The Fawn Travel Guide to San Francisco
From the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf to the city's iconic cable cars and vibrant Chinatown, there's a million reasons to fall in love with San Francisco. The City by the Bay provides the perfect playground for a trip with kids, girlfriends, or your main squeeze. Whether you want to explore the city's cultural scene, waterfront district, or historic hippie haunts, there's no shortage of things to see, do, and taste in San Francisco. Below, check out our San Francisco Travel Guide for tips on what to pack, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and more!
WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO
Thanks to it's signature fog, the weather in San Francisco can be breezy and cool even in the middle of summer. When packing your Weekender Bag for a trip to SF, be sure to include a lightweight jacket or sweater to keep chills at bay.
You'll likely do a lot of walking in SF, so a pair of cute sneakers or flats that are comfy for touring around are a must. Leave the high heels at home—they're no match for the city's steep, hilly streets (remember that scene in the Wedding Planner when J-Lo gets her heel stuck in the San Francisco street?).
As for clothing, San Francisco is relatively casual thanks to it's booming millennial dot-com culture (think jeans and t-shirts), but for a nice dinner or night on the town dress things up with a fun cocktail frock or a blouse and dark denim.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is flush with lodging options, from big hotels to boutique hideaways. Here are a few of our favorite places to hang your Fawn bag for a stay in the city:
If you're traveling to San Francisco with little ones, consider booking a stay through Kid & Coe. The booking site is like an Airbnb for family travel—all of their properties are stylish, safe, and kid-approved. Consider this Nob Hill apartment stocked with toys + books, or this spacious Marina home with views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz.
THINGS TO DO + SEE IN SAN FRANCISCO
- Drive (or walk) across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Visit Fisherman's Wharf + Pier 39
- Ride the city's iconic cable cars
- Walk through Chinatown
- Visit Ghiradelli Square (and eat all the chocolate)
- Take a boat to Alcatraz Island
- Explore the historic Haight-Ashbury hippie neighborhood
- Relax by the bay + soak up the sun at Crissy Field
- Go see The Painted Ladies (and fulfill your childhood Full House fantasies)
- Visit Coit Tower and take in the panoramic views
- Drive or walk down winding Lombard Street
- Pick up a new page-turner at historic City Lights bookstore
WHERE TO EAT IN SAN FRANCISCO
- Go to Tartine Bakery for breakfast or brunch and for a bite of some of the best bread you'll ever taste. Be prepared to wait in line.
- For a Parisian-inspired morning spot that's equally as delightful but far less crowded, check out Le Marais Bakery.
- Head to Chinatown for a delicious dose of dim sum.
- Get your pasta fix at Flour + Water. To ensure you get a table, make a reservation ahead of time.
- Who needs fried chicken when you can have fried quail? Splurge on the specialty at State Bird Provisions for a meal you won't soon forget.
- For dessert, cool off with a scoop (or two, or three) of to-die-for salted caramel ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery.
Photos: Lizzyography