Photography by Jen Roberts
EAT
Photography by Jen Roberts
To get the day going, San Francisco has no shortage of options for a strong cup of coffee. Blue Bottle might be the San Francisco go-to, but Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters has a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee that's worth the wait. For brunch, head to Kitchen Story in the Castro District. The popular brunch spot is known for its bacon flights, but there are also plenty of omelette and poached egg entrées for nonmeat eaters. Wash down either meal with a wild hibiscus mimosa or Castro michelada. Plant-based restaurant Wildseed offers an eclectic array of vegetarian options, from Mexican corn cakes and probiotic bowls to king trumpet mushrooms, as well as an extensive cocktail menu. And Peruvian restaurant Jaranita, located in the Marina District, serves a variety of ceviches in an atmospheric space with a twinkle-lit tree in the backroom.
Photography by Jen Roberts
PLAY
Photography by Jen Roberts
The best way to explore San Francisco is by foot—just be prepared for the hills. If you want a little history, San Francisco City Guides offers more than 80 free walking tours. Prefer to explore on your own? North Beach is a great place to start. With its red-and-white checkered-table-clothed trattorias and gelaterias, it's known as San Francisco's Little Italy. The neighborhood is home to City Lights Bookstore, known for its commitment to innovative writing and progressive politics. Centered around the Castro Theater, the last remaining movie palace in the city, the Castro neighborhood is the LGBTQIA+ hub of the city. Rainbow flags and an array of gay bars line the streets, and don’t forget to check out the monuments and organizations that share the stories of the community’s struggle for equality. Nearby Mission Dolores Park is a great place to take a break from the hills. For panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, head to Golden Gate Beach. Don’t forget to visit the Palace of Fine Arts, a Roman-inspired monument that was originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition; the current structure was rebuilt from 1964–1974. The San Francisco Modern Art Museum was the first modern art museum on the West Coast, showcasing such artists as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Today, it's the largest modern art museum in the country and a must-see for any art enthusiast.
Photography by Jen Roberts
STAY
Located in a flatiron-style building in the Mid-Market District, the 131-room, dog-friendly San Francisco Proper has a rooftop terrace with a fire pit and three restaurants, including the European-inspired La Bande. Fairmont San Francisco offers a luxurious stay in the city. In addition to its 606 guest rooms, the hotel offers 10 balcony suites with views of the city and the bay. (It even boasts a Santa Suite for the holidays.) Hotel Zetta San Francisco offers a modern stay in the city. Located in the SoMa neighborhood, the hotel embodies the creative spirit of its neighborhood, with art featured in its hallways and stairwells, as well as a giant Plinko game in the lobby.
Photography by Jen Roberts
