Bay Area Recs (from a former resident)
I lived in SF for 2.5 years, and here are some of my favorite spots I would recommend to anyone! You'll quickly be able to tell my favorite things in the city are all related to food, hiking, biking, and art :)
Map
Food and Drink
There are SO many amazing restaurants and bars in SF, but these are some places I would go to time and time again.
One of my favorite places in SF. Get the mezze sampler platter for a bit of everthing
Right by Pirates Cove (great hike), this is the best place to stop for a post hike or bike beer (and snacks!)
Delicious cocktails in NOPA!
One of my fave outdoor dining spots. Such a cute and big outdoor area. With heating lamps so you'll be super warm. Great beer and of course amazing fish
I really love this place! Great beer selection and awesome pizza. Tons of space and cute ambiance. Another favorite outdoor dining spot (right by Hook Fish)
Amazing oysters, gotta try the Rockefeller oysters. Really beautiful spot and such a pretty drive from SF. It closes pretty early (usually around 4) so get there early!
This place always has pretty creative specials and everything is so good!!
Upscale Chinese restaurant on this little side street in Chinatown. Really chic interior and amazing food! It's a little pricey and I recommend you go with a group so you can try a bunch of things
best croissants in the world IMO. try to go at an off time as the line gets long
one of my fave restaurants in the city. italian cafe vibes. make a res!
great drinks and the cutest interior. and the food is amazing! slightly on nicer occasion side of the equation
artisinal cocktails in a super cute space!
amazing sandwiches, salads, and local wine. one of my favorite spots
great wine bar for a glass before or after dinner in Russian Hill
amazing pasta and great atmosphere. on the more special occasion side of things
great spot for a casual sushi diner. sit at the bar if you can and you can watch the chef make your sushi!
can't go wrong with any of their pastries
burgers and martinis or do the fancier menu for a special occasion! amazing martinis too
no frills but amazing burmese food
cozy vibe for cocktails in the haight
Things to Do/Places to Go
There are endless things to do in the city, but these were some of my go-to's
One of my all time favorite museums! Really great collection and super peaceful space- even non art people love it!
Love biking by here or going with friends and bringing drinks and watching the sunset :) people love doing bonfires here, too
5 min walk from my house, I am here all the time!! Love running and biking here.
Awesome views of the bridge!
always something cool here! i believe its free for SF residents on Sundays
recently free for SF residents. such a cool spot to check out in golden gate park. go to the cafe too!
go to a thursday night after dark event for drinks after work! check their schedule to see when the next one is, they book up early
see the painted ladies!
Hikes & Bikes
very chill hike with incredible views
a longer hike with killer views
My favorite bike ride in the Bay. Super chill and scenic
One of my favorite hikes! Pretty cool seeing the elk and it's not too challenging. I recommend stopping in the town on Point Reyes on the way back for a post hike snack!
Some easy hikes that you can do after work on summer nights! Really easy to get to from SF and the views are !!!
This is a fun little nature walk. So beautiful!
beautiful hike in the city, great beach views
Wine Tasting
So many great options in Napa and Sonoma, here are my top few!
casual vibes, lots of food options
make sure to sit out on the patio! amazing views of the vineyards. lots a great white wines
best winery hands down. wine is incredible and it feels like your in palm springs. try and do the lunch tasting!
feel like you're in florence!
incredible views and white wine. intimate feel
Coffee
Coffee right on the beach! Cute shop and fun to stop on a bike ride and bring coffee to the beach for a scenic break
Right by GGP, perfect for grabbing coffee to walk around in the park with. Also big fan of their baked goods
Closest good coffee shop to my apartment so I go here pretty often. Love their oat milk lattes!
Good place to stop for coffee on the way to a hike in Marin. Get the almond croissant, too!
Breweries
Really big, bright space and the food is good too! And inexpensive. In the Mission
make sure to hike up to bernal hill before or after- my favorite views of the city are there!
casual spot in the haight to grab a beer with friends!