We’re (relatively) not too far from San Francisco and we were already in Sacramento for a John Mayer concert, so we made the trip to see the shiny red bridge, the famous fog and a little more hustle and bustle than we’re use to at the Ranch. The trip was unforgettable to say the least. Who knows? We may be going back again soon, very shortly 😉

Where we Ate

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (DT San Fran)

The sweetest bakeshop, super small so the line goes out of the door, but so so worth it on your trip. It may be out of your way but the yummy cruffins and donuts make up for the detour! Every part of this store is creative and makes for a great photo op!

1042 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA

Mango’s Taqueria & Cantina (Fisherman’s Wharf)

If you love Mexican, this is for you! Their pomegranate margarita was so perfect after a long day of walking around San Fran. Ask for outdoor seating to be seated on the side of the pier at Pier 39 – Fishermans Wharf – that gets a great view of ships coming in and out and all of the sailboats on display! Bring a jacket, it gets a little chilly on the water. 

39 Pier San Francisco, CA

Bob’s Donuts (Pacific Heights)

If you’re like me and you love donuts – everyone know’s this about me – then you’ll really appreciate this “hole in the wall” restaurant. This sweet little shop is run by an Asian family who makes the donuts in front of your face and serves them until their gone. They’re also known for their giant, bigger than your face, donuts. Their old fashioned are my favorite. If you like donuts and San Fran, this place is for you. 

1621 Polk St San Francisco, California

Xian House of Dumplings (Chinatown)

When going to Chinatown, it’s good to get a feel of authentic Chinese food, but not too authentic if you know what I mean. Thomas and I are adventurous but not to the point we’ll try something that we just don’t know exactly what it is. So, Xian House of Dumplings was perfect! They had an authentic menu, an authentic feel but also served your regular chicken fried rice, chow mein, dumplings and wonton soup. 

925 Kearny Street San Francisco, California

Where we Played

Painted Ladies

Known for their appearance in the opening intro of our favorite TV show, Full House, the Painted Ladies are known for the Victorian colorful look. Across the street is a park that’s great to grab some lunch at the nearest grocery store and throw yourself a picnic. 

700 Steiner Street San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge

The Famous Gold Gate Bridge cannot be missed. Of course, there’s plenty of places to go in order to leave with your perfect picture. We chose to look at the bridge at Kirby Cove Campground. There’s a beautiful road, often with cyclists climbing the hills, that you can drive up. Along the side of the road, there are parking spots for visitors to take pictures! Make sure, if it’s a foggy day, to tag @carlthefog on Instagram in your foggy picture!

DT San Fran

If you love shopping, this area is for you! There’s every store and every department store you could think of within a few blocks of one another. Try and find a parking garage and then walk around where ever you’re planning to go – you won’t find parking anywehre else than garages. 

Powell Street Trolley Station

This is the famous station that has trolleys running up and down San Fran streets. You may have seen these featured in “The Princess Diaries” when Mia accidentally runs in to one on the street. 

33 Powell Street San Francisco, CA

Fisherman’s Wharf

This was the perfect place to round up our day. It has tons of fun stores, a carousel, any restaurant to fix any craving, and it’s on the water. You may want to take a jacket because it gets chilly the closer to the water that you get. There’s a market around several corners, too, to pick up some fresh fruit to eat while you stroll through the crowds.

Pacific Heights

Not only is this a neighborhood full of tall Victorian houses on the side of steep streets but it’s also home to boutiques and other walk-in shops, cafes and the very new LiketoKnow.it mural right around one of it’s corners. We stopped and took some pictures, of course. 

The LiketoKnow.it wall: 2298 Fillmore Street San Francisco, CA

Chinatown

This is a great place to roam around if you have a few extra hours but I would not recommend it as an absolute “go-to” during your time in San Fran. It’s proximity to other must-see places is what makes it worth seeing. The streets are strung with Chinese lanterns that are said to glow at night, dozens of Chinese restaurants and tacky, but fun, San Fran tourist shops with the “I love San Francisco” tees and kimonos. 

Where We Stayed

Ritz Carlton

We stayed on Nob Hill (right next to Chinatown) in the Ritz Carlton. It’s proximity to other locations was great. They accommodated us well – we told them that we were celebrating our one year anniversary so they treated us to a complimentary bottle champagne. 

Air Bnb

There are great places close to the city on Air Bnb! Wherever it’s located, you can take a taxi or an Uber into the city for your adventures and then use the cable car system to get around throughout the day. 

We loved our quick day adventure in San Fran and would go back in a heartbeat. It’s the beautiful people, variety of cultures, Hollywood features that you pass by easily on the streets and tons of fun that make this place so special. 

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