5 Things to Do in San Francisco

If you’re going to San Francisco....

...be sure to take a jacket!

Living in the Bay Area, there’s certainly no lack of things to do. Whether you head north to Napa Valley, explore the city or visit the East Bay, you really have a vast array of options. From beach days to nature hikes; city life to wine country. It’s honestly an incredible area I truly feel lucky to both live in and be from. 

Growing up in the suburbs of the East Bay (about 25 miles outside San Francisco), a trip into “the city” was always a treat and something I was able to start doing “on my own” in high school. We would take the train in for a shopping trip in Union Square. In college, we’d meet “in the city” for drinks when everyone was back home. And in my few single years after college, it seemed like the only place to meet people was “in the city.” 

Fast forward to now and I started going “into the city” less and less. Call it having less free time or more “wanting to spend your free time with Netflix, your dogs and a murder documentary” but, somehow, over the years, it happened. 

But on a Saturday in the middle of February, after almost a month of rain and being cooped up inside, Patricia Nash Designs inspired me to take a trip...into the city. 

Aa a brand inspired by discovery, Patricia Nash values both wonder and wander and her designs are inspired by her own travels, memories, people and places she cherishes. With meticulous craftsmanship and loving design, her handbags, footwear and accessories are perfect to take you through your own everyday travels and adventures. Plus everything in between.

For me, a day trip to San Francisco entails plenty of walking. I’m sure you’ve all heard of its infamous hills. I slipped into these Fia Loafers for the first time and was instantly amazed at their level of comfort. Memory foam flats? Yep! Memory foam flats that feel like you’re walking on a cloud. We were able to walk through the Marina and uphill through Pacific Heights with ease.

I also took along her Raffia Meldola Satchel which is both spacious and beautifully crafted with unique details. I absolutely love the acrylic tortoise-shell-effect handles. It also has plenty of pocket space, along with a detachable strap and scarf.

Of course, if you’re heading into the city, layers are a must. San Francisco and the entire Bay Area is made up of microclimates, meaning you can go from cold to hot to windy and pretty much everything in between. Keep in mind, the closer you get to the water, the colder it can be. Overall though, San Francisco weather is pretty mild.

We spent our day in the Marina, grabbed coffee, picked up flowers, meandered up through Pacific Heights and caught a tiny bit of the Chinese New Year parade all while enjoying this beautiful city and each other’s company. And it was glorious.

And without further ado, whether you’re a Bay Area Native like me or visiting this city by the Bay for your first time, here’s 5 things to do in San Francisco…

No. 1

Meander Through the Marina:

If you’re looking for a place to start in San Francisco, try the Marina. You can catch a picturesque view of the Golden Gate just as easily as you can grab coffee and brunch, pick up fresh flowers and do some boutique shopping. Make your way up towards Pacific Heights and The Presidio for quintessential SF mansions and city views. 

No. 2

Bike Across the Golden Gate:

Everyone should do this at least once. We did this for my 27th birthday to check something off my bucket list and it was truly an exhilarating feeling and incredible experience. It’s easy to rent bikes from plenty of places, depending on how far you feel like biking. Tip: once you head across the bridge, grab a drink in Sausalito and take the ferry back. Also Tip: the bridge is incredibly windy. Why I didn’t realize this, I have no idea. It’s San Francisco.

No. 3

Play Tourist at Fisherman’s Wharf 

If you took the ferry back from Sausalito, you’ll end up at The Ferry Building at the Embarcadero. Brave the crowds and play tourist. With Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll have plenty of water (or seal) views. Tip: this is also a great area if you want to spend a rainy day indoors. There’s both the Exploratorium and Aquarium. You can even go to Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Wax Museum if that’s your thing. Or, grab clam chowder and a lobster roll at Hog Island or Pier 23 plus an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista. You’ll also be really close to Ghirardelli Square. You can catch a cable car and take it all the way to Powell Street. 

No. 4

Go Shopping in Union Square

If you took the cable car from Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find yourself hitting the end of the line at Powell Street and the heart of Union Square. Take some time to meander through Westfield Mall or simply walk up towards Union Square for a day of downtown shopping. 

Bonus:

I also love Hayes Valley and Fillmore Street for San Francisco shopping.

No. 5

Take in the SF Views

For when you’re just in it for the #PhotoOp, San Francisco has plenty of places to take in the views or get a gram-worthy shot. Try Twin Peaks, Hawk Hill, Alamo Square, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Kirby Cove for a swing that overlooks the Bay, or grab drinks at a high-rise like Top of the Mark or The View Lounge at the Marriott. End with dinner at The Cliff House or Waterbar. 

As always, thank you for reading. Have you spent time in San Francisco?

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Special thanks to Patricia Nash Designs for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.