SF Top 10

I'm putting this out there for all you friends who can't wait to come visit me and want to know what to do when you come. My Top 10 list of things to do in San Francisco. Tourist tip #1 use "SF" or "San Francisco"...not San Fran:). 

1a. Hang out with Brent and Linds

1b. The Marin Headlands

On a clear day this is the most beautiful drive. It has ocean and bay views, beaches, an old military structure to explore, and a must see lighthouse thats open Sat, Sun, Mon from 12:30-3:30pm.

2. Bike ride across the GGB to Sausalito. If you want an easy bike ride, rent an electric bike. You will love going up hills without breaking a sweat! My favorite Sausalito restaurant is The Spinnaker. 

3. The Golden Gate Park. I love this place. It is practically in our backyard so maybe I'm biased but it's beautiful and deserves more attention than it gets as it is often overshadowed by the more popular sf attractions. 

• My favorite walk is from 11th Ave to Ocean Beach. The walk takes about 1 1/2 hrs down and back.
• Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. Its free M, W, F if you enter between 9-10am
• Bring a picnic lunch to Stow Lake. Walk around the lake and cross the bridge to the island in the middle. Beautiful views of the city at the top of the island. You can rent bikes and paddle boats too!
• It has lots to offer like the De Young and California Academy of Science Museum's (both have nice cafe's), botanical gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, a windmill, a carousel, and bison. 

4. Picnic in Delores Park. If you want to experience the culture of sf this is a great park to people watch. Also one of the sunniest parts of the city and great views of the city from the top of the park.

• Grab sandwiches at Rhea's Deli (11am-5pm) and walk to the park
• Get some Bi-rite ice cream afterward and you can thank me later!
• Great shops in the area. Start on 19th and Valencia and see where that takes you. 

5. Shopping

• Union Square has all the big stores.
• Haight St has the hippiest shops also Valencia in the Mission. 
• If you like flea markets or antique stores Alameda Point Antique Fair is a MUST. It's the first Sunday of every month. Get there right at 6am to get the best stuff. $15/person

6. Take in the views at Alamo Square Park (aka the Full House Park). On a nice day, bring a blanket and stay awhile. Head to Divisadero St (just a few blocks away) for shopping and food. Ice cream or groceries at Bi-Rite, dinner at Nopa (make reservations), toast and coffee at The Mill. Shopping faves are Rare Device (art gallery and boutique) and The Parish Trust (art, antiques, amusement, warby parker).

7. Bonfire at Ocean Beach (#7 & #8 are in the same vicinity)

At ocean beach there are pits. All you have to do is stop by the Safeway a few blocks away to get your wood, food, and other supplies. Claim your pit early or they might all be taken...especially on the weekend. And, it will probably be cold and windy so bring jackets and blankets.

8. Watch the Sunset from Land's End. You can also take a nice hike from here towards the GG Bridge. If you do end up at Land's End or the Ocean Beach area and have time, check out Mollusk Surf Shop (cool merch and beautifully designed shop), good eats at Outerlands (it usually has a very long wait so make reservations or maybe going early would help), and The General Store which is located next to Outerlands. 

9. Chilaxing at Crissy Field or Aquatic Park. Great places to sit and take it all in. Especially on a warm, clear day

10. Museums

My favorite is The Walt Disney Family Museum. But, I'm not a big museum person so you're on your own with this one. Just FYI...there is a bowling alley next to the WDFM. Bowling is cool in any city!

Food Recommendations
Here's a google map of our favorite places. You can also check out The 38 Essential SF Restaurants & The SF Chronicle Top 100.


Classic SF attractions that I like but not my top 10. 
Cable Car Ride. Stop by the Cable Car Museum(it's free and very interesting to learn how they run)
Alcatraz
Hyde Street Pier (old antique boats)

Important Stuff to Know

• Fisherman's Wharf is lame. Don't waste your time. 
• Bring some warm clothes and LAYER. Otherwise you will be stuck buying a poorly designed San Francisco sweatshirt at Fisherman's Wharf and the Bush Man will scare you. It is ALWAYS chilly at night and usually chilly at some point in the day.
• September and October are typically the best months to visit. Less crowds and better weather. The summers are typically foggier and colder. Late fall/early winter is rainier.