San Francisco

United StatesCaliforniaSan FranciscoPersonal
Written By Sea-Jay Van der Ploeg

The first time I stepped foot in San Francisco, my high school self fell head over heels in love with the city. I was enamored by the vibrant buildings dotting the coastline, the cute dogs running around Alta Plaza Park, and the city’s rich Asian American history. I swore to myself that I’d return and told all my friends I’d move to San Francisco after graduating university.

The elation I felt when accepting my first job out of college (in San Francisco!!) was unparalleled. I’ll never forget how overjoyed I was to step foot out of a taxi with two suitcases at the corner of Haight and Divisadero. Not yet knowing a single soul in the city, excitedly scarfing down a Palmyra wrap in Duboce Park at sunset, I remember thinking the sight of Victorian houses must mean that,“I’m in Alamo Square!” 

San Francisco offered a sense of optimism that it was all possible. I was tickled pink by the colors of people’s flower boxes, the lush plants in Golden Gate Park, even the way cashiers smiled back at you. I would smile to myself at night, listening to the MUNI cables snapping in the wind.

Having spent ~4 years in the city (including all of COVID shutdown), I’m excited to share my most cherished spots with you!

where to stroll & stay

It’s easy to explore the city via bike, bus, metro (BART/MUNI), or on foot. Bring a light jacket with you because the microclimates lead to unpredictable weather. Get ready for a hilly leg workout.

Though I do recommend seeing all of SF’s neighborhoods at some point (ex. Noe Valley, Cole Valley, Nob Hill, The Embarcadero, Bernal, Potrero…), those neighborhoods are more residential. The below list is suitable for visitors seeking to spend a half to full day in certain neighborhoods.

  • The Mission - My home neighborhood–and the sunniest one in SF in my humble opinion. Great for park hangs, boutiques, local bites (Mexican food), and nightlife. Start around 16th Street, visit Dolores Park/Valencia Street. Stroll all the way down 24th Street to the Potrero border. 

  • Pacific Heights - Visit for my favorite dog parks and city views. Bougie choice for a cocktail and elevated dinner.

  • Lower Haight - Dive bars, quirky boutiques, and close proximity to Golden Gate Park. 

  • The Castro - SF’s LGBTQ+ district. Known for its colorful streets, bars, and kitschy shops!

  • Chinatown & North Beach - Definitely take a walk around in this historic district. Stop for dim sum, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory, and go out for drinks/dinner in North Beach.

  • The Sunset - The Inner Sunset provides a neighborhood feel whereas The Outer Sunset is a solid surfer vibe. Watch the surfers at Ocean Beach and grab brunch nearby. 

  • The Richmond - Stroll along Clement Street, which is conveniently next to the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. Go for Asian food here, not in Chinatown.

where to move 

If you’re looking for unique California parks, San Francisco is your city. Spend a single afternoon between Alamo Square and Duboce Park or an entire day at Golden Gate Park or Dolores. For something different, try Corona Heights, Twin Peaks, or Glen Canyon. Dog lovers should visit Alta Plaza and Duboce. 

where to beach 

  • Black Sands Beach - Feels like a real California beach. Only 25-30 minutes from the city.

  • Baker Beach - Nice beach located within the city

  • Bolinas Jetty - If you like to surf, this is the best beginner spot. Friendlier waves than Pacifica. I’d surf here and Santa Cruz over Pacifica.

  • Pacifica - Another surf spot 20 minutes from the city. If you don’t surf, go for Taco Bell Cantina. Contact Sonlight Surf Shop for a lesson or rental!

what to see

where to eat 

I find SF meal prices are often quite inflated for what you’re ordering. It’s hard to find a casual meal that costs less than $20 (other than tacos). Not worth it in my opinion: Farmhouse Thai, Foreign Cinema, Rich Table, Flour & Water, Al’s Place, Che Fico…sorry! 

  • Zuni Cafe - my #1 fancy meal in San Francisco. French inspired farm to table. Order the famous roast chicken!

  • Souvla -  Ordered this salad daily when I first started working in San Francisco. My love for Souvla became so intense that I soon befriended all the Hayes Valley staff for the neighborhood discount. 

  • Nopa - New American dining with seasonal ingredients and bilevel seating. Burger never fails.

  • Burma Love / Burma Superstar - Famous Burmese food, known for their tea leaf salad.

  • Delfina - Have always thought the pasta here was extremely solid.

