We are headed to San Francisco next month for our anniversary and I cannot wait! There is so much beauty and history and it will be my first time going. Obviously, I need all the tips I can get. I have compiled a list, which naturally includes all the main tourist attractions, but I want it to be more than that. Like, where do the locals go? What are the hidden gems people miss?
Our trip will only be for three days, but we are going sans kids and will be free to roam and sightsee and eat! Can I tell you how excited I am to be able to sit in a restaurant without worrying about spilled water and utensils flying through the air? THIS excited!
Here is the list I have compiled. It is in no particular order of importance or geographically mapped out, although I would like it to be when we go. Pretty please suggest, say nay, or embellish on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.
SIGHTS TO SEE:
Golden Gate Bridge and National Rec Area. This is naturally the first thing to add to the list because it is iconic!
Sausalito and Tiburon. All the guides I have read say to head to Sausalito and then head to Tiburon after. Is this worth it? I hear it is charming and quaint and the dreamiest little town. PLUS, it's where Sara and Lars live in Serendipity, and we all know how I feel about that!
The Painted Ladies. Full House, guys! I plan on packing my scrunchies, sweatshirts and Keds with socks...wait a minute, isn't that back in style? I will be so hip! ;) (And when did I get so OLD?!) Be expecting many a photo and grams about me having a picnic in the park across the way and pretending to kiss Uncle Jesse.
Haight and Ashbury. Because I am convinced I belonged in the 60s and am a hippie at heart. I don't care if I am living my teenage angsty dreams and reverting back to my obsession with The Doors by going here. It just has to be done.
Fisherman's Wharf. Again, it is my duty as a proper tourist to visit this place.
Chinatown. But not just the main street! (I don't even know the street names to reference to.) I have read that the side alleys are where the real cool stuff goes down.
Presidio. We love to hike so we will spend one of our mornings enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer.
Mission District. I will most certainly be overgrammin' this entire trip, and my wall mural-loving self will be in high heaven at the Clarion Alley Murals! Where are the other must-see bright walls and murals? I am specifically interested in pink houses like the ones in the photo above! Are they everywhere? I don't know these things. Forgive my ignorance and teach me your ways.
16th Avenure Mosaic Steps. Again, because I am a sucker for colorful and artistic things and live for photo opps ;)
Bernal Slides. I saw this suggestion and HAD to add it to the list. These slides are HUGE! How cool! Kid at heart, ya know?
WHAT TO EAT:
Tartine. Apparently this is a delicious alternative to that other popular bakery I don't remember the name of.
And that wraps up the list! Is it a good one? Obviously we still need suggestions for places to eat and a cool hotel to stay in, so please send them my way!
Our countdown for our trip to San Francisco has begun, and I am incredibly excited to share our photos and adventures. Be sure to follow along our journey on Instagram (@alongabbeyroad). I promise it will be full of life and color. Can't wait!
Photo by Anne-Solange Tardy
