If you haven't noticed from my previous posts, I prioritize travel-whether it be for longer, more adventurous trips or nearby, easy weekend getaways. I recently spent 48 hours in San Francisco with my sister (who has Wednesdays and Thursdays off here in LA, so we opted to visit SF over her "weekend"!), which I covered briefly on the Shop's Instagram. After dozens of DMs asking for a Highlight, I decided to write out everything we did and ate there, and all the other favorites I didn't have enough time to visit! Food is always a priority, so be warned: There are many restaurants, bakery, and coffee shop recommendations below. Here's my guide to spending 48 hours in San Francisco:
Walk to the Golden Gate Bridge: This might not be feasible depending on where you're staying (I happened to be staying at a family friends' home in the Richmond area, so it was convenient!), but this is one of my favorite ways to kick off my time in San Francisco. It's such an iconic and recognizable structure in the city and breathtaking in person. If you're elsewhere, consider a stroll in Golden Gate Park, Fort Funston, or Mount Davidson Park.
Pick up pastries at Arsicault Bakery: I am passionate about pastries. And aside from Konbi here in LA, these are my favorite in all of the States. There's a reason Bon Appétit dubbed it one of the best new bakeries in America. The croissants are buttery and flaky, the morning bun has the perfect hint of citrus, and the caramelized kouign-amann will change your freakin' life.
...and a cup of joe at Sightglass Coffee: I love Sightglass for a few reasons: There are four locations throughout SF (so I'm usually within a quick drive of at least one), they're all equally gorgeous in design, and they brew some damn good coffee. I got an oat vanilla paste latte and it was incredible.
Grab a loaf or a fancy toast at The Mill: Since my sister is a professional baker, we're constantly on the lookout for bread (#teamgluten). We always stop at The Mill, and she picked up two fancier loaves to take home with us. If you've got some room, order a toast with almond butter or cinnamon sugar.
Head to Berkeley for lunch at Chez Panisse: I'd mentioned to Emily that we were planning on getting a reservation at Alice Waters' (the queen of California cuisine) restaurant for dinner, and she wisely recommended that instead we go to Café Panisse, the more casual space upstairs for lunch. It was a low-key yet delicious (and less expensive!) farm-to-table meal, and if you have the time and a ride, it's worth the drive over the bridge.
Get in some shopping: Three of my favorite boutiques happen to be on the same block in San Francisco: Modern Citizen (reasonably-priced basics), ANOMIE (great AGOLDE and fine jewelry selection), and isalis (for the edgier, trendier pieces). If you don't live in a city with Everlane or Reformation, tag those on!
Have dinner at Che Fico: Are you a fan of Italian fare? Do you like intricately and impeccably designed restaurants? Then eat at Che Fico - one of the hottest newer spots in the city - that serves a tasty chopped salad, rich pasta, and Parmesan-dusted pizzas. I enjoyed every bite.
Walk Land's End: If you're looking for a moderate and picturesque walk to start your day, this is it. You get breathtaking views of the coastline (without a steep incline, so the sweat is kept to a minimum). It took me about an hour and a half total, and I highly recommend it.
Tartine Manufactory or Bakery: We have our very own Tartine (two, actually!) in LA, but the ones up north are must-visits. The bread and butter is always on my to-order list, as well as a morning bun.
Ritual Coffee: If you didn't get your caffeine fix at Tartine, head to Ritual, another one of my favorite coffee shops that started on Valencia Street.
Shop around Union Square: If you're looking for some standard designer shopping, downtown has plenty of options, along with re: store, a start-up bringing online companies to one brick-and-mortar store.
Yank Sing for dim sum: No trip to San Francisco is complete without dim sum. Most are only open for lunch, and Yank Sing is (in my opinion) the best. They serve traditional dishes, but have some additional, more contemporary options, so everyone is happy. Don't skip on the soup dumplings (of course) or the egg custard tarts.
Pick up La Taqueria or Souvla for the plane: One of my favorite SF traditions is swinging by one of my other favorite restaurants I didn't get a chance to hit up during my visit and bringing it to the airport. My go-to's are La Taqueria (the best Mission burrito of all time) or Souvla (fast-casual souvlaki spots with a couple of locations throughout the city).
Restaurants: Outerlands Flour + Water Mister Jiu's Bakeries: b. patisserie Jane the Bakery Craftsman and Wolves Shopping: The Voyager Shop Coffee and tea: Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters Dessert: Garden Creamery Bi-Rite Creamery
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