A perfect day (or 2) in San Francisco
I lived in Northern California for several years and loved spending time in San Francisco. When the sun is out, you have time to wander, good shoes, and an appetite, there's nowhere better on earth!
What to see
There is SO much to see. These are my top picks that I think live up to the hype!
A great place to start. Charming specialty food shops and restaurants make it fun to window shop AND shop-shop. Sit outside and enjoy the views across the bay.
This IS San Francisco to me. Food, shops, views, Sea Lions?! What's not to love?
Access to Lombard street has changed, but it's still worth checking out. I got to drive (very slowly) down it!
I love the sea lions! This became home to to these amazing animals after the 1989 earthquake. They found the safe place and decided to stay. There are also restaurants and fun boardwalk, but the sea lions (not seals!) are really what I'm in it for.
You have to drive across it or walk over the bay. It's a really cool bridge - which is even more fun than it sounds!
Lunch in Sausalito on a beautiful day is tough to beat!
After lunch wander to this adorable shop for gifts and souvenirs! Really fun
LOVE this shop - it always makes me smile. I think this is the shop that used to be in Sausalito - or perhaps a copycat. Either way, it's a must visit!
Not to be missed with SO much to offer. You could spend a whole day just here.
What to Take
You might not think about it, but even in San Francisco you need sunscreen for a day out! These travel really well
Aloe - because you forgot the sunscreen!
Save a little money by bringing along some water of your own.
There are few cities more photogenic than SF! This is my camera bag - amazing! Lots of pockets for memory cards, remote, note paper, etc. Adjustable velcro dividers to keep camera and lenses in place. Plus room for my small handheld - for when I don'...
Getting Around
Parking in San Francisco is challenging - and expensive. This is my go to near Fisherman's Wharf. It's easy to get to and a short walk to my favorite places.
It's hard to beat public transportation in San Francisco. Muni can get you all around the city on buses and trolleys
you gotta ride a cable car!
Make everything easier by using BART to get into The City. Affordable, accessible, and easy to use. (Just make sure you check times for the last train! I got stuck at SFO after a flight delay once!)
