San Francisco Gems

As the Walrus said to the band of oysters, "The time has come, to talk of many things..." 

It's been a great run, but now I bid farewell to San Francisco (SF). I remember the first day I arrived. It was smokey, the sky was reddish/grey, the houses and buildings covered every bit of land the eye could see. Oh it was a dreadful sight, much like looking into a trash can. I regretted all of my decisions. 

That was, until the clouds cleared and I experienced the greatness that was SF. 

San Francisco View From Lombard Street

You have to live in it. You have to dig deep, expand wide, and use your country charm to get the most out of the city. SF has the greatest hikes, the greatest park in the world, the most kind and educated doctors, the most inviting population, and a drive for success that pulls you along with it.

As a parting gift, I want to share with you the gems I collected in this city. They are sure to bring you peace, happiness, and adventure when it feels like the walls of your tiny apartment are caving in. 

1) Cal Academy Thursday Nights

        For a fun little outting, with or without friends, you should check this place out! Park for free in Golden Gate Park. It's just $15 to enter the event (at least, when I went it was). It's a night time activity where you get to explore the museum without any screaming kids. Just you and the other drunk adults. Honestly I've seen/heard a lot of first-time dates at this shin dig. Could be cool. They open it all up, including their butterfly garden, their newest exhibit, and if you pay extra, you get to see the movies in those domes. When I attended, they also had a live orchestra practicing outside and they had a DJ inside. There are bars set up all around the museum if you need to dumb down. It's such a chill vibe and you can take it at your own pace. 

2) Land's End

        This place is no secret, but it's honestly one of the most beautiful things you'll see in the city. I highly recommend you drive there and park in the free lot either at Land's End Lookout or park for 4 hours at Legion of Honor and follow the golf course path to the ocean and head left towards Land's End. Either way, don't expect to pay for parking! First, check out the Lookout. There are cool stories about this place's history including the indigenous peoples and how the land transformed. They have a gift shop where the proceeds go to protecting the parks. I bought some nice Golden Gate Bookends there for just $25! Then, set out on a journey to see the old remnants of the Sutro baths, explore that cave down there, and wind through the paths that lead to historic artifacts. 

The Cave at Land's End

The Sutro Baths and Pacific Ocean

3) Golden Gate Park/Strawberry Hill

        Everyone ends up at GG park. It is huge and there are so many things to do. There's an annual, free, event called Hardly Strictly that is a must. One of the walks I take often here is along Strawberry Hill around Stowe Lake. If you are cute, you'll rent a boat and paddle along the lake that surrounds the hill. But if you are more into walking, go up the hill and find the waterfall. For chill vibes, have a rest at Mother's Meadow. If you are looking for volunteer work, sign up to be a garden helper. They have a little training sesh, but they are very inviting, put you to work, and you get into the gardens for free.  

Mother's Meadow

4) Marina Headlands

        If you are in the mood to cross the bridge (and pay the toll on the way back down), you should head to Marina Headlands. There are so many hiking trails up there that all lead to gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. There are old World War whatever bunkers up there and lookouts. You will feel like you've left the country and are now in Ireland or something (idk I hardly left the country). It is unbelievable. And check out that view of the bridge/city! Can't beat it. 

Marina Headlands and Pacific Ocean

Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from Marina Headlands

5) Potrero Hill Public Library

        This was a safe space for me when I first moved to Dogpatch. I hiked my little booty up to the library to have a change of scenery, and boy did I get it. This particular library has the best view out of all the libraries, and it's usually quiet. One quick tip: check out Museum Passes from any Public Library, which allow you access to a number of museums in the city. Also check out Potrero Park if you happen to be living in the area.

View from Potrero Hill Public Library

6) Crissy Fields and the Wave Organ

        One of my friends introduced me to the calm beaches of Crissy Fields. We had a nice walk along the beach with a view of GG bridge, did a little jog, and then we visited the Wave Organ. That spot is verrryyy romantic. If you want to impress someone, take them there. What's more romantic than hearing the thrum of the tides through an organ? 

Panoramic View of Crissy Fields

7) Sharp Park Beach, Pacifica

        What's great about this spot is it gets you away from the city without crossing the bridges. There are beautiful beach hiking trails here. It's a Malibu type feel. 

