Let’s Go To: San Francisco, California

It’s true, I left my heart in San Francisco. I’m also wondering why I don’t visit more often! Actually, I know why. Whenever I fly up to Northern California, it’s for Napa Valley and never have enough time for San Francisco. Thanks to reasonable airfare and the Courtyard by Marriott Union Square, I was able to make a much needed trip up to Fog City.

Even though real estate is ridiculous in San Francisco, I can see why. It’s such a beautiful, diverse and green (literally and figuratively!) city. The cuisine choices are endless and there’s constantly things to do. If anyone wants to move there with me, let me know!

But until then, I’ve curated a list of my favorite places, new and old in San Francisco. Enjoy!

Painted Ladies – Cue the Full House song (♪ Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there’s a heart, a hand to hold onto ♪). Ok, so the Painted Ladies isn’t exactly where the Full House house is but the same vibe. I never bothered visiting the Painted Ladies during my previous visits and again, I’m kicking myself. The houses are so beautiful and the epitome of San Francisco architecture. Unfortunately, the park across the Ladies was under construction but it was worth the visit.

Courtyard by Marriott Union Square – Each time I’ve visited San Francisco, it’s been by the Wharf but I’ve always wanted to stay in Union Square. The Courtyard by Marriott Union Square is the perfect spot; the location can’t get much better! I stayed in a City-view king bed room on the 10th floor and the view of the city was gorgeous.

That wasn’t the first thing I noticed, though. As I walked into the lobby, checked in, made my way through the hotel and up the elevator, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the interior design of the property. The historical building still maintained its beauty yet the modern, unique art pieces and furniture was the perfect embodiment of San Francisco; rich with history yet modern and progressive.

To me, amenities at hotels are important and the Courtyard Union Square checked off all the boxes. The wifi was strong and never disconnected, the furniture was sleek, a working AC, long room service hours, several USB ports in the room and last but not least, a Starbucks in the lobby.

When I come back to San Francisco, I’ll stay here again and I highly recommend you do too! Make sure you check out their website, Instagram and Twitter!

Aquarium of the Bay – Who doesn’t love aquariums, right? The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 is small but a unique experience. Their tunnel-style aquarium guides you through sea life to the sides and above you; really, really cool! I’m kind of a kid myself but I would think it’s a fun time for kids and adults alike. If you take the cruise, bring your ticket stub for a discount on admission!

Boudin at the Wharf –San Francisco is known for their chowders and sourdough bread. The best and most famous place for both? Boudin Bakery. You’ll find Boudin items everywhere through the city, including the airports. The Boudin at the Wharf is located by Pier 39 and is their flagship store. The first floor has the factory, as well as the cafe. On the second floor, they have the Boudin Museum and the Bistro Boudin. If you have time, I recommend going upstairs and eating at the Bistro Boudin. It’s a lot more relaxing and civilized compared to the chaos the Cafe downstairs can be! The bread bowl with chowder, fish & chips and the sourdough bread pudding are the tastiest!

Tanpopo – This is kind of a personal selection as it reminds me of home. Tanpopo is Japanese for dandelions. Located in Japantown of San Francisco, it’s probably not on the Top 20 places to eat on TripAdvisor. But in my opinion, it should be! This was my 3rd time here and I love it so much because it reminds me of a family run restaurant that you would find in the suburban or rural areas of Japan. They have tapas, tons of ramen choices and Japanese beer on tap. It’s always very busy but they seat you quickly. After a cold day walking through San Francisco, their Spicy Miso Ramen hits the spot!

Blue & Gold Fleet Cruise – Unfortunately, visiting Alcatraz wasn’t an option since I didn’t know the tickets sell out months in advance. I was trying to look for the next best thing when I came across the Alcatraz Escape the Rock boat cruise by Blue & Gold Fleet Cruises. It doesn’t quite take you onto Alcatraz but it was a blast! You take a boat from Pier 39 for a 90 minute cruise going under the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and once around Alcatraz. Educational, fun and photograph friendly! Two tips: go on Travelzoo to get a heavily discounted price for the tickets and be one of the first people in line to grab the top deck seats!

Ferry Building –While the Ferry Building still docks ferries, the inside of the historical building has turned itself into a Farmer’s market. The beautiful baby blue painted Ferry Building has shops on shops, varying from organic vegetable farmers, chocolate, bakeries, candles, etc. My favorite? Cowgirl Creamery. They have delicious assortments of cheese but their Raspberry Chocolate Milk and Chocolate Chip Cookies? Hands down, the best treat ever.

SOMA StrEATfood Park –I have to thank Flo from Yoga Wine Travel for this amazing recommendation! I love food trucks and to find out there’s a permanent food truck park that’s open everyday? Foodie heaven! The StrEATfood Park is located in the SOMA area, right next to Costco. The park consists of plenty of seating and about 10-15 varieties of food trucks and booths. The entrance fee is $5 but luckily, we were the first 200 attendees so we got in for free! Cash is convenient but almost all of the trucks had credit card swipers so no worries if you forget to stop by the bank. The day I went, the park was celebrating National Ice Cream Day and the majority of trucks there were ice cream trucks. The food trucks switch out almost daily; why can’t this be in my neighborhood?

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse –For someone that’s constantly browsing social media, I can’t believe I almost missed this bakery. If it weren’t for a great friend on Instagram (Thanks, Gorudo-san!) suggesting I go, I would have never known. Famous for their “cruffins” (croissant muffins), they have their own line out the door for it. I wasn’t interested in the cruffins nor standing in line for an hour so I went straight to the counter for other baked goods. I got the Rocky Road Donut, the Savory Artichoke Pastry and a cup of Intelligentsia coffee. Oh and a picture of the sign, of course! Everything was so delicious, the pastries are mind-blowing; the donut was great but I would suggest grabbing anything croissant-related!

Lombard Street –The most crooked street in the world! Lombard Street is such a sight to see; not only the street but on a clear day, the view of San Francisco from the top of the hill is stunning! If you’re taking a cab, Uber or Lyft, input the address 1070 Lombard Street for the perfect drop-off stop. You can drive or walk down the street. I like walking down and lusting over the homes along the hill. One of the homes was on sale for $8.2 million if you’re interested!

That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed the list of restaurants, hotels and attractions around San Francisco. Next time I’m thinking of venturing out towards Sausalito!

Have you been to San Francisco? Where are your favorite places to visit and things to do there?

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A HUGE thank you to Courtyard by Marriott Union Square for graciously inviting me to stay at their hotel! 

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