Although I was in town for business, I tried to squeeze in as much time as I could exploring different neighborhoods, eating some of the best meals I’ve ever had, and taking in the vibes that make San Francisco such a special place. San Francisco has been at the top of my travel wish list for some time and I was excited to find the city did not disappoint. Let’s chat about some of my favorite stops in The City by the Bay!
Sunnies | Top | Pants | Jacket
While there is no shortage of gorgeous hotels in SF, a six-day stay made staying in an Airbnb more practical. They’re based in San Francisco, so you can expect no shortage of incredible offerings. We chose to stay in the Richmond District, which I would highly recommend. We found a lot of places we wanted to visit to be a short walk or Uber (the Express Pool option was clutch!) distance away. I have the Proper Hotel, Hotel Kabuki, and Hotel Zepplin on the list of options for my next trip. Also including a suggestion to myself and you to rent a car or get familiar with public transit to make exploring easier. Those hills are no joke!
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Of course, one of the first places I stopped was the Glossier Pop Up at Rhea’s Cafe. It was the last day and I was more than happy to be one of the five people in line before opening hours to experience the incredibly well curated and highly Instagrammable space.
The pop up team brought their A game. They were super knowledgeable, gorgeous, and so approachable that I felt more like I was hanging out with friends at a beauty counter than being assisted with a shopping experience. I purchased You fragrance, Boy Brow in brown, and the priming moisturizer.
Next up was a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. I couldn’t leave without seeing the massive bridge for myself. I’ve seen the bridge countless times on tv shows, in filmes, on blogs, and in magazines, but nothing prepared me for the breathtaking views and architecture. It was peak windy and I found myself wrapped up in frustration over how windblown and disoriented I looked in all of the photos. Luckily, I eventually came to my senses and put my camera down for a while to just enjoy the views.
What’s a trip without good eats? I could visit SF again just for a food tour. You can catch details on my seven favorite restaurants in this post and a full post on SF sweets and treats here! Still on my list of places to experience: Cafe Revielle, Tony’s Pizza, West of Pecos, La Marais, afternoon tea at the Rotunda, and so much more. Leave me a comment with your recs!
I found myself on Valencia Street more times than I would like to admit. From the fabulous designs in Nooworks to the vintage looks in Afterlife Boutique, there is something along Valencia for everyone. I also loved popping into Gravel & Gold, Aggregate Supply, Azalea, Topdrawer, Reformation, and Serendipity.
No trip of mine is complete without a little art and culture. Does the Museum of Ice Cream count as art and culture? Asking for a friend. Ha! MOIC featured much more history than expected. The tour guides in each room played a character who took us through the history of ice cream and it’s varying forms across cultures. We traveled through the what, why, and how of each sweet.
I also spent a couple of hours exploring the Museum of the African Diaspora. The Digitalia: Art and the Economy of Ideas exhibition included interactive pieces that encouraged visitors to incorporate their iPhones into the experience. The museum was a bit smaller than expected, but definitely worth a visit.
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Thanks for checking out my trip highlights! I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my posts. Let me know in the comments where you’re from and how you found the blog!
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Looks like you had a great time albeit being there for business! I didn’t have San Fran on my travel bucket list before, but I do now! Had no idea there is a Museum of Ice Cream!
Definitely check out their site to see where else they’re hosting a pop up! SO much fun.
I live in SF and you all literally portrayed this SOO beautiful! I love the pic of you outside The Dorian!
Thank you! I absolutely loved it there. I spent half the trip plotting to stay in SF and not return home!
Your photos are amazing! I haven’t been there yet so this will come in handy when I do. Thanks!
Thank you! Looking forward to reading about your trip soon.
I love visiting San Francisco a busy city but so much to offer. Our last trip was a blast we went to Golden Gate and stop by at Ghirardelli ice cream shop. We are planning to go back again soon.
Sounds like the perfect combination!
You were able to get a lot done while traveling for business. Pretty impressive! The museums of ice and of African diaspora sound pretty interesting. Love your gorgeous pics… and you are right, the hills in SF are no joke 🙂
Thanks! I literally had a spreadsheet while planning how to fit everything in during the week. 😂
OOOH I love San Fran so much and only visited once many years ago! great tips, have made a note of a few and we’re visiting in 2020! HURRAH!!
Have the best time ever!
How fun!! I love San Fran! You got some awesome pics. Thanks for sharing them with us 🙂
I fell in love too! Thanks for reading!
Love this Denise!! and I LOVE SFO..i havent been since last summer, having withdrawals! That lip mural is just the best!
Love me so SFO!
Valerie
Travel & Style
Ok, I love your pictures….and your outfits!! Such a good roundup. I want to go to San Francisco soon and I will definitely reference this blog post! Thanks!! <3
We’ve never been to San Fransisco before, but it’s always been on our bucket list. Looks like you had an awesome time and love all your photos
I hope you guys get to plan a trip soon! It’s so worth it.
San Francisco is on my travel list, and I love seeing the different places people have been to there so that I can add them to my list. I had no idea there was a Museum of Ice Cream there! I knew about the one in LA, but I think I’m going to be one of those people that visits it in every city that has it lol. Thanks for sharing it looks like you had a lot of fun!
I totally want to hit the MOIC in every city! It’s a really good time.
i’m visiting SF in October and will definitely be bookmarking this post!
http://www.layersofchic.com
San Francisco is such a great city! The Museum of Ice Cream is a definite go to!