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The Golden Girl

Chicago Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

March 9, 2020

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Fun things to do in San Francisco

Happy Monday!! 

Did you have a great weekend? I hope so! 

I was in San Francisco visiting my best friend Thursday and Friday and got back here on Saturday night just in time to wake up to a gorgeous 60 degree Sunday! (Although, I will admit, spring forward really threw me off this morning still being dark at 7am. 😬I feel all out of sorts now!) 

Having been to San Francisco several times since I last updated my SF guide, I thought I’d do JUST that today. Here is my big updated list of all the things to do when in San Francisco! 

5 Fun things to do in San Francisco:

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

1. 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 and the Marina. Everywhere you look, one house is more beautiful than the next. They have adorable shops, great restaurants, and the overall vibe of the neighborhoods are just adorable. Everything is so picturesque! Even if you have no agenda, just plan to spend a few hours here walking around. When in Pac Heights, make sure to stop into Freda Salvador––she’s the most amazing shoe designer and the store is tiny but gorgeous! I bought these mules! 

My best friend Michal says her other favorite neighborhood is the Mission District–it has an eclectic hipster vibe with lots of street art. Some of the city’s hottest restaurants and retail pop-ups are here! I still have never made it there to explore but will get there one of these days! 

A note on downtown: 

I know many people are taken to SF for work, so they stay downtown because it makes the most sense location-wise for a conference, etc, but if you can avoid this, please do. Downtown (near the Tenderloin) is far and away the WORST part of the city. That’s like going to Chicago and judging your experience of the city solely by staying in the Loop. (Granted, the Loop is much better than Downtown SF 😂)

I just say this because I know many people who say they hate San Francisco, and it’s because they’ve never gotten out of the Financial District. That being said, it’s not a make or break thing. Neal and I always stay in this area because we’re usually there for his work, but just know that this is *not* the area you should spend time in and any local will tell you the same thing. 

Fun things to do in San Francisco–See the Ferry Building

The Ferry Building at Sunset

Fun things to do in San Francisco–Explore the Ferry Building Shops

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 LolĂ« 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!)

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

2. 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!

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Fun things to do in San Francisco – Fillmore Street

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

See Neal’s outfit post here

Fun things to do in San Francisco, CA

View from Alta Plaza Park

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco 5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

See full outfit post here

3. 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.

I highly recommend a walk along the beach. Grab a coffee at Equator Coffee at Fort Mason and then walk toward the Golden Gate bridge! It’s so beautiful!! 

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Jane’s on Fillmore

Oysters in San Francisco

Hog Island Oyster Co

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Coffee cups the size of bowls at Le Marais. Sweater from Sezane! Scarf old but tying tutorial here. 

4. 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 kinds of salsa!)

Tacolicious

Was another taco spot that came highly recommended from readers!

The Snug 

A fun, adorable, happening place for cocktails in Pac Heights. 

Palmer’s Tavern

I love Palmers!! If you’re looking for an unassuming, old-school SF institution, head to Palmers. They have a beautiful bar and great food! 

Le Marais Bakery 

One of my favorite spots I’ve been for lunch. I believe they have a couple locations, but we went to the one in the Marina. Not just a cute coffee shop but amazing food as well! The tiny crowded tables are part of the charm. Grab one of the sidewalk tables for great people watching. 

Blue Barn

The best (but most expensive) salad you’ll ever eat. I went to Blue Barn twice when I was there this past weekend!! Plus, shockingly, they have wifi!! The Steiner location has a big back room with lots of space to sit! 

China Live

If you’re in the mood for Chinese and you want something trendy, China Live Is so much fun and SO delicious!! A 20 min walk or super quick uber from FiDi if you’re staying downtown for work! 

A16

A great, casual and homey spot for pizza and Italian food! 

The Tipsy Pig

A cute, unassuming gastropub down the street from A16! We stopped in for a beer before dinner at A16! The food looked great too! 

The Slanted Door

AMAZING upscale Vietnamese restaurant in the Ferry Building. Highly recommend bar hopping around the Ferry Building before or after dinner here! 

5. Post up in a cute coffee shop:

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Reveille Coffee: 

This spot gets first place for my favorite SF coffee shop so far for the cute vibe and great breakfast/lunch. They have wifi, but in the last few months have removed all of their outlets. 😑It’s really hard to find a place with outlets and wifi in SF, so at least they still have the former. đŸ€·đŸ»â€â™€ïžRegardless, it’s still adorable and they have a few locations! 

5 Fun Things to Do in San FranciscoJess Keys of The Golden Girl Blog

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. (They have since opened in Chicago as well!) 

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!

Equator Coffee: 

My best friend Michal’s favorite coffee spot. It’s right by the water so you can grab a coffee and a pastry and walk through the marina along the water all the way to the bridge! Tiny, unassuming, but the coffee is so great and the people are so friendly! 

