“If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life.” I don’t think a quote has ever felt more true. There’s just something about this vibrant city that captured my heart and has stayed with me long after I returned home. We spent 3 lovely nights in San Fransisco and I’m hoping these recommendations can serve as a guideline for your own San Fransisco trip!

Accommodations:

San Francisco Marriott Marquis: We loved our stay at this massive yet beautifully run hotel. The service was wonderful, and our room was quiet, cool, and outfitted with blackout curtains, which we loved. The hotel is located in the SoMa neighborhood, which is within easy walking distance of Union Square, Chinatown, and plenty of other great San Fran spots.

Food & Drink:

La Taqueria: Be sure to order both the carnitas and carne asada super burritos “Dorado style” (grilled and toasted) at La Taqueria to experience the best burritos you’ll ever have! This no-frills spot has been serving some of the best burritos in the country for over 50 years, and the constant line proves it. They were the best burritos we’ve ever eaten - we couldn’t decide which was better, carnitas or carne asada. The tortilla was perfectly grilled, the fillings were simple but delicious, and the spicy green salsa added just the right kick. It was truly one of the most memorable meals of the trip!

Devil’s Teeth Baking Company: Their Special Breakfast Sandwich deserves its own standing ovation! The warm, fresh biscuit layered with lemon-garlic aioli, bacon, scrambled eggs, avocado, and pepper jack cheese was nothing short of incredible. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience: A must for any chocolate lover! We split a chocolate caramel ice cream sundae which was heavenly, and then stocked up on a few chocolate bars to bring home. It’s a little touristy, but totally worth it IMO!
Fog Harbor Fish House: Located right on Pier 39, this San Fransisco seafood institution serves up some of the best clam chowder and cioppino in town. Cioppino was invented in San Francisco in the 1800s by Italian fishermen, and Fog Harbor’s version (packed with fresh crab, shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels) is absolutely to die for! Also - don’t miss the clam chowder served in a warm, freshly baked sourdough bread bowl.
Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea (Chinatown): After a long morning of exploring, we stumbled upon this Chinatown gem and cooled off with some refreshing bubble teas. The menu is huge, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice!

Things to Do & See:

Ride a Cable Car: It doesn’t get more iconic. The wait can be long, but it’s worth it. Hop on the Powell & Hyde line at Market and Powell Streets - you’ll be treated to gorgeous city views the whole ride and it will put you out right near Ghirardelli Square!
Lombard Street: The “crookedest street in the world” can be found in San Fransisco! If you have a car, you can dare to take the winding drive yourself - just note the one-block stretch has eight hairpin turns and a steep grade (about 16%!). We opted to instead walk down the sidewalks lining the street and snap a few photos of this iconic San Fran landmark.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Musée Mécanique: The Wharf offers some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, plus endless shops and eateries. While you’re there, step into Musée Mécanique, a fascinating (and free!) museum filled with hundreds of antique arcade games. We spent nearly an hour exploring and couldn’t resist trying at least a couple of them (tokens can be purchased for individual games). It’s such a fun, unique stop, and an especially perfect activity if you’re traveling with kids!
Pier 39: This is the perfect place to shop, grab a bite to eat, and people watch during a sunny San Fransisco day. Don’t miss the world famous sea lions that have been lounging on the docks since the 90s - they’re incredibly entertaining!
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Tucked in a Chinatown alley, this historic factory has been hand-making fortune cookies since the 1960s. You can even write your own fortune and watch it be folded into a freshly baked cookie to take home! It is such a unique, interactive experience and you get to leave with a mini takeout box of treats!
Alamo Square & Painted Ladies: Pack a picnic and enjoy sweeping city views from this park located directly across from the Painted Ladies. It’s especially magical at night, when San Francisco lights twinkle below and the famous fog, “Karl,” rolls in.
Golden Gate Bridge: Be sure to drive across this icon and stop at one of the scenic lookout points, like Battery Spencer or Golden Gate View Point. Unfortunately, fog blocked our view this time - I guess we’ll just have to come back!
Muir Woods National Monument: About 45 minutes outside the city, this redwood forest feels like you’re entering another world. We strolled the Redwood Creek Trail, a peaceful boardwalk along a bubbling stream, and were blown away by Cathedral Grove - a towering grove of some of the park’s oldest and tallest redwoods. It was a truly magical experience that I can’t recommend enough! Just be sure to purchase your parking pass ahead of time - you’ll need it when you arrive and there is zero cell phone service in Muir Woods. (Also a good reason to download some park maps ahead of time!)