What You Should Know About San Fancisco is…
…that it has so many beautifully unique people from everywhere around the world and a laid back culture with a rich history that we decided to move here!
Who would have guessed that one trip to San Francisco would have us moving there two months later?
To be honest, when we visited San Francisco, I didn’t like it at all. It was dirty, smelled, and full of homeless people. Well, that’s all true, “the city” is more than just that, it’s a culture and lifestyle.
Before moving to SF, I was starting a career in design on the east coast and always wanted to work for Google - it was a goal of mine. (I did check that off my list, that’s a story for another time.) Wanting that as a goal, my fiance and I completely submerged ourselves into the tech world. I never could have imagined that living in tech culture, mixed with the Bay Area, chill, and the outdoorsy vibe would be just what I never knew I wanted or needed! Below I’ll flood you with links on where to eat, stay, things to do and best (non-touristy) times to go and images from my experiences in SF and the Bay Area…
Things to do…
Walk or bike the GGB
Hiking: Twin Peaks, Lands End, Marin
Alamo Square
Fisherman’s Warf
Pier 39
The embarcadero
Lombard st
Golden gate park
Dolores Park
Shop in union square
Chrissy field
Food & Drink…
Expect to spend some money, it will be worth it!
Tonga Room- $$$ - Really unique tiki bar, with a pool in the middle. The drinks are pretty good, I haven’t had the food. 🤪
Top of the Mark- $$$- This is a date night or brunch experience. Both are to die for with the views of the city in all directions.
Bergerac- $$- Local bar/ nightclub with amazing craft cocktails.
Pacific Cocktail Haven- $$- Very creative and tasty craft cocktails close to downtown SF
Beehive- $$- Beautifully nestled in the mission neighborhood, once again time period style craft cocktail bar. Walking distance to many other bars in the area.
620 Jones- $$- Rooftop cocktail bar with pretty decent food!!
Del Mar- $$- Staying in cow hollow, this island vibe lounge and cocktail bar is a great place to hang out and within walking distance to many other bars and local spots.
The view (Marriott)- $$$ - Beautiful view, you can’t beat. Drinks and food are pretty basic, you’re paying for the view and hotel. Also if you happen to be one of a few bars with the a/c. 😉
Zombie Village- $$ - Local Tiki Bar, close to the downtown area.
Foreign Cinema- $$$ - Watch a movie while you eat!
Elephant Sushi- $$ - Best fresh sushi, must try the flaming sea bass if it’s still available.
Roka Akor- $$$- This is the place where I celebrated my job at Google. They had the BEST Teppanyaki!
Bellota- $$$- Family style tapas and great cocktails.
Seven Hills- $$$ - Really great Italian
El Techo- $$ - Delicious Mexican cuisine with a beautiful view, make sure you get on the waiting list, through yelp.
Anina patio- $$ -If you’re looking for a chill local bar, with plenty in the area to walk and explore.
Fondue cowboy (Now called FC OUTPOST) - $$- Before Covid, this place had the best fondue and vibe. They used to do the fondue kits to-go on their site but they have recently started selling sandwiches and brunch-style items.
Areas to stay…
If you are wanting to stay in an Airbnb and some boutique hotels here are some great areas to stay in, in the city.
Union Square
Russian Hill
Cow Hollow
SoMa
Hayes Valley
Where we stayed …
Westin St Francis - This is where we stayed, it was a nice hotel, but you can stay at pretty much any hotel in the area around this hotel.
