*image via
The City by the Bay–aka, #SanFran–has been on my to-see list for ages, and I am counting the days until we FINALLY get to take off for the west coast next month for a SF wedding!
I’ve never been, and MJF has only passed through on a road trip, so we need help! We have some wedding-related activities already laid out for us, so let’s just assume we only have just two empty days:: what must we see and where must we eat? Should we rent a car and make a day out of Napa? Trek down to Big Sur? Stay in the city? Do tell everything! This is the first time in many years of traveling that I’m feeling like a total blank map, so lay it on me.
When the time comes, be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag along via #jetsetchicd! [On that note, where are the most Instagrammable views?!]
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Absolutely go to Napa if you have never been. It is one of my favorite places on earth. Research a few wineries that you would want to see and map our day for tastings and exploring. Ideas for SanFran activities in the city: Irish coffees The Buena Vista Cafe, walk around Pier 9, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, drinks at cliff house, And if your a full house fan like myself, go see the Painted Ladies and the Full house house (not one of the painted ladies) Have a wonderful time!
Wine country is an easy day trip from SF – but also a trip in itself (you won’t want to leave). I say enjoy a day in San Fran exploring, have dinner at The Progress and drinks at Smugglers Cove. Day two – rent a car and have lunch in sausalito on the water, then head over to Mt Tamalpais and Muir Woods. Have a blast!
Absolutely day trip to Napa and we actually stopped at Muir Woods (to see the Redwoods) on the way. Totally worth it, also excellent instasnaps ;-)… if you’re in the city, we love garlic and loved The Stinking Rose, which is pretty much basically a garlic restaurant LOL. Have fun!
There is so much (read: SO. MUCH.) to do here and while you’ll probably be inspired to plan future return trips, for a 2-day itinerary I would recommend one day exploring SF* and one day driving down the PCH to Big Sur. Cocktails on the deck of Nepenthe at sunset is a serious bucket list-worthy experience. *There are a million & one things to do/see in San Fran and while you can’t go wrong with any of them, personal favorites: cable car ride, walk the Golden Gate, the Ferry Building (The Slanted Door for lunch), Ghirardelli Square, dinner at Foreign Cinema. Have so much fun! and P.S. The Mexican food here is a thousand times better than in New England so if you’re into that, a stop in Santa Cruz en route to Big Sur for margaritas + lunch at El Palomar or Tortilla Flats is also highly endorsed.
Absolutely agree with the first two comments. Sausalito is gorgeous and so is the rest of Marin County. For Instagram – make sure you stop at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in SF. Pineapple wallpaper & caffeine – need I say more?
I don’t live in San Francisco so you should definitely take locals’ recs more seriously than mine but based on my few trips you definitely have to try Humphry Slocombe for their unique ice cream flavors and Philz Coffee (the mint mojito iced coffee is amazing!). Tacos in the Mission (eg La Taqueria) are a must. For outings, Alcatraz is a great experience. In terms of random finds, there is a penny arcade museum (Musee Mecanique) in Fisherman’s Wharf which I found fascinating and just a little bit creepy. Also the last time I was there I had amazing cocktails at The Devil’s Acre. Enjoy your visit!