Is it any wonder that San Francisco was named the number one travel spot in the nation – one of the older cities on the west coast, San Francisco offers beauty, culture, great food, and was named as the “greenest” city in North America.
We never miss a chance to go to San Francisco – so here are a few of fun things to do from our list:
The Wharf is unabashedly a tourist attraction, but it is a fun tourist attraction. On the wharf you can enjoy fresh fish, walk to a number of shops, see a lot of local entertainers, and if you are hungry there are a lot of places that you can sit down and eat.
City Lights Book Store started in the 1950’s to be a central place for poets and artists. It became known following the obscenity trial of Ferlinghetti for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s poem: Howl and other Poems. A rare thing in the era of electronic books, City Lights represents a place where you can get a great book, feel some history, and sit in the “Poet’s chair”
Chinatown: Get off the well-beaten path of tourists shops and find the markets, tea stores, and restaurants.
The noise of Chinatown doesn't bother JJ
Burbon and Branch – it’s a bar, so JJ doesn’t go there – but when his grandmother comes with us we will meet some of our good friends there for a drink. Artisan bartenders who make their own bitters, only serve quality alcohol- and it is designed like a speakeasy.
Plenty of places to get a great drink
Ferry Building Marketplace: Their own version of Seattle’s Pike Place market, the marketplace is open daily and has more places that you can snack, or sit down to have breakfast or lunch. There are stands of fresh produce, cheese, wines, and plenty of places where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a glass of wine.
Cheese from the SF market
Restaurants: Our Go-To Places in the City:
Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse, the godmother of the local food movement, this restaurant is in Berkley, across the bay- but worth the trip. This is the original place where Alice said, “Lets eat the local fare.”
Home of the local food movement -
Zuni Café – you need to take a cab here, and you need a reservation – but this is the place to go for great roasted chicken, fresh food (Gilbert Pilgram the co-owner spent two decades working, and ultimately a partner in Chez Panisse).
Zuni Cafe- one thing you must get- the chicken
Michael Mena’s – simply the best food you will ever taste, anywhere – period.
Jardins – Chef Traci des Jardins- of Top Chef Masters, and the James Beard “Best Chef: Pacific.”