We're going there: Best Things To Do In San Francisco
San Francisco, she’s our next door neighbor! We know her almost as well as we know Marin County so of course we want to share our favorite things to do. Consider this the first in a series of posts because our list is long and it’s ever-changing.
First the practicalities: Getting There. From any of our hotels in Marin, you can get to the City easily and quickly either by car or by Ferry. From Waters Edge Hotel, you can hop on a Blue and Gold Ferry literally steps from the hotel. From Acqua Hotel the closest Ferries are a 10 minute-ish drive to Larkspur Landing or Sausalito. From Mill Valley Inn, the drive time to any of the ferries is about 15 minutes. Once you’re in the city, you can take public transport, taxis, and car services to get around.
Of course you can drive over the Golden Gate Bridge too. Plan to incorporate the Bridge into your sightseeing plans — here’s a good guide for how to do that.
Our Favorites. We know our guests want unique, non-touristy experiences but you also don’t want to miss out any the must-sees. This list is a mix of both. You can do them all in one day (have that third cup of coffee before you leave the hotel!); or you can create a two day itinerary.
San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace. The best of Bay Area food, all under one roof. Shop, dine, drink, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays hit up the Farmer’s Market.
Land’s End Hiking Trail. This 3.4 mile loop is one of the most beautiful trails in the world. Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Cypress forests, Sutro Baths: you’ll see it all!
Hayes Valley. Wander Hayes Street between Buchanan and Franklin to experience one of those San Francisco neighborhoods that is a world unto itself with shopping, dining, coffee, cocktails, art, a small park, food trucks, a beer garden, and exceptional people watching.
That location of that photo above is the Blue Bottle Coffee spot hidden away on Linden Alley. It’s a must do — order the Gibralter and one of the pastries and sit on the stone benches for a true neighborhood experience. We also like Arlequin Wine Merchant — order a glass and sit out front in the park-let for some prime people watching.
Three Fish Studios. This art studio — specializing in California themes — a few blocks from Ocean Beach is one of the most delightful spaces in all of the Bay Area. Buy affordable paintings, prints, cards and more directly from the artists Annie Galvin and Eric Rewitzer. Combine a visit to 3 Fish Studios with the Lands End hike, a walk on Ocean Beach and a meal at Outerlands for a full itinerary.
Grace Cathedral. An historic landmark located on the tippy top of Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral has kept pace with modern times by programming art, yoga classes, performances, and speakers at their stunning Cathedral on Nob Hill. If you intend to go this week, make it Friday evening so you can attend Dusk at Grace, a yoga and dance party. Go anytime for the amazing stained glass windows and the murals depicting the history of San Francisco. Pro Tip: Grace Cathedral has an underground parking lot! In Nob Hill, that’s worthy of two exclamation points!!
See you out there!