Miromesnil and I from the top of Sharp Park

Shark Park Beach views with Pacific Ocean to the right

8) Mount Sutro

        One of my favorite hikes of all time through tall, Eucalyptus trees. The smell is earthy and everything you miss about the woods in the country. It does get pretty crowded, but I highly recommend the Fairy Trail.  

Fairy Trail in Mount Sutro Forest

Eucalyptus Trees in Mount Sutro Forest 

9) Sign Hill Park

        I recently discovered this hiking spot because I moved to South San Francisco for a bit. This is a good way to get some legwork and cardio in for the day. You have to hike up a mountain, but the trees offer good shade. Strange thing is, you don't see the sign. 

10) Neighbor Bakehouse

        The BEST croissants and other pastries that you'll never forget, they are so good. 

11) Giant's Stadium

        When I lived in Dogpatch, I immediately headed for the Bay. I ran along the edge until I reached the Giant's Stadium, and then it was such a beautiful run that I kept going all the way to the Ferry Building. Check it out! You don't have to pay to walk around the stadium and now they have that new Chase Center. 

12) Hard Knox Cafe in Dogpatch

        When I didn't feel like cooking, and I was missing home, I'd go here, even alone. I always got their pulled pork on a bun. If you are alone, just sit at the bar and watch a game on the many TVs they have.

13) South Beach/North Beach

        Check out the China Basin. There are a lot of walks in that area. South Beach itself has a wonderful walk along the Bay. It is a richer area, easy on the eyes, and clean. Check out the farmers market. There is also an event called Fleet Week (highly recommend). You'll get views of the planes starting from South Beach, although not as well as from Fishermans Wharf in North Beach. Of course, North Beach also contains Fisherman's Wharf among other things that you must check out. 

China Basin Walk along the Mission Creek Channel

South Beach Park with view of Ferry Building

14) Crossroads cafe

        I happened upon this bookstore/cafe when I was out on a run. I find that's the best way to discover new places. Start for a jog and if you see something interesting, let your feet take you there! They have the newest books on display right when you walk in. There is a spacious indoor sitting area with couches. What I recommend is that you order a cappuccino and take it to the outdoor seating area which is in a lovely garden. No service, so no pressure to leave. Just sit there and enjoy your coffee by a gorgeous view of the Bay. 

Crossroads Cafe garden with a view of the Bay

15) Delancey Street

        This restaurant holds a dear place in me and my friends' hearts. We always ate here. It looks so fancy, but it's very inexpensive, and they treat you so well. The staff is very nice. The food is AMAZING, especially the free little bagel slices they give you with this delicious butter. I mean, you have to have the butter. It is the creamiest thing...ever. 

16) Green Gulch

        This spot is also across GG bridge, and it is a yogi retreat with vegetable gardens, hiking trails, horses, and a beach front. I felt transported when I happened upon it. Free parking and a beautiful walk through "countryside". 

Beach Walk from Green Gulch

17) Park Presidio Capital

        I will leave you with this final destination/gem. My finacee and I recently took a walk around here during the Coronavirus quarantine. You start by walking through a cute park with rolling hills, a duck pond, and streams. Then, you look over and see the GG bridge AND Palace of Fine Arts. Wow, two for the price of one (not really, it's all free). You are walking around a Designer's paradise, where the designers for Lucasfilms and Letterman Digital get their inspiration from. Enjoy the beignets and some burgers from Sessions at the Presidio. I have a task for you, try to find the Yoda statue. So cute!!! When you are done with your walk around Park Presidio, take the drive down Lover's Lane with the windows down. Breathe in the fresh air as you enter a forest of tall trees that will have you feeling like a bride walking down the aisle...as it were. 

Park Presidio Duck Pond on left

Hopefully these places make you feel a bit homier in a big city. Even if you are just visiting, I have included places that are a bit off the beaten path as well as tourist destinations, just to fit every need. As for me, toodaloo San Francisco. From now on, I'll be writing to you from my lil home in Miami, FL! I can't wait to share with you the culture and lifestyle of Miami from my country girl's point of view.