Your Ultimate Guide to San Francisco — Destination Dreamer Diaries

Given that I’m the daughter of a dad who was born and raised in San Francisco, and that I spent five years living in the Bay Area, and that I made four trips back to the city throughout my teen years…

… it’s safe to say that I know a lot about San Francisco.

I always make jokes with my friends that I can route myself around New York, Paris,or San Francisco better than I can Washington D.C.(which is where I currently live and have lived for the past seven years).

While it sounds hyperbolic, it’s true – I know my way around those cities better than I do in my own “hometown”.

A lot of people mistake me for a Californian when I go abroad because of my free-spirited nature. While I’m far from being a west coast native – I do think that San Francisco is one of the most unique cities that the U.S. has to offer.

The hilly streets of San Francisco; June 2014.

View of the The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco; July 2014.

The Painted Ladies in San Francisco; December 2016.

View of Coit Tower in San Francisco; June 2014.

Like New Yorkers, people from San Francisco take a lot of pride in their city… and because of this atmosphere, San Francisco has a way of making you feel like there’s no other place in the world for the moment.

I’m not a native, so I’m not going to preach that it’s the, “greatest city in the world” – but there for sure is no other city like it, and it is worth the trip if you’re in the U.S. for the first time.

I would definitely recommend to someone coming from abroad to see San Francisco over L.A.

There’s a lot to do if it’s your first trip in the city.

Wondering where to start?

Here’s a list of everything I have seen and done in San Francisco over the years and what I think:

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

Obviously, this is without a doubt the first thing on your sightseeing list, given it’s the most famous bridge in the world.

I’ve probably driven over this bridge at least fifty times in my young life; so, I’m not dumbfounded by it anymore – but I can see how it can allure someone visiting for the first time.

The thing about San Francisco, though, is that its fog is real. I’ve seen very few days where the Golden Gate Bridge looks as good as it does in the opening sequence to Full House.

A completely clear day in the city is rare. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see it like this…

Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge; June 2014

2. Twin Peaks

I think this well-known view of the city lives up to its hype.

If you’re a fan of panoramic pictures, this is the place for you.

3. Land’s End

Entrance to Land’s End in San Francisco; June 2014

A great (and easy, trust me – I was not an athletic person when I did this) hike with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge…

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Land’s End; June 2014.

… you know, if the fog decides to cooperate.

4. The Painted Ladies

Ever seen the opening sequence to, “Full House” where they’re picnicking?

These are the infamous houses from the show.

They are very cool to see in person; just another example of the distinct architecture that adds to the unique character of San Francisco.

5. The “Full House” House

Located in Lower Pacific Heights, you can visit the iconic TV show house and make all your 90s dreams come to life.

I’ve been twice; back in 2014 it was painted and looked nothing like it did on the original sitcom…

The Full House House in July 2014. — The *Full House* House in July 2014.

… but when I most recently went in 2016, it was restored to a more familiar look.

Me Outside the Full House House in December 2016. — Me Outside the *Full House* House in December 2016.

6. Haight-Ashbury

This is the place to go if you wish there was a time machine that could take you back to the 60s.

If you want to do some vintage shopping, this is the neighborhood in San Francisco for you.

7. Castro District

A colorful, LGBT neighborhood with plenty of places to learn about the historical side of the district, to shop for pride clothing…

I bought this shirt in the Castro District; it’s the place to buy pride clothing. — I bought this shirt in the Castro District; it’s *the place* to buy pride clothing.

Walking through the Castro; December 2016.

… and to discover as many… adult shops, as your heart desires.

The rainbow sidewalks in the Castro; December 2016.

8. Richmond District

My grandma lived in this district, so as a young teenager without a ride anywhere else in the city – I spent some time wandering the surrounding neighborhoods here by myself on foot.

The Richmond District in San Francisco; June 2014

There’s a great, cozy café called “Simple Pleasures” on Balboa street to get a good cup of coffee and a pastry.

They also have an independent theater where you can catch a movie. We went to go see “Inside Out” and “Sing!” when they both come out. It was refreshing to see a movie in a smaller theater, being from the Washington D.C., almost everything is packed all of the time.

The whole neighborhood will take you back to a simpler time and state of mind – so while it’s mostly residential, I think a trip here is worth it if you want to see all the sides of San Francisco.

9. Fisherman’s Wharf

Honestly, this hasn’t been my favorite activity that I’ve done in the city. It’s definitely more touristy; it’s busy at all times of the day.

It’s garnered towards visitors with commercial shopping and copious places to eat seafood, given this is a city on the water.

I will say though, that it is one of the best places you can go if you’re looking to try some of San Francisco’s fresh-from-the-water cuisine.

Last time I was there, I got some sort of soup in a bread bowl and it was good.

Eating a chowder-bread-bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco; December 2016.

P.S. – San Francisco is known for its sourdough bread… and take it from someone who has been to France several times, their bread is good and is the best sourdough you will ever have.

10. The Ferry Building

Near Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building is home to a massive food market.

There’s a phenomenal ice cream place inside, and I’ve never been the biggest fan of ice cream when it’s not à la mode to something… so that says something.

11. Drive Through Sea Cliff

My mom was infatuated with Sea Cliff because she loves houses.

It’s an upscale neighborhood with houses that rest against the Pacific. If you’re into architectural design and scenic residential neighborhoods – you’ll want to see this.

12. Eat the Trendy Food

As someone who eats plant based, the last time I was in San Francisco – I was determined to find some of the hipster cuisine…

… and San Francisco, is one of the best cities to look for that in.

For instance, the original sushirrito started in San Francisco – there’s one on Market street nearby where you would catch a Cable Car.

I’ve also had an awesome acai bowl off of Van Ness Avenue at a place called “Basik Café”.

An Acai bowl for Basik Cafe near Nob Hill in San Francisco; December 2016

My cousin, a native to the city, took me and said it’s the best place she knows in the city for the famous smoothie bowl.

Long story short: if you’re into anything gluten, dairy, sugar free – rest assured you’ll have a plethora of options in this city.

13. Golden Gate Park

My grandmother’s house in the Richmond District was right in front of this park. It’s large; not the prettiest park I’ve ever seen, but really good for running.

14. Chinatown

Nearly every city in the states (and around the world) has a Chinatown… but this one is the real deal.

My mom and I had the most incredible Chinese steamed buns. It’s worth going there if you want to get your hands on some authentic Chinese cuisine.

15. Discover the restaurants on Fillmore Street

Five summers ago, my aunt and cousins took me to dinner at a Turkish-Mediterranean place called “Troya” – and it was fantastic.

The whole street is lively and filled restaurants, and I think it’s worth finding a place to eat there at least once during your trip.

16. Lombard Street

It’s known as the “crookedest street in the world”, but it should also really be called the steepest street in the world.

My favorite part is the houses on Lombard Street. They’re whimsical and covered in the prettiest of flowers.

The Houses on Lombard street are charming beyond belief.

I wonder every time how those people don’t panic every time they pull their cars out of their driveway!

This is one of the many sights in San Francisco that make this city eccentric in the coolest of ways from the rest of the states… therefore, it’s one of the things I think should absolutely be on your to do list.

17. The Presidio

A gigantic park that sits at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Really good place to go for pictures.

18. Ride a Cable Car

While this is a very touristic activity to take part in, it is fun and I recommend you do it at least once.

One of the many Cable cars in San Francisco; June 2014.

I hope this gave some ideas on what to do on your upcoming trip to the Bay Area. If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.