Tourists, this post’s for you!

Looking for a long weekend getaway to San Francisco this summer (remember, our summer “starts” in September and goes through October)? Looking for ways to ensure your weekend in San Francisco is worthwhile and full of excitement? Then you’ve come to the right site.

Sure, there are the typical things you can do like seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, driving down crooked street aka Lombard Street, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, dining in the ever so bustling Chinatown, and taking a ferry to Alcatraz. But what about seeing more than just the postcard-worthy parts of the city?

That’s where I come in. I’ve put together a list of things you do NOT want to miss out on while you’re here:

1) Dinner at Delfina Pizzeria, followed by ice-cream at Bi-Rite Creamery, and a top off with a Movie Night at Delores Park

If you arrive on a Thursday, I would definitely spend the evening doing this trio. The Mission District in San Francisco is home to many fine dining establishments, and Delfina Pizzeria is no exception. It is a small place, that doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit. After dinner, grab some ice cream across the street at San Francisco’s very own Bi-Rite Creamery, where you can indulge in flavors such as Salted Caramel and Honey Lavendar. Yumm! After dinner and ice cream, if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Thursday in which Delores Park hosts Movie in the Park, then roll out your blanket and watch a movie outdoors on the big screen. A perfect end to the night.

2) Cocktails at Hilton San Francisco in Union Square – 360 degree views of the city

There are many Hiltons in San Francisco, but the one with the amazing top floor bar and lounge with 360 degree views of the city is at the Hilton in Union Square. Before you head out on the town, be sure to grab a cocktail with your friends and embrace the beautiful views around  you.

3) Street Performers at Union Square

San Francisco is home to some of the best street performers you will ever find. The street performers that are regularly at the Cable Car Turnaround in Union Square (on Market and Powell Street) have some amazing dance and music talent. You will know who they are because you will almost always find a crowd of people surrounding them, taking in their talent.

4) Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe

BVC is the bar that brought Irish Coffee to America in 1952. It is the original Irish Coffee place. You can not leave San Francisco without having a taste of the ever so tasty Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe.

5) Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and/or Tiburon and lunch on the Waterfront

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is like visiting the Empire State Building in New York City. An absolute must! There are various places in San Francisco to rent bikes, and then the rest of your day is at your fingertips. My suggestion: Rent bikes from Blazing Saddles in Fisherman’s Wharf, take the outlined path through Fort Mason, across Crissy Field, and onto the bridge. Then depending on how much energy you have, you can stop at Sausalito, or continue on towards Tiburon. Regardless of where you decide to stop for a bite to eat, you will be surrounded by a beautiful portside town with endless dining options.

6) After dinner dessert in San Francisco’s very own Little Italy, North Beach

Our Little Italy neighborhood in San Francisco is just divine. It has this charming, Italian feel to it that people just can’t seem to get enough of. There are so many cozy cafe’s and restaurants in this neighborhood. I suggest you find one situated on Columbus Avenus, request a table on the sidewalk, and people watch as you indulge in pure Italian dessert bliss.

7) Sunday Brunch at Park Chalet followed by Kite flying at Ocean Beach

The best way to end a weekend long trip in San Francisco is by having brunch at The Park Chalet near Ocean Beach. On a beautiful sunny, Sunday morning, this place is bumping with a live band and a delicious brunch buffet. Oh, and did I mention, bottomless Mimosas? The glass walls of the restaurant open up, and on gorgeous sunny days, they open them up and allow people to even sit outside in the attached garden. After brunch, walk across the street over to Ocean Beach (yes, San Francisco does have beaches!) and either bring your own kite to fly, or watch professional kite flyers take on the San Francisco wind.

8 ) Coit Tower

New York City has the Empire State Building. DC has the Washington Monument. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. San Francisco’s version of these three monuments is Coit Tower, exquisite nonetheless. The tower is situated on top of Telegraph Hill in North Beach. Aside from the amazing views you will see from the top of the tower, the murals are what is worth checking out. Paintings on the inside of the tower, on your way up, are inspired by the social-realism style of Diego Rivera. I am going to get a lot of sh*t for making the following reference, but I just have to: Remember that Full House episode in which Comet ran away from home, and the girls were on search throughout San Francisco looking for their beloved pooch? That tower that Comet was sitting in was Coit Tower.

9) Ball game at ATT Park

Sure every major city has their ball park, but no city has a ball park like San Francisco. The venue is situated in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco, which is, you got it!, located right on the Bay. Even if you aren’t an avid baseball fan, the mere pleasure of sitting on the stands and taking in the views is just breathtaking. Aside from the views, you will probably find the most exquisite ball-park foods you will ever find, such as Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog from Tres Agaves.

10) Ferry Building Farmers Market and Taylors Automatic Refresher

The Ferry Building Farmers Market has been voted as the best Farmers Market in the USA year after year, and therefore, it is something you definitely dont want to miss while youre here. It happens every Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and aside from the amazing selection of organic produce, vegetables, flowers, and more, it is a great place to spend a Saturday morning. You can either eat at any of the umpteen places that serve food (breakfast and lunch foods), or you can have the most delicious burger you will ever eat at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher located right there at the Ferry Building. Expect to wait in line, though, because on Farmers Market days, Taylor’s gets packed!

Hope that helps! For any of you planning on making out to San Francisco for a fun weekend getaway and want more details on how to make the most of your time here, please feel free to leave a comment and I will assist you in making sure your vacation suits your needs!

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