Visit San Francisco if you love being outside and spend the day exploring! Enjoy stunning views & fill that camera with amazing photos! Make it a “Golden” day on the northwest area of the San Francisco peninsula.
Visit San Francisco’s Northwest Peninsula
With more than twenty highly distinctive neighborhoods in San Francisco, how do you choose where to spend your time?
If you’re an outdoor lover and love to explore, the northwest peninsula might be just the ticket! In our previous post, How To Make the Most of a Day In San Francisco, we visited the wharfs of San Francisco and showed you how to spend a day playing the role of tourist. We also included tips to deal with the ever-changing weather or just getting round.
Believe it or not, there is a whole other vibe of San Francisco to explore if you love being outside. Enjoy stunning views and fill that camera (okay, smartphone for most of us) with amazing instagram-worthy shots. This area includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Park with a few spots to grab some eats and treats along the way. Really, if you visit San Francisco this area a must!
Visit San Francisco and Get A Great Morning Start
Morning Mojo – Philz Coffee
www.philzcoffee.com/@philzcoffee
So the one thing my son wanted on our most recent trip together was Philz Coffee. The truck is located near the Golden Bridge but also the Palace of Fine Arts. No matter which point you choose to start your day, Philz is a great option.
Philz Truck is usually parked at this location on weekends with a view of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. In case of unexpected changes, check Twitter first!
www.dynamodonut.com/@dynamodonut
A perfect walk-up option for anyone looking for a unique donut to start the day is Dynamo Donut and Coffee. There are two locations, one in the Mission District and a cute little walk-up at the Marina, near the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Both offer amazing seasonal donut options. Flavors include Peanut Butter Banana Honey, Candied Orange Blossom, Lemon Sichuan and more. Just remember, options will change throughout the year.
Note: There ARE gluten free options HOWEVER while made with a wheat-free base, they are fried in the same oil as other donut flavors.
Commune With Nature When You Visit San Francisco
The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
There is absolutely no way you can visit San Francisco without heading to its most iconic landmark! You may wonder why the Golden Gate Bridge appears to be red instead of a golden yellow? In the mid 1800’s the entrance to San Francisco Bay was name the “Golden Gate” after the great harbor of the “Golden Horn” in ancient Byzantium by Captain John C. Fremont. By 1937, the longest suspension bridge in the world was built to accommodate the population growth of the Gold Rush. To this day, it is the single most iconic San Francisco landmark.
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website is perfect to help you plan a visit. Be aware that vehicles and bicycles can cross 24/7 but pedestrians can only walk across the 1.7 miles during daylight hours. If you want to know how things are “looking” out on the bridge before you, check the webcams. It’s always helpful to know whether fog will ruin a beautiful bay photo or make that sullen, spooky vibe a reality.
What is the best time to visit? Surprise! July and August can be quite cold and foggy on the bridge. September and October are substantially warmer with better overall conditions if heading out to cross on foot. If you’re looking for a free activity and want to get outside, walking the bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
How To Find Fun in the Sun If You Visit San Francisco
The Palace of Fine Arts
Probably one of the most popular photos you can take when you visit San Francisco is at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District. This is a gorgeous spot to enjoy your latte, kick back and read for awhile or just take those fun Instagram photos you see everyone posting. Evenings are spectacular since the building is lit up. So if you can’t make it during the day, that’s okay. You can still catch a stunning photo on an evening stroll.
A little history on the Palace of Fine Arts! It was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The building wasn’t intended to remain after the exposition but it was so beloved, it stayed. Though it did have to be rebuilt in 1965 and had a seismic retrofit in 1969 as well.
Walk Golden Gate Park
This expansive park is on the west side, away from the wharfs and just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve included it as a big part of our nature and walking focus because of its proximity to the famous bridge and everything the park has to offer.
On a recent trip, we spent an entire day just cruising through the park and admiring the sights. Fortunately it was a warmer day, even though the sun only peeked through the clouds occasionally. It was such a nice break from the day before where the crowds of the wharfs began to overwhelm even my son. (This was a mother-son trip)
We couldn’t possibly see it all in a single day but we certainly walked from one end to the other. That is no small task to be sure!
The Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park
One stop that my son obliged was the Conservatory of Flowers. We saw exotic blooms from around the world, including aquatic varieties and special exhibits. It’s a gardener’s dream come true to admire amazing flowers year round.
It didn’t hurt that there were so many cute pups out for a stroll near the conservatory. My son caught a shot of this dressed up pair just outside on the grassy knolls. Yes, I might have taken a little too long admiring the blooms inside the Conservatory of Flowers but it was well worth it!
Golden Gate Park: The California Academy of Sciences
Another spot you’ll definitely want to check out is the California Academy of Sciences. You HAVE to click through to their website to get the look and feel!! This amazing complex consists of the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Osher Rainforest, and the Kimball Natural History Museum.
What’s really cool is that one ticket gets you into all four areas! You could take the kids and spend the day in this one location alone. This link will get you straight through for online purchases. There are even discounts for ordering ahead of time for your next visit to San Francisco!
Note that we featured this location in our post The Best California Destinations Offer Virtual Tours during the closure during 2020.
A Visit To San Francisco Is Never Complete Without A Delicious Meal and a Great Place To Stay
Eats & Treats – Nopalito
www.nopalitosf.com/@nopalitosf
If you are exhausted and looking to warm up with amazing food in a great atmosphere, Nopalito will certainly tick those boxes. Also, it happens to be walking distance from Golden Gate Park if you end your day near the California Academy of Sciences.
Nopalito offers traditional Mexican food utilizing local, organic and sustainable ingredients on their menus. That means it’s done right and it’s delicious! You’ll be hooked before you even get there when you check their Instagram page.
Seriously, in California there are a million different types of Mexican food to fit every single budget. Why not try something authentic and wonderful at the same time!
Rest & Recharge – The Presidio
As part of our options for getting outside in San Francisco, explore the Presidio. It’s a former military base with the iconic and fully revitalized red brick buildings.
This area has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a number of hiking trails and picnic spots, and even a campground. Walt Disney Museum is located on grounds if you’re a Disney fan!
If you want to stay in a historic landmark and hang your hat where you explore in San Francisco, you actually have two options on Presidio grounds! The Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at Presidio.
