Weekend Trip to San Francisco: Dream Itinerary

Growing up in the Bay Area, I have spent my fair share of visits to the city, and feel like I have seen it all. Here is my dream weekend itinerary!

To Start:

Fly into SFO airport (try to get a seat on the left side of the plane in case your route passes the city). Depending on your arrival, check out the city and maybe hit the shops! Enjoy a dinner at The Braizenhead, on the corner of Greenwich and Buchanan in Cowhollow for the best steak (shocker). This is a hole-in-the-wall gem, and you'll likely be the only tourists there!

Saturday:

Walk from Pier 39 to the Golden Gate Bridge. This might seem intimidating, but layer up and wear good shoes! Grab hot mini donuts at the pier to start the morning (duh). Make sure to add a stop at Buona Vista for an Irish coffee, and then hit Chestnut street in the marina for lunch.

I would recommend Ace Wasabi for fresh sushi or pizza at Del La Rosa. If you want a grab and go, check out Luca Delicatessens for old fashioned subs. From there, head towards Chrissy field for amazing views of the bridge and bay. I would not recommend swimming in the bay unless you fancy freezing your buns off. Don't say I didn't warn you!

End the night with tapas at Cha Cha Cha in the Haight District. "Don't start with the sangria, or you'll be sloshed"- wise words from my mother. If you're looking for a more relaxed meal, there is no shame in stopping at In n Out, my personal guilty pleasure. PS, ask for a side of the special sauce for your fries, you won't regret it!

Sunday:

Without a doubt I would recommend a tour of Alcatraz. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A RESERVATION AS FAR IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE! Last time I checked, reservations were booked about a year out, so you might be out of luck... Depending on your tour time, I would head over to the Mission District for some luxury pastries a.k.a. the best desserts ever. Located next door to each other, Craftsman and Wolves, and Dandelion are a must-try. If time allows, walk off all those sweets you just ate around Union Square- especially during the holiday season. (Ice Skating in the heart of one of the most famous cities? UM, yes please!).

Honorable mentions: Hike the Lands End Trail to Sutro Baths, Saturday Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building, attend a Giants game at Oracle Park, Lombard Street (just to say you did it TBH), and ride the Cable Car.