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San Francisco
A short guide to a weekend in SF including the Mission, Outer Sunset, and a day trip to Marin County.
We've been living in San Francisco since the Summer of 2018, so it's the place we've spent the least amount of time in so far. But before that we've visited a bit mostly for business trips, so some of these suggestions are from that perspective: the things that are nice to do that you can really only do here. It's a combination of city walking, beach walking and of course getting out the city.
Friday evening
Mission
Start your evening in Mission Dolores Park for a very quintessential SF afternoon - people watching, city views, snacks in the park etc. Afterwards head down to for an ice cream, or further down to for a snack — very good and crowded bakery, but the cinnamon buns are great. Take a left on Valencia and now you're in peak gentrified but still fun Mission. Here you have a variety of options for dinner and drinks.
Another great part of the Mission is 24th street. There's less dining options here, but more vibes and trees. You can have a snack at our favorite taqueria, .
🍻 Other options for drinks include: — it’s one of my standard bars, even though it’s a bit out of the way and not super special, but they have awesome juicy burgers and other small plates. is good for cocktails and they have a photo booth.
🍲 For dinner, you're spoiled. We like:
Go for Tacos in Mission around Mission St/24th— Taquerias El Farolito and La Taqueria are both great
Saturday
Outer & Inner Sunset
Start your Saturday at Trouble Coffee on Judah & 46th Street. They sell great coffee here and this cinnamon toast that's simple and tasty and definitely overpriced. Next door are a few shops worth looking at if you want to feel like you're in a Kinfolk magazine. Once you've had your fix, head down Judah street towards the beach. At the beach take a left so you're following the coast towards Golden Gate. Make your way up until you reach , old bath ruins.
For lunch head over to the Inner Richmond, a residential neighborhood filled with lots of cute spots. Check out although there might be a queue, or if you're feeling like a low key pasta try . After lunch take a walk on Clement st, and browse a book shop / art gallery type place. Or go to , an amazing book store selling old and new books.
Alternatively you can go to Inner Sunset and try for Tacos. While you're here check out , a funny little shop with an impressive collection of pins. If it's still light out, you can go to Golden Gate Park from here. The view from the DeYoung Museum tower (free) is good, then you can continue to the Conservatory of Flowers. From there you can walk towards Haight St. which has Amoeba Music (record store) and the general hippie vibe which can be fun to see.
Else! Maybe you're ready for dinner. If you're feeling a bit classier then we love . on Market St. Great vibe, and an amazing chicken salad. Also nice is on Castro. Also on Castro and Market is , a solid place for Californian food, whatever that is.
Sunday
Tartine & Marin County
Begin your Sunday with breakfast at . It's not on the way to the headlands, but it's really nice and the bread pudding is amazing. Ok once you've had that, you can properly begin your day.
The best way to spend one of your weekend days in San Francisco, is right past the bridge in the Marin Headlands. Rent a car and drive past the Golden Gate Bridge and begin your day with a light hike at . It's very close but has amazing views and steep enough to get your heart racing. If you feel like going a bit further you can try , and then stop for a snack at the a British pub type spot.
Afterwards head for lunch at near Sausalito. It's a seafood spot right on the water. Prices are a bit high for what it is, but we've still found it the best seafood spot at a not ridiculous price in this area.
On your way back from Sausalito check out in San Francisco. It's nice to park here and then have a walk to Chrissy Field. Or there's often events going on here like arts and crafts fair. If not, it's the perfect spot for an evening chill out, with a beer at or a drink at .
SF Places
The Slanted Door - Vietnamese, I would claim this as the best vietnamese in SF. Very special, it’s right by the bay. Make a reservation!
The Royal Cuckoo in Mission
Asiento — it’s one of my standard bars, even though it’s a bit out of the way and not super special, but they have awesome juicy burgers and other small plates
Bourbon & Branch
Thirsty Bear - across the street from the W, a decent an unpretentious bar with tasty craft beers and okay food
White Chapel Gin Bar - If you like gin this is the place to go, victorian theme - Polk street
Two sisters bars and books - quaint, interesting pub - Hayes Valley
Fig&Thistle - Wine&Beer bar, cozy&rustic, Hayes Valley
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