhausted and didn’t want to go far from the hotel, so we ended up here! It’s really low-key, cute, charming, homey, with friendly service, awesome margs and really delicious Mexican food! I love that they give you unlimited chips and salsa (3 different kids of salsa!)

Tacolicious

Was another taco spot that came highly recommended from readers!

Post up in a cute coffee shop:

Reveille Coffee: 

This spot gets first place for my favorite SF coffee shop so far. What’s weird about SF is that it’s kind of tricky to find coffee shops with good wifi, so while there are a ton of cute coffee shops to visit WITHOUT wifi, those are cut from my list 😂 I have to have wifi! I love this Parisian-inspired spot which also happens to have the best coffee shop breakfast (with good, healthy options, too!)

Cup a Joe: 

I went here twice during our last trip because of its proximity to our hotel. They have awesome breakfast sandwiches and the best part is that the owner’s dog, Pimp (a grey French bulldog!!!) often hangs out here! He is so friendly, he’ll jump right on your lap and sleep there while you work. I mean, does a better scenario exist?

Joe and the Juice: 

I met my friend Leia here at their Pac Heights location. It’s adorable inside, they have great paninis, juices, smoothies, and of course–coffee, too.

Sightglass Coffee:

This place is SO cute and they have a couple locations I believe. It does get crowded though, so it’s a gamble if you’re wanting to get some work done.

The Mill:

SO many of you told me I had to go here for the toast! Again, they don’t have wifi, so I haven’t made it yet, but it’s definitely on my list!

Blue Bottle Coffee: 

Based in SF, you can find Blue Bottle all over the city! “An SF experience” as the locals will tell you. I had my first one at the Ferry Building and really liked it, but when I walked into another location to do some work, I discovered they don’t have wifi in any of their coffee shops, so then I kind of hated them. If we’re being honest. 🙄 😂 Only go here if you want the coffee and not the wifi!

Other reccos from local friends and readers:

Marlowe, Statebird, Tartine Bakery, Flour + Water, Gitane, Elephant Sushi, La Mar, The House.

Full outfit post here 

Your turn! Do you have any reccos for fun things to do in San Francisco? Would love to hear them–leave a comment below and share the details!

Also, see more travel posts HERE.

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