Where to Stay & What to Do in San Francisco

Ah, the city by The Bay! Between the Saturday Farmers Markets, hip eateries, and yoga in every form, navigating the city to find the best local treasures can be quite the challenge, and we’re coming to the rescue. Let our guide of where to stay and what to do in San Francisco lead you! The perfect San Francisco weekend itinerary will take you to all the fresh pressed juiceries, innovative fitness classes, must-see Instagram spots, and everything in between. It will allow your next trip to be the perfect urban detox!

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Before you go:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

The city is small but mighty. Meaning, don’t be fooled by the 7×7 radius, as there is no shortage of steep hilly inclines! Pack those walking shoes, as some of the most wonderful parts of the city are easily accessible by foot. Also to be noted, @karlthefog is no joke. When the fog rolls in, which can be within a matter of minutes, the temperature can drop a steep 10°. You will be thankful for all those layers you packed! Lastly, San Francisco locals take weekend brunch about as seriously as their fitness routines (AKA very seriously). Wait times can often be upwards of an hour at all of the top spots, so it’s recommended to grab a coffee or juice while you wait!

Where to stay:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

It’s no secret that San Francisco embodies the start-up state of mind and our stay at Stanford Court Hotel was nothing short of just that. We’re always fans of a seamless check-in process and a chic bar to welcome you at the entrance! Huge bonus: Stanford Court’s Urban Sanctuaries recently partnered with Well + Away to provide next level room amenities. Some of the major wellness conveniences you can expect are CBD teas, meditation pillows, and yoga mats in-room (!!!), a gear lending program and access to the Calm meditation + Aaptiv workout app. AKA there is really no excuse to not keep your at-home wellness regime on par when traveling.  

Where to eat:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

One of our favorite areas to walk around is the historic Ferry Building Marketplace with a view of the beautiful Bay Bridge. You can choose to either walk through the ferry building itself and grab something from a food stall, shuck some oysters at the ultimate crowd pleaser Hog Island, or even keep walking towards the embarcadero for a sit-down lunch at Coqueta which has excellent Spanish tapas, cocktails, and an epic sunset view.

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

If Fillmore Street is more up your alley, Jane has delicious coffee drinks, and insta-worthy breakfast and brunch items. For a more laid-back lunch environment, Tacolicious has hands down the best chips + salsa and margaritas. Drooling yet? And last but not least, we literally can’t say enough good things about Delarosa. We must admit, we’re pretty picky about our pizza and pasta and need the real deal in order to feel like it’s worth the splurge. Try the pappardelle, napoletana sugo paired with an Italian red if you feel like really goin’ for it!  

How to treat yourself:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Located inside The Huntington Hotel with sweeping skyline views, the Nob Hill Spa has every amenity you can possibly think of for your spa day. The Tranquil Zen Room, eucalyptus steam room, indoor infinity relaxation pool, and fireplace lounge were just a few of our favorites. Whether you are trying to escape the fog, or are ready for some much deserved R&R after walking the city, you will be more than pleased with your experience!

Where to workout:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Daytime: One of the cities most not-so-secret secrets? Grace Cathedral hosts a yoga class alongside live music every Tuesday from 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm! The cathedral itself will have you awe-struck, but if you have been looking for a sign to attend a new class or meet new people, this is it! Make sure you BYO mat and arrive early to secure your spot as locals will start lining up around 5:30pm.

Where to stop during the day:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Two words. Irish Coffee. We feel like it would actually be a sin if you visited San Francisco without a mid-day stop at Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee. Make sure you save some time in your agenda for a pick-me-up that won’t let you down. It’s typically busy, which could mean standing room only at the bar, but don’t let that stop you!

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Within walking distance from Buena Vista, you have to get your tourist stop in at Ghirardelli Square. Not only can you get a piece of Ghirardelli chocolate to chase down that Irish coffee, but on a nice day, there is cornhole and different outdoor activities set up to partake in and enjoy the view.

What to see at night:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

If you’re looking for something a little different to do in the city once the sun goes down, we highly recommend San Francisco’s hilarious political and pop culture musical revue, Beach Blanket Babylon. Located in the heart of North Beach, you can order a bottle of wine of choice to your table and laugh the night away as the musical gets more hilarious as the time (and wine) goes down!

Where to drink:

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

Calling all ale aficionados, oh boy do we have a place for you! Equal parts brewery, distillery, and gastropub; 7 Stills Nob Hill’s bold menu is designed to be “whiskey friendly” and if you want to try something new, we recommend you share a flight!

What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide, What to Do in San Francisco, san francisco travel guide,

What are some of your favorite places to see while visiting the City By the Bay?! Here are a few more fun ideas if you’re on a time crunch…

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