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.

The Golden Girl Blog by Jess Keys

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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Filed Under: San Francisco, Travel

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Comments

  1. Olga says

    February 12, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I’ve been to Tropisueno and it was the most amazing Mexcian food ever! SF is so fun!

    Olga
    http://www.littlethingsolga.com

    Reply
  2. Liz says

    February 12, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    Next time you go, head to North Beach (Little Italy)! One of the best restaurants there is Tony’s; he’s won international awards for his wood-fired oven pizzas! There are a bunch of amazing restaurants that aren’t Italian like Park Tavern, Chubby Noodle, and Don Pistos, as well as The House that you mention in your additonal list (its amazing!). It’s walkable to the Ferry Building and Coit Tower. And, if you’re feeling real adventurous, not too far from Cow Hollow and Pac Heights!

    Reply
  3. Kara Myers says

    February 12, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    Love this type of post!! And I am off to Dallas in a month with my husband, please share recos from your trip!!

    Reply
  4. Kendra says

    February 18, 2018 at 1:27 am

    Next time, check out the speakeasy near Union Square, called Bourbon and Branch. It’s the coolest time warp. Make sure you look up the password before you go!

    Reply
  5. Taylor says

    May 15, 2018 at 7:21 am

    Definitely try Nopalito the next time you are there! It was one of our favorites!

    Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com

    Reply
  6. Taylor says

    May 15, 2018 at 7:21 am

    Definitely try Nopalito the next time you are there! It was one of our favorites!

    Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com

    Reply
  7. Kris says

    May 15, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    I really recommend taking a short BART trip to Oakland and/or Berkeley for a couple hours. It’s worth it! The areas around the stops at 19th Street, MacArthur, and Rockridge are particularly adorable and walkable.

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    May 21, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    Such a good list, I have tried so many of these. Also, I love that you got to meet Pimp. He is such a crack up, he stole treats out of my bag at the park the other day and then wouldn’t eat them. Cup of Joe is less than 2 blocks away from my apartment.

    Reply
  9. Travelouts says

    May 22, 2018 at 6:54 am

    what a great informative blog. i really like this blog and i’m also going to recommend it to other people

    Reply
  10. Anna says

    August 13, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    I think you’d love brunch on Foreign Cinema’s outdoor patio. It feels like a charming European cafe with the twinkling lights strung overhead. Plus the food is fantastic!

    Reply
  11. Traveloutst says

    December 3, 2018 at 6:08 am

    Thank you so much for these wonderful tips. This is a great post and place you visited. Lovely pictures.

    Reply
  12. Sara says

    July 9, 2019 at 12:28 am

    From a local- Stem Kitchen and Gardens close to ball park overlooking the bay, Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous Ice Cream and Piccino in the Dogpatch, Universal Cafe in the Mission, Onsen Japanese restaurant and bath house in the TL, also check out Flora Grubb gardens, lastly get tix on a Catamaran to tour the Bay…

    Reply
  13. Chicago Houses says

    March 10, 2020 at 3:56 am

    I’ve been to San Francisco once and it was the best experience I had while traveling. Glad you had fun doing these fun things in San Francisco!

    Reply
  14. Debra Hannah says

    March 10, 2020 at 9:29 am

    I would add walking the Lyon Street Steps in Pac Heights. It’s a great workout, and the views are fantastic!
    Also, I always enjoy going to the SF Flower Mart! It is FABULOUS
    One other thing, if the Giants are playing, going to a game is a blast and the stadium is super cool with great views to boot!

    Reply
  15. Taylor says

    March 10, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    San Francisco is my favorite city ever! Two interesting activities I love: rent a bike and ride across the bridge to Sausalito. And take the audio tour of Alcatraz (narrated by people who used to live on the island). Ok also nature walk in the Presidio 🙂 I just love this city!

    Reply
  16. Sneakers says

    March 10, 2020 at 4:13 pm

    Can’t believe you forgot to mention Shredders Bar and Multimedia Lounge near Ashbury Heights. Great drink and app specials all week/weekend!

    Reply
  17. Patrickmug says

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  18. Vilma Palmertree says

    March 23, 2020 at 4:26 pm

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  19. swaginoor says

    May 13, 2020 at 11:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing the nice article

    Reply
  20. swaginoor says

    June 5, 2020 at 7:33 am

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    Reply
  21. Mary says

    December 21, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Love parking near Fort Mason and hiking up the hills and roads. There are some fabulous views of the Golden Gate towers. Take the drive up to the Legion of Honor and spent a few hours visiting with Rodan and touring art shows. I was lucky enough to see the Jewels of India. Take a lunch and rest on the hillside. Lafayette steps is amazing.

    Reply

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