If you’ve never been to San Francisco and want to make the most it, there is no better place to get started than at the wharfs and on the water.
**Disclaimer**
The businesses and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places and activities our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. If you want us to tell our readers about your favorite place, tag us with #scgplacestogo and we’ll catch you next time we come through town!
The Distinct Districts of San Francisco
With twenty highly distinctive neighborhoods in San Francisco, it may sound like a lot right? Trust me, each area is highly specific culturally with a completely different feel than communities right next door.
Every visit to San Francisco for our family has been a short weekend jaunt. So if you’re limited on time and want to focus on a particular area within the forty-nine square miles of San Francisco, our series might help you decide how to spend your time. For this post, we wanted to focus on the Northern waterfront areas. It is perhaps the most popular but also a great spot for someone with limited time and funds. Did I mention the views are spectacular?
The North is a mixture of views and tourist-centric destinations. The West of San Francisco is a region unto itself with the fabulous Golden Gate Park similar to Central Park. The city districts and neighborhoods in the hills of San Francisco could take several days in and of themselves and include Chinatown, Castro District, Union Square, Haight Ashbury and so many more!
San Francisco Weather: Expect the Unexpected
Even during the summer, the weather in San Francisco can be chilly. You also never know whether the sun will pop out or if the gloom will hang on. Like most places in California, it’s all about layers. Be prepared to peel off a scarf and hat when the sun peeps out or don a wind breaker over a sweater as cold breezes whip around the bay.
The must-haves for a day exploring San Francisco should include the following: sunglasses, hat or beanie, your most comfortable walking shoes, a windbreaker or waterproof jacket of some sort, a small backpack for goodies you may buy along the way and a scarf. Almost any season except summer, an umbrella should at least be considered. The fog can linger in San Francisco so expect damp conditions virtually year-round.
In California, we are used to micro-climates where the weather can change quickly and vary within the same zip code. Truly, one side of San Francisco may be grey and chilly and the other side filled glowing sun rays.
San Francisco has so much to offer! The Travel Guide provided digitally by San Francisco’s Travel Association is 88 pages of digital information and will likely help you find whatever we did not detail in this blog post.
Getting Around San Francisco
Our last few visits have been short weekend trips on quick flights. We flew in and took the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit, Rail system) into the city. The price of BART can vary depending on your destination but it is less expensive (Around $10 one way) than Uber or Lyft. Shuttles are available for a similar price but you may have many stops along the way. If your time is limited and you are comfortable with public transport and everything that entails, the BART is an excellent option.
San Francisco may look like a small area to tour and explore but don’t be fooled! While that visitor map may look flat, you will quite literally walk either uphill or downhill if you don’t plan your day well. Yes, we focused in a particular area for just this reason!
Once you are in the city, you can purchases visitor passes for the municipal system and cable cars. If you plan well, you might not even need to do that! Click here for a link to purchase passes.
San Francisco Eats & Treats
Morning Mojo – Beacon Coffee & Pantry
Located in North Beach, near the famous Lombard Street and Coit Tower, Beacon Coffee and Pantry is the perfect way to start a day of sightseeing. You can reach the wharf as well as other areas easily.
Besides amazing coffee and pastries, you can also score sandwiches and salads to take along with you. That is especially helpful if you want to head out to Alcatraz Island where you have very few options.
Boudin Bakery, A San Francisco Must Stop
www.boudinbakery.com/@boudinbakery
Every trip I head to Boudin Bakery at the Wharf. Honestly, just the smell of the place brings joy. There might be an obsession with sourdough involved, not going to lie. The Wharf location is fun because they have a thirty foot observation window and finished loaves float by above you.
Beyond the bakery (yes they have more than just bread) this is also a restaurant and gift store. It’s a fun little spot to grab a few souvenirs.
Fog Harbor Fish House
www.fogharbor.com/@fogharbor
Fog Harbor Fish House is located on PIER 39 and provides views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a family affair three generations strong. It is a splurge for a romantic meal, but the view is worth splurging on! Fog Harbor is the first restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf to serve 100% sustainable seafood.
Commune with Nature on San Francisco Bay
Alcatraz Island AKA Alcatraz Prison!
www.alcatrazislandtickets.com
Alcatraz Cruises is the only ferry and tour company available for Alcatraz Island visits. Tours depart from Pier 39 every thirty minutes. You can stay on the island as long as you like and catch any ferry back.
Alcatraz Island is twenty-fives acres and was originally a military fort before it was converted to a maximum security prison. You can learn more about prisoners like Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone, the Birdman of Alcatraz or even which cell is rumored to be haunted. All the attempted escapes are documented via the tour as well.
Even if you’re not interested in the prison or the fort, it’s worth the price of a ticket for the gorgeous views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge alone. It’s a photographer’s dream (on a sunny day) since you can capture San Francisco views close enough for details but far enough for perspective.
There are both day and night tours, both are about two and half hours. Prices include audio tours and free reign of the facilities. Night tours range from $36 to $55 while day tours range from $32 to $48 approximately. Buy those tickets a few weeks ahead online as they are limited and sell out regularly.
Fun Fact! In 2015, a great white shark breached (yes, jumped out of the water just like those in South Africa we’ve seen on television) and feasted on a seal. A tourist uploaded the video to YouTube. Here is the link.
Fun in the Sun Along San Francisco Bay
The Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is incredibly popular with access to charters of the bay, the ferry to Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the famous Boudin Bakery. The abundance of seafood options and views of the bay give that vacation vibe we all hanker for.
Pier 39 is a great way to spend the day whether you have kids or not. It is full of things to see and do, including the Aquarium of the Bay. The pier area is filled with restaurants and gift shops but don’t be surprised to find a little entertainment along the way.
Even though it is the ultimate tourist trap, I still enjoy an opportunity to experience great seafood, scope out sea lions sunning on docks, and just nibble treats all day amongst the crowds. I could walk this area all day nibbling on treats from one location to the next.
This is also the location for a quiet, romantic seafood meal at Fog Harbor Fish House mentioned earlier in this post.
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is at the far end of the piers and wharf. It could be a great end to your day as the view from the grassy area overlooks the bay with a perfect view of Alcatraz Island. You can visit the very touristy Ghirardelli Square but don’t expect to find any production happening. The original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory that existed from 1852 to 1895 was converted to retail and restaurants in 1964. Don’t fear though, you can grab an indulgent ice cream sundae or take some chocolate with you.
Rest & Recharge
Hotel Zephyr
www.hotelzephyrsf.com/@hotelzephyrsf
This hotel is a newer property just steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf and everything North Beach has to offer. You can find really reasonable rates, at least by San Francisco standards.
It’s modern and super convenient. There is an incredibly unique courtyard with with fire pits and oversized games both inside and out. You can play ping pong or backgammon, dominoes and even board games. It’s definitely a plus if you’re young at heart or if the kids are tagging along! This hotel is also full of hip, instagram-worthy opportunities.
