Fun in the Bay Area
San Francisco has a lot to offer and we hope you’ll take some time to explore the city we currently call home! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities and restaurants below:

OUTDOORS
The Presidio and Lands End: Located northwest of the city, these two parks offer running, hiking and biking trails, beaches, and access to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Golden Gate Park: GGP is a large urban park on the west side of San Francisco with ample green space, picnic areas, and great trails and sidewalks for walking and running, not to mention cultural attractions like the Academy of Sciences, DeYoung Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. Head there on a weekend morning, and you’re likely to see Elise running through the park (and sometimes Brian too!).
Interior Greenbelt (Sutro Forest): This is one of our favorite urban hikes or trail runs. After five minutes walking up the trails through the forest of eucalyptus trees, you’ll forget you’re in a city.

CULTURAL
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf: Both bayside, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are where you can explore San Francisco’s historical fishing culture and marine life. A few suggestions: Grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, visit the aquarium, and rent bikes to bike towards the Marina and Golden Gate Bridge. And don’t miss the sea lions!
Walt Disney Family Museum: This museum tells the story of the man behind the magic. Even if you’re not as Disney-obsessed as we are, the design and curation of this museum is not to be missed. Plus, it’s located in the beautiful Presidio with a view of the Golden Gate during the exhibits.
Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz is a legendary island that housed one of the most notable maximum security federal prisons in the country. A quick ferry ride away, you can take a cool guided tour of the cellhouse and explore the grounds. If you’re really brave, night time tours are also available.
California Academy of Sciences: Planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one, the Cal Academy of Sciences is just plain cool. It’s also located in Golden Gate Park, so it’s a two-for-one experience!

NEIGHBORHOODS
Hayes Valley: Hayes Valley is a popular neighborhood in the center of the city with a lot of cool boutiques, craft coffee on side streets and alleys, and a cute park with regular art installations at its hub. It borders the Civic Center neighborhood where you can find the SF Symphony, Ballet, and Opera, so grab some dinner and head to a show!
Mission District: The Mission was Elise’s ‘hood for almost four years and we spent a lot of time exploring the food scene (see Eats and Sweets sections for recs!). Whether you’re looking for a dive, the best taquerias, or a nice restaurant, the Mission’s got it all. There are notable murals and street art between Valencia and Mission streets that show you the culture and vibe of the neighborhood, and Dolores Park is a popular hangout spot for everyone (literally everyone) in SF on the weekend.
Haight Ashbury: The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is deeply rooted in the ‘counterculture’ (and hippie culture) of the ‘70s and its architecture, cafes, and shops are reminiscent of that era. Elise also lived here for a year and had fun exploring such a San Francisco neighborhood–it’s also the gateway to the beautiful Golden Gate Park! You’ll find vintage shops and organic cafes lining the streets, and may encounter some folks “on the fringe.” Be sure to stop by the Booksmith, our favorite bookstore in all of SF (a title we don’t take lightly).

EATS
Plow (Potrero Hill): Brunch spot with amazing breakfast potatoes and lemon ricotta pancakes.
Foreign Cinema (Mission): Californian – Mediterranean food with an outdoor movie for ambiance. Try the fried chicken — you’ll never be the same again!
Zazie (Cole Valley): Known for brunch but a hidden gem with amazingly-priced French fare for dinner.
Aster (Mission): Really creative California cuisine, tasting menu, and presentations.
Range (Mission): New American dishes with seasonally-driven menu.
Absinthe (Hayes Valley): French Bistro and Brasserie with great cocktails. The burger is an absolute favorite.
West of Pecos (Mission): Santa Fe-inspired dishes with smoky and spicy flavors. The seasonal salsa with fresh chips (along with guac, of course) is one of our favorites!

SWEET TREATS
Tartine (Mission): Lemon cream tarts that cure colds, chocolate croissants as big as your face, and decadent pastries and sandwiches. Not to be missed but prepare to wait in line!
Bi-Rite (Mission or Nopa): Local and organic produce and flowers with deli and wine experts itching to help. Ice cream is made in-house with unique flavors.
Craftsman and Wolves (Mission or Nob Hill): Award-winning cafe with delicious pastries and unexpected flavors. Try the Rebel Within or the Travel Cake.
Smitten (Hayes Valley): Creamy made-to-order ice cream uses magic (ok, it’s liquid nitrogen) to freeze each order. New flavors available seasonally but you can’t go wrong with the Tcho chocolate.

QUICK EATS
Ferry Marketplace (Embarcadero): Constantly bustling with commuters and shoppers, great speciality food shops and restaurants. Amazing Farmer’s Markets on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays.
Ike’s Place (Mission): Huge and hugely creative sandwiches (including veg and vegan options!) with a house “dirty sauce.” Grab a sando and head to Dolores Park to enjoy.
The Little Chihuahua (Mission or Nopa): Mexican taqueria upscaled. Delicious dishes are made with sustainable ingredients.

CAFFEINE
Philz: Pour over coffee made to order from over 20 blends. Don’t go in asking for a latte, but let the barista help you choose your best blend. If it’s hot out, try an iced tea or the special iced coffee blend — Ecstatic Iced.
Blue Bottle: Local (Oakland) coffee roaster with cafes and coffee offered all over the city. Basic menu focusing on single-origin beans, amazing coffee.
Sightglass: House-roasted beans with intense flavor. Head to their SOMA location and visit the affogato bar upstairs for espresso blends paired with ice cream.

NORTH AND SOUTH
Marin Headlands and Mt. Tam: A drive across the Golden Gate brings great landscapes, hikes, and spectacular views of San Francisco. Trek through the Redwoods in Muir Woods, explore the Dipsea Trail, and then picnic on Stinson Beach!
Tomales Bay Oyster Company: Tomales Bay is an idyllic setting for an afternoon of oysters and sunshine. Fresh oysters and shucking supplies available for purchase and rent. Be sure to make a reservation on the weekend and come well-equipped with picnic supplies (bonus points if you have a basket).
Stanford University: Stop by our alma mater for a glimpse at where we met! The weather will be unparalleled in July, so walk through White Plaza, grab a Coupa coffee at the stand outside Green Library, and if you’re feeling particularly athletic, do the Dish — a 3.5 mile hilly hike on campus.
Disneyland:  The Happiest Place on Earth is a bit of a drive (6 hours), but we would be remiss not to include it as it serves as a special place for us. We are self-proclaimed Disneyland experts, so let us know if you need any tips.