San Francisco Life: Insider Tips ♥️
Here’s a guide on where to stay, eat, and what to do in SF. While there are countless other things you could explore, I’ve highlighted what Natalie and I regularly enjoy—more of the local spots rather
I moved to San Francisco in August 2021, and it quickly became my favorite city. I love it so much that even when I go on vacation, I’m always excited to come back—sometimes I wish I didn’t have to leave at all.
There’s so much to adore about this place: the perfect, temperate weather, the proximity to both beaches and stunning natural spots, the walkable and bike-friendly streets, the charming neighborhoods filled with colorful homes, the incredible food scene, and of course, being surrounded by some of the smartest people on the planet.
Where to live/stay
The green zone is hands down the best part of San Francisco. It’s walkable, quiet, beautiful, and conveniently close to everything—grocery stores, restaurants, you name it. The blue zone is great too, though it has a more upscale feel and is a bit less walkable due to the hills. Still, it has its charm, just with a different vibe.
The yellow zone is more affordable, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re an avid surfer—it’s foggy for about half the year. As for the red zone, I’d advise staying away, as it’s at the heart of the city’s drug crisis. Other neighborhoods are fine, a bit more suburban and not quite as close to the action, but they offer a good balance of affordability and quality living.
Where to eat
Pasta: Bella Trattoria, The Italian Homemade Company
Pizza: Tony’s
Steak House: House of Prime Ribs
German: Suppenküche
Mediterranean: Beit Rima (Cole Valley), Kokkari
Brunch: Le Marais Bakery, Wooden Spoon
American Breakfast: Pork Store Cafe, Devil's Teeth Baking Company
Crêpes: La Sarrasine,
Croissants: Arsicault (the one on Arguello and go during the week to avoid an hour long line), Tartine (good but less than Arsicault)
Burrito: Underdogs, La Taqueria
Sushi: Ebisu
Ice cream: Salt and Straw, The Ice Cream Bar, Philmore Creamery, Bi-Rite Creamery
Coffee shop: Cafe Reveille, Sightglass, The Mill
Hot Chocolate: Dandelion
Bread: The Mill, Jane Bakery, Thorough Bread
What to do
Hikes in San Francisco
Baker Beach to Golden Gate Bridge
Start at the Baker Beach Sea Cliff Access (12 25th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121) or park here if you have a car. Walk Baker Beach and then climb the Sand Ladder. You will then turn left and start the Batteries to Bluffs Trail till the beautiful Bridge view on Battery Boutelle. The trail is amazing. Be ready to climb a lot of stairs!
I’ve hiked there more than I can count and I still love it.
Lands end Trail
I recommend starting here and to walk to the Lands End Labyrinth. The views are absolutely stunning and it’s hard to think that you are still in a major city! Most of the trail is kid friendly and it works if you have stroller.
My favorite beaches
Baker Beach
Baker Beach is where I like to fish, to picnic and to play Spikeball with friends on a sunny afternoon. I love the incredible view of the bridge and the fact that’s less windy than Ocean Beach.
China Beach
It’s a cozier and smaller version than Baker Beach. It’s slightly less accessible since you have to go down a hill but there is a parking at the top. I like it even if I prefer Baker because the bridge feels closer. I think what bothers me a bit with China Beach is the abandoned old lifeguard station - so much wasted potential!
Ocean Beach
Definitely my number one beach to watch the sunset and enjoy a good bone fire! My favorite is to bike and stop at Fulton/Great Highway. I’ve been there so many times and it never disappoints. Please check fog.today first to verify that there is no fog at the beach.
Favorite Bike Rides
Hawk Hill
By far my favorite, I sometimes bike there twice a week. Unless you are an experience biker you will need an electric bike. I like to rent them from SF Wheels or Unlimited Biking for $80 for the whole day. Climbing Hawk Hill offers the best view of the bridge. The best part? Once you reached the top, the downhill is one of the most stunning ride in California.
Surfing
I’m a beginner Wing Foiler and one of the best spot in the U.S is Crissy Field. I recommend parking at Crissy Field South Beach.
If you are more into regular surfing, Ocean beach is a great spot for confirmed surfer. If you are new to surfing, just drive to Pacifica which is an easier spot!
Self driving car: Waymo
Bike around neighborhood: Castro, Duboce Triangle, Hayes Valley, Cole Valley up to Ocean beach via the Golden Gate Park
City hikes: Mount Sutro to Twin Peak, Baker Beach Costal Trail, Lands End Trail
Cable Car: map
Sunrise: go to Corona Heights or Tank Hill
Alcatraz Island: book a night tour
Museums: Academy of Science (Thursday night nocture, they have cocktails and DJ)
Sunset: verify on fog.today that it’s not foggy and go to Baker Beach or Ocean Beach.
Parks: Dolores, bike through the immense Golden Gate Park, walk in Crissy Field
Bouldering: Mission Cliff, Movement
Surfing: take a lesson in Pacifica or go to Ocean Beach if you are confirmed
Tennis: there are free tennis courts all over the city like in Buena Vista or you can book a court in the Golden Gate Park
Jiu-jitsu: Ralph Gracie
🙏
We all know red zone is the best zone