Day 1:

China Town/North Beach/Little Italy

Take some time to stroll around the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, blending into the North Beach and Little Italy areas.

For a dim sum brunch I really recommend Lai Hong Lounge (1416 Powell Street: Powell and Broadwayhttp://www.lhklounge.com/) On weekends the wait can be around 30 minutes to an hour. (If you go for dinner, you can usually walk right in.) If Chinese food isn’t your cup of tea there are plenty of Italian cafes, restaurants, and pizza shops along Columbus.

Walk south on Powell Street for about 20 minutes to arrive at Union Square.

Union Square

Take a little time to do shopping and check out some of the iconic San Francisco Hearts (More information about the Hearts can be found at http://sfghf.org/events/hearts-in-sf/). From art displays to ice skating rinks, there is always something going on in Union Square.

Powell/Hyde Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf

If you continue south down Powell Street, away from Chinatown, you will find the boarding area for the Powell/Hyde Cable Car. (Note: it can be quite a wait to get onboard. I think the last time I waited for 30 minutes. I can’t remember if they take card but if you have exact cash, it will make things a lot easier.)

Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square

Take some time to explore and grab an early dinner with my favorite highlights being:

• • Pier 39 (shops and restaurants-also where you can see the sea lions)
  • Ghirardelli Square (the famous chocolate maker)
  • Musée Mécanique (Antique arcade and museum) http://museemecaniquesf.com/

• Alcatraz Night Tour (https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/website/pprog-evening-programs.aspx)
  • BOOK THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE…. AGAIN…BOOK THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. It took me about 2 months in advance to get Alcatraz night tour tickets. It’s really easy to get the daytime tour, but the night tour is limited so prepare ahead of time. (You can also do the daytime tour, I would just check it out first then come back to explore the rest of Fisherman’s Warf.)
    • Why the night tour?
      1. It’s a little spooky and adds another element to exploring the island and prison.
      2. You can see beautiful views of downtown lit up.
      3. Our boat left close to sundown so you get a nice view on the water.

Polk Street

Head out for drinks at Polk Street, it’s always a rowdy good time! Local favorites are Play Land and Maze.

Day 2:

Marina: Brunch at Blackwood

Dust off the hangover from the night before and head out for brunch at Blackwood in the Marina (off of Chestnut Street). They have an excellent menu and if you care to partake, bottomless mimosas.

Palace of Fine Arts

From Blackwood walk west down Chestnut, take a right on Divisadero and take a left onto Beach Street, keep going straight until you hit the Palace of Fine Arts. This is one of my favorite sites in the city that is absolutely breathtaking.

[Fun fact is that people believe the man who created R2-D2 from Starwars could see the top of the Palace of Fine Arts from his Presidio office and based the iconic character off the shape of the structure.]

Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point

Exit north and head towards the water and Marina Boulevard. Once you hit the water you’ll have great views of Alcatraz, Fort Mason, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If it’s nice weather, head west and you can walk all the way to the bridge. Under the bridge you can also visit Fort Point. (If you prefer to take the bus you can catch the 28 towards Daly City Bart at Divisadero and Lombard Street that will take you all the way to the bridge.) 

Golden Gate Park

From the Golden Gate Bridge you can take the 28 bus towards Daly City to head to Golden Gate Park and get off at Park Presidio and Balboa. From here you can stroll into the park. There is a lot to do but I really recommend:

1. De Young Art Museum

2. The Japanese Tea Garden

3. California Academy of Science

4. Rose Garden

5. See the roaming bison

Delarosa in the Marina (Dinner)

When you’re finished at the park, hop back on the 28 towards Fort Mason and exit at Lombard and Peirce, head north towards Chestnut street and take a right onto Chestnut, you should be able to see Delarosa. Grab a great cocktail or glass of wine and enjoy their incredible menu. My favorites being the mussels, prosciutto de Parma pizza, kale Cesar salad, spicy meatballs, and the pappardelle napoletana.

Drinks and Nightlife in the Marina

Check out the nightlife in the Marina with the local favorites:

• Chestnut Street:
  • Tipsy Pig: Their signature drinks and house cocktails are great. They also have a back patio. 
  • The Dorian: Perfect for a nice cocktail to start the night.
  • Campus: Smaller bar with good cocktails.
• Fillmore Street:
  • Jaxson: One of the few country bars in SF.
  • Mauna Loa: Very packed, with cheaper drinks, pool, and a few other games.
• Union Street:
  • Lightning Tavern: Really cool environment and they have a covered back patio.
  • Bar None: One of the most rowdy bars in SF, will remind you of a college frat party. That being said they do have beerpong and other fun games. 

Day 3:

Painted Ladies

Take a taxi or ride share service and stop by the Painted Ladies (The Full House homes).

Mission Dolores

Grab some delicious Mexican food from any of the taquerias or Ikes sandwich (2239 Market Street) in the Castro, a bottle of wine or a few beers and relax at Dolores Park just like a local!

Bi-rite ice cream (18th and Dolores-next to the park)

Prepare for a long line but some of the best ice cream the city has to offer.

The Women’s Building Mural

Stroll past Bi-rite and keep going down 18th street and stop at Lapidge Street to see the powerful Women’s Building Mural.

Valencia Street to Philz Coffee (3101 24th Street) http://www.philzcoffee.com/

Walk south on Valencia Street to 24th where you will take a left and keep walking to Folsom street. Ahead is the life changing Philz Coffee. On a nice hot day try the mint mojito to cool you down.

Balmy Art Murals

Stroll out of Philz Coffee and continue down 24th street (opposite direction of Valencia Street) for a few blocks (about 5 minutes) ,take a right onto Balmy Street to see the thought provoking murals.

Limon Rottisere 1001 South Van Ness Street http://www.limonrotisserie.com/

Head up Van Ness Avenue to 21st street and enjoy the wonderful blend of Peruvian flavors for dinner.

Urban Putt 1096 South Van Ness Street http://www.urbanputt.com/

Walk down south on Van Ness Avenue to 22nd street and hop in Urban Putt, a really unique miniature golf course and bar that is perfect for a date night.