Your San Francisco Honeymoon Guide
By Meena Sareen
We're thinking this counts as romantic.
San Francisco often gets a bad ‘rap’ for being a little ‘hippie-dippie,’ but if you give it a chance, the city by the bay might surprise you as just the place to spend your anniversary! We’ve put together this city-savvy guide to ensure that you and the Mrs. get the most out of your trip to San Fran. G’ ahead, take all of the credit, we don’t mind.
Know Where to Stay
If you only have a day or two in San Fran, staying close to Fisherman’s Wharf is a good idea; with less time spent getting from place to place you’ll be able to fit in everything you want to see! Ghirardelli Square boasts the fabulous Fairmont Heritage Place. If you want to stay a little farther away the W San Francisco and the Ritz Carlton San Francisco both boast lovely rooms. Across town, Union Square has a very New-York vibe and the Kimpton Palomar is an incredibly chic choice, conveniently located steps from restaurants, bars, shopping, and public transportation.
Now, Get the Touristy Stuff Out of The Way
We know you want to see Postcard Row, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf so get them out of the way and then discover what San Francisco is all about. These places are great, but to get a feel for the city, you need to live like the locals and try some of our go-to spots suggested to Staggered by our friends in the Bay Area .
Fun Things To Do
While everybody who comes to San Francisco sees the Golden Gate Bridge, the best place to see it is from Crissy Field, a flat beachy area, great for an early afternoon picnic. Eastern tradition takes the West Coast at the Japanese Tea Garden, a very tranquil spot where you two can enjoy a great cup of tea in addition to each others’ company.The Exploratorium, an interactive science museum (In the palace of Fine Arts) is a great way to spend a relaxing day; who knows, you might even learn something new!
Get Your Drink On
You know what they say about anniversaries and views. No, we don't either but you should still hit up the lounge at "Top of The Mark".
San Francisco, like all major cities, has no shortage of bars to choose from. Of course, you want to sip a cocktail while looking at the greatest view in the city, which is why you go to Top of the Mark atop the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco Hotel. Since your celebrating, a glass of Campaign at The Bubble Lounge will be a sure-fire win with the Mrs. When your looking for a great beer selection and a cool, laid-back atmosphere, you’ll visit The Pub at Ghirardelli Square. For an interesting mix of culture an cocktails you’ll swing back by the Exploratorium for their Thursday night “After Dark” programming.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of restaurants in the ‘415;’ so many, you may not know where to chow-down first. For breakfast head over to Toast Eatery, Le Zinc or Town’s End Restaurant and Bakery (or for breakfast anytime try Lori’s Diner). While you’re exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, have lunch at Bistro Boudin , we suggest ordering their Clam Chowder served in their world renowned sourdough bread bowls. Tapas are great for sharing; our favorite is Cha Cha Cha. For a quick and tasty cheap-eat, take a bite out of Nick’s Crispy Tacos (order them “Nick’s Way”), a local favorite. Looking for a romantic spot for your anniversary dinner? Try Boulevard or Fleur de Lys. Equal parts touristy and delicious, share a sweet treat with your honey at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate shop.
Day Trips
When travelling to San Francisco, it is really easy to check out a lot of the surrounding area. Whether you rent a car or arrange to go on a pre-packaged tour, the choices are vast depending on your interests.Wine Country is just a bit north of the Bay Area and a wine tasting excursion in Napa Valley makes for a great romantic day trip. The giant Redwood groves make Muir woods a good adventure if you and your wife love nature and Yosemite National Park is another option that’s do-able for an out-doorsy day-trip.
Tips
The subway system for the Bay area is called the BART; it’s easy-to-use and cheaper than taking a cab (it costs between $1.75 -$10 each way depending on where you’re going). If you plan to use public transportation a great deal during your trip, you may consider investing in a Public transportation Passport ($13/1 day, $20/3 days, $26/7 days) for unlimited bus, trolley, cable and streetcar use. Public transportation connects the two major airports, SFO and Oakland, with the city proper. (When booking your trip you will find that it is often cheaper to fly into Oakland which is just across the Bay-then all you have to do is take the shuttle from there to the Coliseum station where you get the BART) International visitors should note that it is customary to tip 15%-20% on all service charges everywhere in the United States.
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