San Francisco Life: Insider Tips ♥️
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
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
🙏