General Tips
- Bring a warm layer during any time of year. SF is by the Pacific Ocean which means fog can roll in at any time of day. It might be sunny when you leave your Airbnb / Hotel, and by 5pm you’ll be freezing.
- Summer begins ~August - October. We get - Indian Summers which means June, July and parts of August are cold and foggy.
- Don’t leave anything in your car. Nothing. Car break-ins are too frequent to count (sadly).
- San Francisco has micro-neighborhoods. Which means despite being only 7x7 miles, you can get a varying experience of San Francisco just by a couple of blocks.
- We rise early and go to bed early. Businesses typically close around 6pm and restaurants close around 9pm.
Local Lingo
- Don’t say San Fran. We say SF or San Francisco.
- Frisco is old school and reserved for people from San Francisco. It holds signifance in certain communities.
- Hella is used often amongst locals.
A perfect day in SF
When I travel, I love to meander. Which means I typically don’t have a set itinerary but instead, I pick a neighborhood and a few spots I want to check out. I don’t like to pack too many things in as to leave space for serendipity.
My hidden gems span across the city so pick a side and begin your perfect day.
Morning
Flywheel Coffee Roasters
@angelahu
Good coffee and right across from Golden Gate Park
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Neighbor Bakehouse
@angelahu
Some of the best pastries in SF. And very nice owners. Always long line. The croissants are incroyable!
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Panhandle
@angelahu
Depending on where you are, it's the entrance / exit to Golden Gate Park. Great for walking, running and biking. Near Haight Ashbury
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Bernal Heights
@angelahu
On the southern eastern side of SF. Really great views and you can stroll by Cortland St for a bite & drinks.
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Lunch / Afternoon
Hook Fish Co
@angelahu
Right by Ocean Beach. Get their fish tacos where the fish is usually caught same day. A bit pricey but really delicious.
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BAGGU San Francisco
@angelahu
Before the Gen Z girlies made Baggu trendy on Tik Tok, Baggu was already beloved by those wanting an alternative, sustainable option to plastic bags. Based in SF, this is their original store.
Situated on Valencia St, there are other tons of shopping on this corridor.
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Atlas Cafe
@angelahu
Great little cafe for people watching, a quick bite or somewhere to sit after a long day of shopping in the Mission.
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City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
@angelahu
Founded by Lawrence Ferlenghetti. This storied bookstore has been frequented by some of the most famous American authors and poets to date. (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg).
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Stella Pastry
@angelahu
Iconic Italian pastries. Sit outside with an espresso and pretend you're in Europe.
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ReLove
@angelahu
The best vintage shopping (IMHO) in SF. Small store and extremely curated.
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Zazie
@angelahu
Great brunch near Golden Gate Park
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Aperitivo
Lost Resort
@angelahu
I like to go here before dinner for a drink or two. Close by to some cute restaurants such as Flour & Water and Penny Roma. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
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The Sea Star
@angelahu
Cocktails on tap! Situated all the way east of SF, by the bay.
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Palm City
@angelahu
Great hoagies and yummy natural wine.
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True Laurel
@angelahu
Fancy cocktails that are equally delicious and chic. Crowd can occasionally a bit SF techie but the space is beautiful (esp during the day).
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Dinner
Heirloom Café
@angelahu
A lovely spot for wine and French-inspired cuisine. Order the burger that’s off the menu.
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La Taqueria
@angelahu
Iconic Mission-style burrito. Stand in line and eat THERE! My order: Carnitas Burrito, Super, No Sour Cream. And the piéce de resistánce? Dorado style.
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Pizzetta 211
@angelahu
Tiny pizzeria known for their seasonal pies. Before COVID, seating was tight. Now with their outdoor seating, groups of 4-6 don’t have to wait long. PS don’t sleep on their desserts. And always bring a warm layer when you’re in the Richmond District.
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Late Night
Lone Palm
@angelahu
They make an epic Martini. White table cloths, moody lighting. This is where I go for a night cap.
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Zeitgeist
@angelahu
Punk bar that has retained its OG SF vibes. Serves food, too! Outdoor seating is nice.
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Churchill Cocktail Bar
@angelahu
Just a great, solid cocktail bar on Market Street.
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Cover Photo: Used with permission by Ryan Joseph Young ©️
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