San Francisco

Perfect Weekend in San Francisco

San Francisco is such a diverse and interesting city that it could take years to explore. However, even those lucky enough to call it home don’t have time for that. Stick to the basics, hitting the tourist spots for those pictures you’ve seen all over social media or head to the amazing park systems to get a natural side of the city.

The food scene is great, with a large immigrant population helping to transform the restaurants into some of the more interesting in the country. The nightlife is just as diverse, with options to dance the night away or nod along to live Jazz. There are family friendly options amidst all of these, with trips to Alcatraz or cruises in the Bay offering activities for any age group. In short, there is something for everyone here in San Francisco.


Friday Night

Start your weekend off with a sunset cruise in the San Francisco Bay. There are plenty of companies that offer these trips ranging from ultra-luxe to modest. Pick whichever style you’re the most comfortable with and hop on board.

Once back on dry land, spend the night in the countries oldest Chinatown. The dinner possibilities are endless and extremely affordable. If you’re up for nightlife, there are a smattering of local, dive bars here that are worth investigating as well.

Saturday Day

Time to take in the tourist sights! San Francisco has a number of quintessential images that are fun to visit. Walk up Lombard St. for the steep, winding road that frequently shows up on the cities’ postcards and Instagrams. Alamo Square is the place for the colorful row houses made famous by The Full House in the 1990s and Haight-Ashbury remains a great place to relive the glory of the nation’s beat- poetry and hippie beginnings. Stop by all of these sites or pick a couple. San Francisco is walkable and beautiful, so roaming from point to point is the way to go if you have the energy and time for it.

Alternatively, drive up to the Twin Peaks to take in sweeping views of the city all the way down to the bay.

Saturday Night

After a day of roaming, rest your tired feet at Ocean Beach. Popular with the locals, this stretch of sand along the Western length is the best place to watch a Pacific Ocean sunset. If you’re determined and get there early, you can bring your own firewood for the first come first serve fire pits and spend hours here.

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, walk over to Thanh Long Restaurant to try the Vietnamese dish they’re famous for - a giant roasted crab over spicy noodles. Or, see what seasonal, fresh food is being cooked up over at Outlanders to sample more local ingredients.

Still have energy for a night out? Head to the South Beach and Mission neighborhoods for a vibrant club scene or, hit up a spot like the Bottom of the Hill which Rolling Stone has dubbed the best place to hear live music in San Francisco.

Sunday Day

End your trip with a cycling trip over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Spend some time exploring the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to find great views of the bridge, extensive trails, and coastal beaches and walks. If time allows, visit the Fisherman’s Wharf and wait on line to fill yourself up with fresh, local seafood at Swan’s Oyster Depot before your flight home. The tiny 20 seat spot has become an iconic part of the cities seafood market, so expect to wait for your food.



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