  • Pancho Villa Taqueria - I used to live across the street from this Taqueria! Yummy fish tacos. 

  • Taqueria El Buen Sabor - Another Valencia Street favorite. 

  • Pakwan - My Pakistani comfort meal in the Mission. BYOB and great for big groups.

  • Garden Creamery - Unique, homemade ice cream - think ube, black sesame, matcha flavors!

  • Loló - Fun cocktails, ceviche, and fancy tacos. Extremely crunchy chips.

  • Donaji - Yummy and affordable Oaxacan food. Order the mole and anything chocolate based.

  • Sushi Hon - Memorable SF sushi. The omakase is worth it. 

  • Shuggie’s - Fun, vibey pizza parlor and wine bar. Great for a fun dinner with friends. 

  • Boogaloos - Classic, old school diner for hangover breakfasts. 

  • Prubechu - Have you ever tried Guamanian food? This is your place - awesome patio, unique dishes, vegetarian and gluten free friendly. 

  • Reem’s - Flatbread and other Arab inspired dishes.

  • Palmyra - Syrian restaurant with kebab, falafel, and very friendly staff.

  • L’Ardoise Bistro - Cute bistro with patio and string lights. Great French date spot!

  • Zazie - French bistro that’s great for lunch or dinner.

  • Cotogna - For a fancier Italian meal. Order the focaccia and giant ravioli!

  • Kokkari Estiatorio - Upscale Greek food, but super nice for a special occasion.

  • a Mano - More reasonably priced Italian, very fresh pasta.

  • Beit Rima - Arab restaurant with delicious pita and dips. Prepare to pay up.

  • La Ciccia - Pricey but distinctive Sardinian restaurant in Noe Valley.

  • Z&Y - Famous Sichuan restaurant. 

  • Lai Hong Lounge - Family style Chinese and Dim Sum in Chinatown. Great for a large group.

  • Good Luck Dim Sum - Line up for this dim sum window and grab a box to enjoy in a nearby park!

  • Dragon Beaux - Fancier dim sum in Richmond.

  • YH Beijing - Comfort Chinese food in the Haight.

  • Nijiya Market - For all your Japanese supermarket needs. 

  • Red Window - Tapas and cocktails in North Beach.

  • Tosca Cafe - A SF North Beach classic. Think negronis, martinis, meatballs, and red leather seats.

  • Sotto Mare - Enjoy an Italian seafood experience complete with bibs and shrimp cocktail. 

  • Barbara Pinseria - A spacious Italian restaurant that easily accommodates groups of 8+. Roman style pizzas, pastas, and cocktails. 

  • Outerlands - Cozy brunch in the Sunset

  • Judahlicious - Raw vegan dining in the Sunset

  • Palm City - Italian sandwiches meets wine bar by the beach

  • Hook Fish - Must-visit for fish tacos

  • Pearl 6101 - Upscale neighborhood restaurant in the Richmond

where to eat - coffeeshops & sweets

  • Jane the Bakery - My favorite coffee shop in Pacific Heights 

  • Bob’s Donuts -  You MUST go to Bob’s. If you’re in Nob Hill, stop by for fresh donuts at any hour of the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the giant donut challenge.

  • Beloved Cafe - Juice bar with açai bowls, smoothies, and healthy bites. 

  • Arizmendi - If you’re in the Mission, skip Tartine and order muffins, cookies, and pizza at this co-op. 

  • La Reyna Bakery - Traditional Mexican bakery. Order a concha and walk down 24th.

  • Liguria Bakery - Focaccia bakery in North Beach. 

  • Noe Valley Bakery - The best spot for cakes and cupcakes,  including gluten free.

  • Mercury Cafe - Light-filled cafe in Hayes Valley that’s nice for working. Great playlists as well.

  • Cafe Réveille - Tea or brunch near Duboce Park

  • Le Cafe Du Soleil - Spacious working cafe near Duboce

  • Devil’s Teeth Baking Company - Order the famous breakfast sandwich and enjoy it at Ocean Beach. 

  • Stable Cafe - Aesthetically pleasing cafe in the Mission with wood paneling and greenery. 

  • Atlas Cafe - Same as above - good for working on your laptop!

