San Francisco Gems

San Francisco will always hold a special place in my heart. My Great Uncle lived across the Golden Gate Bridge and it was such a treat to visit him numerous times throughout the year while growing up. My family always went around the holidays to see a play, eat delicious meals and to of course, shop. Having spent my college years and 4+ years after college living in the Bay Area I've compiled a list of my favorite 'San Francisco Gems.' 

It really is the most charming city; enjoy and remember to pack layers! 

Tourist To-Do List:

Cable Car (Ride to Union Square for shopping or to Gihrardelli Square for 

ice cream sundaes)

Coit Tower (Walk through North Beach and stop for pasta or pizza in what's left of Little Italy. Caffe BaoNecci is a favorite of both my sister and I.)

Crissy Field (Picnic while taking in the Golden Gate / Alcatraz View)

Dolores Park (Take in the amazing view and grab a burrito at El Farolito in the Mission)

Lombard Street (The world's most-crooked street)
Ferry Building (Blue Bottle Coffee, Farmers Market, The Slanted Door, Miette)
Golden Gate Bridge (If you walk across the bridge remember it's chilly!)

Optional Tourist To-Do:

Academy of Science
China Town

De Young Museum

Golden Gate Park

Haight Ashbury

Moma

Palace of Fine Arts
Pier 39

The Castro
Top of the Mark

Eat & Drink:

A16
Bar Tartine

Beretta
Delfina
Farina
Flour and Water
Heirloom Cafe
Mamacita
Nob Hill Cafe
Nick's Crispy Tacos (you must order your tacos Nick's Way)
Nopa
Ozumos
Pizzeria Delfina
Range
SPQR
The Grove (for a casual lunch)
U-Lee (Chinese take-out, known for their giant pot stickers)
Umami (sushi happy hour)
Wayfare Tavern

Bar:

Bourbon & Branch (speak-easy, you must make a reservation)

Buena Vista Bar (a San Francisco classic for their Irish Coffee)

La Lola (my old neighborhood favorite for tapas + sangria)
Ottimista (casual wine bar)
Tipsy Pig (delicious eats as well and great for groups)
The Tonga Room (perfect for large groups)

Brunch:
Foreign Cinema
Nob Hill Grille
Rose's Cafe
Tartine Bakery

Unique Boutique:

Cris (my go-to consignment / vintage store on Polk Street) 

 Street to Walk (and Shop):

Chestnut

Fillmore

Union

Sweet Treat:
Bi-rite Creamery
Humphry Slocombe (known for their unique flavors)
Kara's Cupcakes