After blogging about top, budget-friendly things to do in France, I dreamed up my own list for San Francisco. I hope San Franciscans would agree with my list and I hope it gives visitors the most of what they can get while staying in this beautiful city. In no particular order...
Ride the Wiggle:
A great way for cyclists to get intimate with the city while avoiding her treacherous hills. If you're not allergic to climbing hills then good for you, skip to the next entry. The Wiggle route is about one-mile long and stretches from Golden Gate Park to Market Street.
Try the Anchor Oyster Bar in the Castro, 579 Castro Street:
Photo from www.luckypennylayne.com
Visit colorful Clement Street in the Richmond district:
Photo from: www.sfcitizen.com
Okay, I guess I'm partial to Clement Street since this was my old 'hood. But if you're super short on time I definitely recommend this street. It is so diverse in terms of food offerings and shops. Heard of shabu or boba but don't know what the heck they are? Then you came to the right place.
Shop in the Marina or the Mission district:
Photo from www.gentryconnects.com
Your guidebook again points you to the burning lights of Union Square. Okay, there's an H&M, Macy*s, Forever 21, and ___________(insert a major department store here). That's nice and dandy but where in the U.S. is there not a major department store within a 50 mile radius? Depending on what your style is, I would recommend the Marina district's Union Street and Chestnut Street boutiques if your style is more uptown, and the Mission district (along Valencia Street betweet 16th and 24th Street) if your style is more downtown.
-Try SOMA Streat Food Park, 428 11th Street:
Photo from: www.entertainmentdesigner.com
A wide variety of food truck vendors all in one area and a perfect chance to hang out and observe techies from all walks of life. You can pass the time waiting in line by counting how many start-up logos you recognize on t-shirts and utility bags.
Catch a show at the Castro Theater, 429 Castro Street:
Photo from: www.thelasteditionfilm.com
This is not your ordinary theater. This is an institution. It's one of the few movie theaters still in operation from the roaring 20's. They sell tickets for movie sing alongs (waiting for the Sound of Music) and shows. There's also an organist who plays live before each show which makes going to the movies all the more unique.
Grab a beer at Southern Pacific Brewery, 620 Treat Avenue:
Set in a 10,000 square foot industrial warehouse, this brewery in the Mission District is a nice change of scenery. There's also another bar and more seating in the second floor.
Have a picnic at Dolores Park, 19th Street and Dolores:
Photo from: www.sf.funcheap.com
It's the next best place for locals to go on a Sunday afternoon after brunching with friends or just for getting fresh air to ease their hangover. Grab a sandwich from Ike's Place and bask in the sun while you can because it's most likely to be foggy everywhere else.
Hike Mount Davidson, on 125 Dalewood Way:
Photo from: www.sfgate.com
It's the highest point in San Francisco, and I would say it's an easy to moderate hike from Dalewood and Lansdale and you're rewarded with views of the city. Avoid coming here on super foggy, cold days because the ground will be muddy and slippery. Mount Davidson is the City's best kept secret, so much so that even most locals have never heard of it. Don't forget to visit the foot of the massive cross commemorating Armenians who perished during the genocide of the Turkish Ottoman Empire.
West Portal for vintage treasures:
Photo from www.examiner.com
This neighborhood is becoming a hotbed for vintage finds. They've got everything from a Goodwill (possible donations from nearby posh St. Francis Wood residents), the City Antiques store, and West Portal Antiques.
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