  • Caffe Trieste - Old school Italian style cafe in North Beach. Eavesdrop on the locals catching up with one another

  • Manny’s - Civic engagement center meets coffeeshop. If you’re into current events, check out their calendar for interesting debates, political visitors, and other panels.

where to get a drink

  • Magnolia Brewing - Brewery with great vibes

  • Woods - Multiple locations for natural wine and beer. The Lower Haight location is spacious with a patio.

  • Fool’s Errand - One of my favorite wine bars on Divisadero.

  • Lone Palm - End your night in the Mission here. Free snacks, extra dirty martinis, and checkered tablecloths.

  • True Laurel - Refined cocktail bar with unique drinks and small bites. Cozy date spot.

  • Trick Dog - Award winning cocktail bar in the Mission

  • ABV - I’m a huge fan of this bar - excellent cocktails, great atmosphere, and extensive food menu.

  • Harper & Rye - Huge bar in Nob Hill that works well for a group or date. Pool tables, bilevel seating, and yummy moscow mules.

  • Li Po Cocktail Lounge - Divey Chinatown bar that Anthony Bourdain liked.

  • Last Rites - Fun tiki bar with dramatic cocktails. 

  • Tonga Room - Visit this bar in the Fairmont at least once. There’s an indoor pool.

  • Zeitgeist - Divey beer garden that’s great for daytime beers or pre-gaming.

  • 20 Spot - Nice wine bar in an old record store off Valencia

  • Etcetera Wine Bar - French wine bar on Valencia. Get the chocolate cake and sit outdoors.

  • El Chato - Spanish wine bar where I discovered I like Albariño.

  • Ruby Wine - Cute patio wine bar in Potrero.

  • Martuni’s - Dueling pianos and martinis

  • Buddy - Feels like a wine bar you might find in Brooklyn. Tasty small plates and elevated ambiance.

  • Bar Sprezzatura - If you’re ever downtown, this Italian bar is super nice for a cocktail.

  • Latin American Club - Cheap, strong drinks in a big divey space.

  • The Page - Picture deer heads, chandeliers, pool tables. Great spot to start your night.

  • Birba - Pleasant wine patio in Hayes. Check out Arlequin and Anina nearby too.

  • Vesuvio Cafe - Must visit, historic Beatnik cafe in North Beach. 

where to dance 

SF is known to go to sleep early. Most locals plan their activities around the daytime (ex. hikes, bike rides, hanging in a park). That said, you can definitely find opportunities to stay out until the morning especially in SOMA

  • Madrone Art Bar - Dancing bar in the Haight

  • Butter - Great dive bar where they project movies on the wall in SOMA. Everyone actually dances, and there’s a snack bar.

  • Bar Part Time - Wine bar meets disco meets dance floor

  • 1015 Folsom - See who’s playing, but solid for visiting DJ’s.

  • Church of 8 Wheels - Unique “only in San Francisco” experience for non-drinkers - roller skating in an old church with a live DJ! 

what to buy

  • Flower Corner - This flower stand in the Castro has super reasonable prices and runs home deliveries as well.

  • Life - Great gift store in the Lower Haight - think candles, jewelry by local artists, and birthday cards.

  • Earthen - Minimal home goods store 

  • Gravel & Gold - Unique ceramics, apparel, and home decor.

  • General Store - Minimal, bohemian store with objects by Californian artists.

  • Baggu - Stop by the flagship Baggu store in the Mission for cute, functional day bags.

  • Audrey - Dresses, tops, and trendy items at affordable prices. Skews a bit younger.

  • Wasteland - Best vintage shop in SF for the number of higher end brands they carry.

  • Nest - A really cute, kitschy interior design and vintage book shop in Pac Heights. One of my favorites!

  • ReLove - Well curated vintage shop in Nob Hill

  • Cris Consignment - More designer vintage in Nob Hill

  • Community Thrift - Thrift store with thrift prices and huge book selection

  • Black Bird Bookstore - Bookstore cafe in the Sunset with a cute patio!

  • Japantown Center - Stop by to check out the bonsai trees, stationary, and snacks at Matcha Cafe Maiko.

  • Amoeba Music - Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park, Amoeba is a must-visit for vinyls and music paraphernalia. 

  • Dog Eared Books - Used/new bookstore with an extensive magazine selection. 

  • Green Apple Books - Must-visit used bookstore spanning topics from philosophy to cooking.

  • Other Avenues Grocery - My favorite grocery co-op in SF right near the beach. Affordable kitchenware and unique snacks.

Where else to go 

Sea-Jay Van der Ploeg
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