I was so excited to finally get back to traveling after not flying since covid (Almost 2 years!) This trip was the perfect breath of fresh air and getaway from it all. My best friend of 20+ years and I decided to carve in some time in our busy schedules last minute and head to San Fran. To be honest I wasn’t too sure on how I would like San Francisco but in the end I loved it. Below is a recap of all the best sights, food and more to hopefully make your San Fran trip easier to plan when you decide to go!
Day 1
Check into hotel
We stayed at the JW Marriot and loved the stay! To be honest I just need the bare minimum in my hotel room since I am basically just sleeping there. The rooms were spacious & clean, and the staff was so helpful with recs. When we checked in they provided a list of restaurants in each area and a map on request. The address is 515 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102. It was a great location and a short walk or drive to all spots. I also loved the coffee shop down the street called Bluestone Lane. We picked up Breakfast and coffee there two days and it was delicious and quick.
Failed attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge
We were so excited to hit the Golden Gate Bridge first! To bad for us we had no clue what time the fog hit or even about the fog. I don’t know how we both didn’t know the fog was REAL in San Francisco. The fog even has a name lol Carl the Fog. Now we know. We took a lyft out to the bridge and as we approached we were like ummmm the lyft driver told us that the best time in October to see the bridge is in the morning. So we decided to turn around and hit another spot so we could see the bridge in its full glory. Wont lie since we went at like 4pm we made a $50 mistake on taking our lyft there for no reason.
The Painted Ladies
So after the failed attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge we headed to the painted ladies. If you didn’t know, these 7 houses are iconic and known for their charm. The drive to the houses was so picturesque. You pass so many beautiful houses in this neighborhood and the architecture is everything. The Painted ladies look a lot like the Full house house but that is a few blocks away! Right next to the Painted Ladies is the cutest park. People were playing sports, taking their dogs to a little park, setting up picnics. It was perfect for taking photos and then walking around and taking in the sights! It sits high up so you can see a great view of the city.
China Town
San Francisco has the largest China Town in the US. We knew we had to stop and walk around. The main drag we have all seen as pictured below with the beautiful red lanterns. We did learn though as we drove around that this is considered the main drag but China Town spans many blocks that is spread out. Since we went at night a lot of the shops were closed and it appeared sadly that some were permanently closed because of COVID. We took in the sights and then walked to Sam Wo for dinner. Sadly it was takeout only so we placed our order and took it back to the hotel. We were given this recommendation by many and it did not disappoint! Thats saying something because I typically am not a Chinese food person. I had the Fried Rice and their fried spring rolls which were AMAZING. The restaurant was so cool and authentic and has been open since 1908!
Day 2
Golden Gate Bridge
FINALLY we were able to see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory! We made it to the bridge around 9am and had perfect views. We took our lyft to the visitors center and were dropped off there. The first two images below are from standing at the visitor center. We decided we wanted to walk across the whole bridge which is a little over 2 miles. We walked to the visitor center on the other end of the bridge heading out of San Francisco. It also had great views but was looking into the sun so not as clear and blue as the ones below! It was super easy to be dropped off and picked up at.
Alcatraz
The next big event was Alcatraz. You do need to book tickets ahead of time on the site. I am not sure if this is typical protocol or if it is only due to COVID. Tickets were $40 a piece and included the Ferry ride over to Alcatraz Island. When you arrive to Alcatraz a national park ranger introduces you before you take off (Yes fun fact Alcatraz is now managed by the National Park System!). There are many areas to explore. Some areas you walk and view exhibits and for the main jail cells its is a guided tour. You can either download the app and bring your air pods or they do have handheld players available before you enter. Would definitely recommend just bringing your air pods! I remember learning what Alcatraz was from a grade school book Al Capone does my shirts. It was definitely something I am glad we experienced and learned more about!
Dinner at Cotogna
After Alcatraz we were so ready to throw down some food. We both had been recommended Cotogna from friends and saw a lot of great reviews online! It did not disappoint! Delicious Italian food. We also didn’t have a reservation since we didn’t know how the day would play out but it worked in our favor. We got there early (around 5) and were able to sit at the bar which had a view of some of the food being prepared. Highly recommend dinner here!
Ghiradelli Square
I think this photo says it all why we had to stop by. I had seen Kathleen Barnes (My favorite blogger if you don’t know her!) When she lived in San Fran stop by here for mouth watering dessert. My friend has an obsession with Ghirardelli so it was a must see. Its super cute old fashioned ice cream parlor with so many options to indulge in. There are also displays of how the chocolate used to be made when it was first produced (with actual chocolate being made in them!). Besides the parlor it’s in such a cute little square hence Ghirardelli Square. There is a restaurant, Ghirardelli store and also a brewery.
Day 3
Muir Woods
Im not typically an outdoorsy girl but the sights at Muir Woods were beautiful and worth it. We had to rent a car and travel about 30 min out of San Fran. The drive was super easy and had beautiful scenery along the way. The paths are endless on routes around the woods. We walked several miles and saw so many cool spots from huge swarms of lady bugs to creeks. We did have to make a reservation for a time slot prior to arriving, I am not sure if this was due to COVID but just be aware of that!
Lombard Street
So everyone always says you have to go see Lombard street when in San Fran which is the crookedest road in the world! I was super excited to see it and sadly it was kind of underwhelming… There are stairs on each side of the road you can walk down and see the street from the bottom. I don’t know what I expected from a crooked street but it was definitely more LOL. There are these little “go cart” like cars you can rent and ride down the street we just didn’t do that so that might make the experience more memorable!
Cable Cars
I knew we HAD to do this before we left, an iconic San Francisco tourist attraction. We got on where they turn the cable cars around at the Market and Powell location. I will say it was hard for us to decipher where we should get on to get near the areas we were wanting to go. I suggest getting on at this stop because its a long ride, probably around 15 min and took as right to the Fishermans Warf. You buy your tickets prior on an app and show them once you board, seating is first come first serve! When we got to Fishermans Warf it was the ending point so we did get the chance to take some pictures which was fun!
Fishermans Warf
We ended our last night at Fishermans Warf. I am such a nerd and remember this sign from thats so Raven back in the day… I know I cant with myself either. We walked around the pier and had to check out the famous seals which were so cute and cuddly. We found a random restaurant which is probably likely a tourist trap but had great views of the water and didn’t have a wait. The name is escaping me but it was right above where you stand to view the seals!
San Francisco definitely pleasantly exceeded my expectations and I would go back for sure! I will say do your research to make sure you are avoiding the neighborhoods you might not want to get stuck in at night as a tourist. This area we were told from friends and the hotel is the neighborhood called the Tenderloin. All in all have fun and add this too your bucket list!
