FISHERMAN’S WHARF PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL ASSOCIATION/JACK HOLLINGSWORTH; CLARION ALLEY, MISSION DOLORES AND MISSION DOLORES PARK
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL ASSOCIATION/SCOTT CHERNIS; COCKTAILS PHOTO COURTESY OF HOG & ROCKS
IMAGES OF THE TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID USED WITH PERMISSION OF TRANSAMERICA CORPORATION
Day One
MORNING
No stay in the city would be complete
without a stroll through Fisherman’s
Wharf, a wide-ranging mix of shops,
restaurants and attractions sprawled
out over a colorful section of old
fishing piers. Catch an early morning cab or an F-line trolley to beat
the crowds.
This popular area is where you’ll
find some of San Francisco’s staples
(enjoy clam chowder in sourdough
bread bowls from Boudin, snack on
fresh chocolate from Ghirardelli, say
hello to the local sea lion population), but you will definitely want to
save time for two unique activities:
a tour of Alcatraz Island and some
time in the Musée Mécanique.
Boats for the tour of Alcatraz leave
from the wharf, although you’ll have
to book reservations online a few
weeks in advance to secure a spot
(alcatrazcruises.com). The audio tour
is a must on this fascinating jaunt
through the history and lore of the
closed federal penitentiary. The ride to
the island and back doubles as a harbor
cruise with dazzling views of the skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. Musée
Mécanique, a peculiar and unique
arcade of old penny show machines,
is located just behind Boudin, near
the USS Pampanito. A private collection of more than 300 pieces makes up
the interactive museum, which offers
free admission. The machines can be
played for a quarter or two, including
such favorites as the working carnival
and the legendary Laffing Sal.
AFTERNOON
As crowds start to roll into the wharf,
travel inland to the Mission District,
home to countless murals and community artworks that pay homage to
the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and
independent art roots. Start at either the
16th or 24th street BART station and
navigate through Clarion Alley, Balmy
Alley and 24th Street east of Valencia
Street for glimpses of these unique
pieces. For more in-depth examination,
the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors
Center hosts guided mural walking,
biking and bus tours on weekends or by
private appointment during the week.
The nearby South of Market (SoMa)
neighborhood is also home to Electric
Works and SOMArts, both great places
for local arts events on Friday evenings.
After indulging your artistic side,
indulge your palate with coffee, sweets
or craft beer (or all three). Philz Coffee
on 24th Street hand-pours delicious coffee that’s become a sensation. Although
you’ll likely encounter a line at Tartine
Bakery & Cafe and Bi-Rite Creamery,
they’re both well worth the wait for
masterful baked goods and artisanal ice
cream, respectively. The establishments
are near Mission Dolores Park and its
namesake, a massive church that’s one of
California’s historic Catholic missions.
EVENING
Just a couple miles east of Mission
Dolores Park, Anchor Brewing calls
Potrero Hill home. Reserve a place on the
brewery tour a month in advance, then
enjoy generous samples of beer on tap and
a history lesson about one of America’s
Clockwise from top: Sea lions sunbathing at Fisherman’s Wharf; Clarion
Alley, one walkable stretch where visitors can find colorful murals;
Mission Dolores in the Mission District
oldest craft breweries. If you miss out
on the tour, the new Southern Pacific
Brewery, back in the Mission, features
a spacious industrial location with an
indoor garden, great food and a spread
of house-brewed beers.
This part of town also hosts four
of the city’s most beloved restaurants.
Choose between Delfina and Foreign
Cinema: The former is known for pizza
and pasta while the latter has a romantic
patio (along with classic films projected
on a large brick wall once a month).
Or, a short cab ride will bring you to
Bernal Heights, where you’ll find Ichi
Sushi + NI Bar and The Front Porch.
Ichi showcases in-season, sustainable
catches. Sit at the counter, where chef
Tim Archuleta prepares “omakase” dinners (meals made up of a series of plates
selected by the chef ). The Front Porch,
on the other hand, serves up comfort
food with a cozy ambience.
After dinner, sample some of the
city’s best cocktails and nightlife. The
Mission’s Hog & Rocks features an
inventive menu of craft drinks and candlelit seating. In Bernal Heights, head
to either Rock Bar for bourbon concoctions or Iron & Gold for its swanky vibe.
A cocktail at Hog & Rocks (left) and some lounging with locals in Mission Dolores Park (right) are great ways to kick off a weekend in San Francisco.
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