SF

It was a wet and windy weekend in San Francisco, but no weather will ruin a delicious food experience, a melting pot of cultures. Unfortunately, one weekend does not even scratch the surface but wow did we try, and found some true gems.

Fisherman’s Wharf where we stayed was more for early risers than late nighters, which worked well for us. If you’re looking for more of a nightlife area you may be better off in the Nobb Hill, Mission and the Castro parts of town.

Now let’s get stuck in! Here’s a breakdown of the activities you can enjoy and places to eat at while visiting beautiful San Francisco:

Activities

Alcatraz

Fun for the whole family, the tours are self-guided with a recorder and headset on your way in, getting time to wander around the old cells, the yard and even the area where the families of the guards resided. Plus the ferry over to the island leaves you with lovely views of the coast. I suggest doing the morning tour, so you can spend the morning exploring the history of Alcatraz and the rest of the day exploring San Fran.

Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco bay area is extremely bike friendly, with plenty of lanes so you don’t have to ride on the road. There’s a reason the ride over the bridge is a tourist must-do, the lead-up is riding along the coastline, enjoying the view of the bridge from afar, with plenty of photo opportunities. Once you have made it to the other side of the bridge, you get the view of the skyline, granted that San Fran fog is kept at bay. A family-friendly activity, however the bridge does get very busy and loud. We chose (and I highly recommend) to ride down to Sausalito and catch the ferry back over to Fisherman’s Wharf. We hired our bikes from Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals, easy to get to the bridge and from the Fisherman's Wharf ferry.

Sausalito

A gorgeous town on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, a lovely spot to spend the afternoon, popping into some of the shops they have on the main strip, enjoying a meal and drink at the many waterfront venues, and when I say waterfront I mean when there is a dock attached. Be mindful, if you do decide to ride from the bridge into Sausalito, it is all downhill on a road, the cars are few between and cautious of riders. Due to this, I would also suggest catching the ferry back over (which you can take the bike on) rather than trying to Kate Bush it back.

Cruisin’ the Castro

A walk around The Castro withCruisin’ the Castro provided insight into the LGBTQ community and the history of the Castro. This is a great tour if you want to educate yourself on the LGBTQ community, hear about some great stories about how they have (and continue to) join together during tough times, the birth of the Castro and some special people within history making waves. All while seeing the artwork that also makes the Castro so special.

Sea Lions

You can’t visit San Francisco without watching the sea lions at Pier 39, the mesmerising and playful creatures are a great way to pass time, with a coffee and hot cinnamon donut from the pier. A very family and budget friendly outing, the Pier 39 district also has shops, dining and even a carousel!

Stand-up Comedy

Have a laugh at the Cobb’s Comedy Club, the host of many comedians; grab a few drinks and enjoy some new and seasoned acts. Quite a large venue with plenty of seating, spaced out well, so you still get to experience the show.

Food

Nourish Cafe

Nourish Cafe is a 100% plant-based cafe, using only natural sweeteners and minimal oils, so when you leave here you feel satisfied without the yuck. Loads of dine-in and takeaway options; think toast trio with different toppings, nourish bowls, GF pancakes and delectable smoothies. Plus a case of donuts on your way out so you know you’ll leave with a takeaway treat. A small and quiet spot, seating is down the back of the cafe so no windows but a feature wall and bright colours make the space feel welcoming.

Joinery

Joinery is a beer hall and rotisserie (what a combo!) on the Sausalito waterfront, with bifold doors looking over the water opening onto the outdoor patio. Indoors is light and bright with vibrant green hanging plants plus blue and white walls mirroring the bay. A great spot for a big group to enjoy some brews and snacks, there are plenty of walkable or bikeable spots along the waterfront, great for a little pub tour.

Greens Restaurant

Greens is a high-end vegetarian restaurant, with the aim at it’s opening in 1979 for guests to not miss meat when enjoying the dishes at Greens. 44 years later, they are still achieving this goal, everything we ordered was delightfully delicious, fresh and flavourful. Greens looks out over the marina on one side, with floor-to-ceiling windows, once a warehouse, this restaurant is now minimalist and modern, yet warm with a feature art installation by a local artist and the light dancing off the water flowing throughout. It’s a great mix of fine dining and casual, with the fine dining looks and service (which was exceptionally friendly) but you don’t feel out of place while you’re there…. Unless you were to rock up in a tracksuit, that’s a bit too casual.

The Ferry Building

Once the transportation focal point for train travellers to San Francisco, the now restored building houses a food market. The Ferry Building still has the old charm of the once lively commuting establishment, including an old school arrivals and departures board. Outside you can grab fresh produce from local vendors, inside you will find more permanent fixture eateries and goods for purchase. Highly recommend Blue Bottle for a coffee, and if there’s space grab a wood-fired pizza from Boulettes Larder + Boulibar.

China Live

China Live is a marketplace and delicious dining experience. The marketplace sells you kitchen needs like cookware and homemade condiments, so you can attempt to replicate the flavours at home.

The food at China Live is best done shared so you can enjoy as many of the delicious dishes on the menu as possible.

With a large venue there is multiple spaces on offer, start or end (or both) your night with a drink at their Cold Drinks Bar on the second floor, with low lighting and armchairs for cocktail bar vibes. Enjoy the minimalist dining room with an open kitchen so you can see the chefs building your delicious dishes, they also have an enclosed patio on the street.

All and all, the vibe was bustling China, but thanks to the fantastic service and excellent food there was also this kind and cosy feel in the air. I have been to San Fran twice, and both times I have been to China Live, and this will continue with each trip to San Fran, it’s that good.

If you are staying in the Fisherman's Wharf area (which all of the above are very central to), I highly recommend staying at the Kimpton Alton, just 2 blocks back from Fisherman's Wharf. The hotel was clean, modern and had great amenities. Plus some great perks, like; records you can borrow from the front desk and play in your room, a guest social hour where you can enjoy beverages provided by the hotel and mingle with other guests, instead of a mini bar in the room you have an allowance to spend at the locally inspired Bodega featuring artisanal eats and regional wines. Safe to say, with these perks staying at the Kimpton was a wonderful experience.

Overall, San Francisco is great for many! Works well for couples or friends trips with plenty of restaurants and nightlife (in the right areas), and a short trip to Napa! Then you've got lots of family fun around the Fisherman's Wharf area. Where we were was touristy, but hey we were tourists, and it's a great spot for a quick trip. If you were staying longer you'd have more time to get to the hot spots and could stay somewhere further out. Next time I hit the SF I'll be checking out Twin Peaks, Treasure Island and Mile Rock Beach.

Til next time!