San Francisco — STEPHANIA OCHS

Prior to this past weekend, the majority of my knowledge about the San Francisco metropolis came from watching Mia Thermopolis (Princess Diaries reference.)

I’ll start with a disclaimer that the weather was bloody perfect the whole weekend. I was very prepared to be doubled wrapped in scarves and jackets, but instead I was able to rock crop tops. HALLELUJAH. Here’s the run down from my SF trip. (BTW all locations are hyperlinked direct to business’s websites for your convince.)

Packing list:

comfortable walking shoes
light and heavy jackets depending on the season
a wallet with a lot of money… haha but really.

I landed around 10pm on a Friday night. Uber does pick-ups from one of the convenient parking garages at SFO. In addition SF Uber offers the carpool option (I shared a ride from the airport to the middle of downtown for just $10.)

My hotel was booked through Hotel Tonight. This is one of my favorite travel apps. It finds last minute deals on unbooked hotel rooms in a specific area you look into and you pay through the app. You can now book in advance but the longer you can wait to book, there tends to be even greater deals on it. I chose a vintage, old world, charming hotel named White Swan Inn. Located in Nob Hill, I found this hotel to be supremely convenient in terms of location and comfort. Its right in the middle of the downtown area so I was walking distance to all neighborhoods. A few things I loved about this hotel was the downstairs basement home to the library, living room area, and complimentary hot breakfast kitchen. The breakfast provided had an impressive spread of fruit, pastries, and homemade quiche. White Swan also provides a happy hour everyday 5-6:30 with wine and an assortment of cheeses. The entire hotel encompasses a modern London theme mixed with old vintage country. I felt like I was at a remodeled grandmothers home! Each individual room hosts a real fireplace. Like I mentioned earlier, White Swan overflows with charm.

The Fairmont Hotel

Stopped at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Be open to recommendations when you travel. Some of the greatest times I’ve had in new cities sparked from asking the locals what I should do while I’m there. Before leaving for trips, ask your friends who have already traveled to your destination where and what you should do. Here were some of the recommendations I received, and while my trip was amazing, it was short so I did not get to all of them, but I will leave the unused recommendations right here incase they can be of any service to your future SF trip:

Picnic and people watch in Dolores Park
Visit Coit Tower
Eat at Mission Chinese
Dessert at Common Wealth
Rent a bike and explore Dog Patch
Check out El Techo rooftop bar

Trolly transport

Mia Thermopolis rode this

Now here’s what I actually did!

I started my Saturday morning slowly by enjoying the complimentary breakfast from the hotel. I grabbed a coffee on the way out and did a short stroll to Union Square to get some fresh air and decide the direction of my day. I knew I wanted to workout so I figured I’d start by booking a class through my ClassPass App. ClassPass is an awesome way to workout in various cities. You pay a monthly membership fee and get awarded a specific number of points you can use to put towards purchased fitness classes in gym and studios. It is a fantastic way to avoid having a gym membership but still gaining the benefits of partaking in a fitness community. I was sold on a Lagree Fitness Method class offered at Core40. This is like pilates on crack. It’s a complete well rounded workout incorporating all major muscle groups, and an increased heart rate. I was very impressed with the studio’s location, cleanliness and open floor layout. The teacher, Denise was extremely clear with her cues and offered a challenging yet low impact workout. Just what I was looking for.

A Far Glimpse

Financial District and Bay Bridge

With my sweat out of the way, I was ready to explore! I ventured into China Town first, knowing I wanted to find lunch at an authentic landmark in the area. Venturing down Grant Ave, I spotted a two story restaurant with patio on the second floor. I’m the biggest fan of dinning outdoors, and rooftops are an absolute specialty. Walking into this small lobby of China Town Restaurant will always stick out as memorable for me. The restaurant was actually upstairs but as I made my way there, I noticed awards and banners lining the walls and highlighting the fact this place has been open since 1919. ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BUSINESS. This secured my confidence that I serendipitously walked into the perfect place. My order consisted of 4 shrimp dumplings and a hot & sour soup. To my surprise, the server brought over an amazing seaweed salad as well. Without a doubt, there are hundreds of incredible Chinese food spots in SF, but as far as history, charm, and quality, China Town Restaurant can’t be beat!

DX5RtSAISyyeXkBD+ecqMg.jpg — 100 years in business

I sat right on the corner and fueled up for more exploring

ufC%A5fIQTGRmKDOA%GSzQ.jpg — Chinatown

Hot & Sour Soup
Shrimp Dumplings

After fueling up I ventured my way over to the Ferry Building. To my surprise there was live music and a cute farmer’s market going on. With the weather being absolutely stunning, the city was filled with smiling people everywhere. I stood and just gave myself a moment to take it all in.

The city’s charm

meandering through the FiDi

For all the millennials reading, this next blurb is for you. Avocado Toast. Provender. This spot was recommended to me by some friends who are locals. It was nearly 3 miles from the Ferry Building, so I Ubered there. It was exactly the late afternoon pick me up I needed. Most avocado toasts make me cringe when I realize I’m paying $12 for a piece of bread and not enough avocado, but this… This avocado toast was special. Layered with garlic aioli, lemon, flake salt, cilantro, & crispy garlic, the toast had a whole avocado sliced on top. I’m not only telling you to go try this place for the amazing piece of bread with overrated toppings, BUT to my surprise just a few yards up the street there is an awesome look out point that allows a great view of the downtown city skyline. I’m all about views, so I felt as though the $12 toast, and two Uber rides were justified!

Provender

Avocado Toast but the “worth-it” kind

Later in the evening I grabbed sushi at a low key spot Izakaya Yoki. I was impressed with the portion size and freshness. The atmosphere was nothing fancy, but you could tell this family owned and operated restaurant takes a massive value in quality of food.

Due to the excessive waitlist, I wasn’t able to sit down for a drink at Top of the Mark, which is a penthouse lounge located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental. I was able to take a lap around and enjoy the breathtaking views including sights of both the Bay & Golden Gate Bridges. Next time I am in the city, I will make it a priority to enjoy this lounge.

The remainder of my trip Sunday morning included a walk totaling in 6 miles just trying to gage the parts of the city I had yet to visit. I made my way through to North Beach and ventured into a few shops near Fisherman’s Warf. Of course, I had to stop through Ghiradelli Square too! This is a fabulous area filled with seafood, tour boats, & a clear view of Alcatrez.

docked boats at the warf

Such a postcard moment I had to capture.

San Franciso is a vibrant city with a little bit of everything. There is such a spectrum of whatever you are looking for. It is easy to be low key and casual, yet there is plenty of princess appeal if you are looking for it. After this short weekend, I realized I have only scratched SF’s surface. Needless to say, I am looking forward to my next adventure in this fabulous and history-rich city.