Even shrouded in its quintessential fog, San Francisco‘s beauty is undeniable. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to the politically charged City Lights Bookstore, to the plethora of delicious dining opportunities, there’s something for everyone in Northern California’s cultural capital.
Check out this quick tour of the best this city has to offer.
See! Do! Shop!
Visit City Lights Bookstore
Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is a landmark independent bookstore and publisher. Browse their wonderful collection downstairs, or head upstairs to the sunny Poetry Room, to delve into the piles of freshly published poetry.
Picnic in Dolores Park
During the summer months the grassy slopes of Dolores park are teeming with people from all walks of life. It’s the perfect place to picnic and people watch. Stroll down to Bi-Rite Creamery, just around the corner, to beat the heat with some delectable ice cream!
Ride the Cable Car
You can hear the squeaking, shuttering, rattling cable cars from blocks away. Riding the ancient cars up and down the steep San Francisco streets, with only a creaking handbrake preventing you from careening down the slope, is thrilling fun!
Check Out The Mission District Murals
The mission district is home to many small streets, splashed from top to bottom with vibrantly coloured murals. These outdoor galleries are well worth a wander.
Explore Chinatown
San Fran has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. There’s tons of culture, food, and history to be discovered in this bustling neighbourhood.
See a Film at the Castro Theatre
The Castro Theatre, built in 1922 is worth a visit, even just to see the building. The exterior is designed in a style reminiscent of a Mexican cathedral and inside the decor has flavours of Spanish, Oriental, and Italian influence. They often screen classic movies, cult classics, and host singalongs.
The Castro is the one of the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender communities in the world. It is well known as the epicenter of gay activism in the 1960s and 1970s. To learn more about the neighbourhood, it’s worth doing a walking tour here too!
Eat!
In cities like San Francisco, where there is such an abundance of alluring restaurants, it can be hard to pick out the best from the rest. An insider opinion is always the most reliable way to scout out the city’s greatest places to eat.
Swan Oyster Depot
Dubbed “the best place to eat in America” by Lucky Peach author Chris Ying, this hidden gem has been feeding San Franciscans gorgeously fresh, unapologetic seafood for over a hundred years. The only place to sit is the bar, where you are served by a motley crew of white aproned staff who double as line cooks, shucking your oysters, preparing your heaping plates of simply prepared crab, prawns, shrimp, and lobster, and masterfully slicing your sashimi. There are no white table cloths, and the rustic sourdough bread is haphazardly cut into uneven chunks, but the “no-frills” lunch counter allows the food to speak for itself. Expect to wait – the line usually runs up the street.
Taquerias El Farolito
No better way to fuel a walk through San Francisco’s famous Mission District than with one of El Farolito’s unbeatable “super burritos” and a cheap cold beer.
Bi-Rite Creamery
The salted caramel ice cream at Bi-Rite creamery is something to write home about. Everything is made by hand, on site – the ice cream itself and the many delicious chewy bits (brownies, peanut brittle, marshmallows). The fabulous flavours and perfect texture of this small batch ice cream draws a crowd daily – expect to wait in the long line up that usually forms around the block of Bi-Rite’s small shop front. Hop over to Dolores Park to join the crowds sitting on the grassy slopes to savour your delicious cold dessert.
Drink!
El Rio
Don’t be deterred by the dark, divey, grimy interior. This is a wonderful spot for a drink any night of the week. They’ve got great happy hour specials, and a gorgeous back garden/patio and a unpretentious, welcoming neighbourhood feel. Head to El Rio at 5:30 any Friday night for free oysters on the half shell! Wash them down with the $4 beer or well drink.
Ziegiest
This is a great spot for day drinking. They’ve got picnic tables, local craft beer, and a large friendly crowd.
Click here for more information or to book a flight to San Francisco. Happy travels!