. . . in San Francisco. And tomorrow, I’m going back to pick it up!
In this case, my “heart” takes the form of four college friends, a bunch of law school homies, and one childhood love that I might have not seen since my wedding (but I’m not going to say that out loud because it’s too gross). M and I decided we needed to exit stage left for a little whirlwind trip, and I am. so. pumped.
Being the weird little planner that I am, I’m trying to get an itinerary nailed down for the things we need to do while we’re there. We’ve been to SF several times over the last few years, so most of the tourist-y stuff has been checked off. Ghiradelli’s, the sea lions, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park: accomplished. What I’m looking for is the stuff you come to know and love when you’re more intimate with a city: the best used bookstore, an amazing lounge-y bar, a great coffee shop. If something comes to mind about the city of which you can say: “It’s a sin to go to San Francisco and not _____” then I want to know about that thing. Is sin a little intense? I’m just really excited.
See? I have hard evidence that we’re friends with these guys. Obviously, we’ll go back to visit, I just want to see other people . . . and coffee . . . and dim sum.
Ok! If you live in San Francisco, know it well at all, or even just went once with great success, please share. What should we do?
22 comments :
I looove San Fran! It’s truly one of the most gorgeous cities.
Isn’t That Charming.
Some of my favorite SF things to do when people visit:
1) Oysters at Hog Island in Ferry Building
2) Ferry over to Sam’s in Tiburon (only if the weather is nice, which it probably won’t be this weekend)
3) Dinner in the Mission (current restaurant crush is West of Pecos)
4) City Lights Bookstore in North Beach
Thanks, Serena! I am all over oysters. And bookstores. And the Mission. Basically, you’re awesome.
Look at those seals, what an absolute delight.
Oysters at Hog Island – that sounds so exotic to me!
Me too!
Definitely go to the Bi-Rite Market on 18th and pick up a pint of their Lavender ice cream. It’s my personal fave, although all of their flavors are delicious. Then find a nice spot to sit down at Dolores Park (the next block over) and people-watch.
Done and done. Thanks!
Bi-Rite’s Salted Carmel is my favorite!
Oh man I’m jealous! We were supposed to go to San Francisco last year with friends but it fell through. DYING to go there!
I hope it works out soon!
So jealous – I love San Francisco… and haven’t been since I got married there last year! I know they’re touristy but I really love the Ferry Building and shopping in Union Square. For food/drinks my happy places are Prospect (at folsom & spear) and Bar Tartine (the mission). Have a fabulous trip!
Thanks, Elle! I’ll be sure to check those out!
I sent this post to a friend who lives in the NorCal, and here’s what they had to contribute:
826 Valencia (that’s it’s name and address) is a pirate supply store/outlet for indie book publisher McSweeney’s. The puffer fish swimming in it’s piratey tank is a must see.
Strybing Arboretum is INcredible. Even for non-plant-nerds. Ditto the Conservatory of Flowers, which is a Victorian-style glass greenhouse filled with awesome tropical plants.
Dosa on Fillmore is THE best Indian food in the city, and their cocktails are unreal (saffron, ginger, other fab flavors).
Union Street is a sweet little shopping street with a Chronicle Books store and fun locally-made clothing, good snacks at a nice little market, etc.
The Ferry Plaza farmer’s market Saturday mornings is NOT to be missed. There is pastry, there are Italian doughnuts, every type of ethnic breakfast food you can imagine (Vietnamese is my personal fave), and the world’s best coffee at Blue Bottle. Ask for the “New Orleans style iced coffee”. Then prepare to swoon.
The ruins of the Sutro Baths and the Cliff House (next-door to one another) are much-visited by tourists, but very much worth a visit. It’s the western-most point of the city so you’re surrounded by ocean, and the ruins are cool. I recommend getting a Bloody Mary and some truffle french fries at the Cliff House, and then wandering the halls looking at all the historic photographs of the baths before going over to walk the ruins.
The Palace of the Legion of Honor is THE most beautifully-sited museum in the city, nestled between the mouth of the golden gate and the presidio. They have a huge permanent Rodin collection and nice changing exhibits as well.
one last thing I have to mention: Two Sisters Bar and Books, which is in the Hayes Valley neighborhood, has excellent drinks and even-more-excellent food for dinner. Bring cash, they don’t take cards.
And…that’s why I’m obsessed with you.
Yay! So fun! You should probably listen to THIS:
Ahh! DYING to visit San Francisco. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
How freakin cute are the sea lions!
xoxo
eileen
Have a great trip (no doubt you will, the reunion types are the best) – I’ve never been but it’s definitely on the dream destination list!
We went to the new pizza place, Capo’s in North Beach. It was AMAZING!!! we had the crab and ricotta pizza and it was some of the best pizza we have ever had. I would recommend it. The portions are huge, don’t order too much like we did!
oh I’m so jealous! I miss SF each and every day.
My city! You have to go to Thrift Town and Community Thrift… both in the Mission district! GO!
Yes, ma’am! I will warn you, though, that my thrifting skills are…non-existent.