San Francisco guide to the long weekend

 

San Fran is popular for being a hub for finance, culture, entertainment and commerce and its also one of the most populated cities in the United States. The city is a must-visit with its incredible architecture, world-class sightseeing spots and of course the neighborhoods that are pretty much hot pots of culture. Any fan of the cinema, music and entertainment in general will know that the city gets referenced often and for good reason. It’s definitely a place to be when it comes to visiting the heart of busy-ness. Fun fact the bubbling activity of San Francisco is second only to another great city in America, the Big Apple. But what it offers you over a long weekend is completely different from the urban glamour of New York City. It’s far more eclectic than that. A trip to Golden Gate bridge, spending time with the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf and maybe going on an exciting cruise to Alcatraz Island could be on your holiday itinerary. We can’t say for sure that you’d have time for some performance art shows but we’d definitely recommend it.

Here’s a couple places we’d suggest you to fill your 3-day San Francisco itinerary with. It’s gonna be a super weekend y’all.

The best hotels in San Francisco

The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

Philippe Starck, the interior designer of this elegant hotel, has put a lot of thought into the décor. From reception, lobby, lounge to your private room or suite, you’ll notice the artistic touches and local flair in the design elements. The Clift Royal Sonesta is you luxurious stay in the middle of Geary Street and is somewhat of a architectural maverick, having been inspired by the retro lodging of the early 20th century but couple with absurd and delicious modernity.

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Don’t settle for a city hotel. Not when you’re in Pacific Heights especially. And there’s a good chance that you won’t have to because most stays in this sophisticated and high-end neighbourhood will usually not be skipping out on elegance and poise, especially in the service of hotel staff. Drisco is just a brilliant hotel if you are feeling like escaping to the countryside in the middle of the busy city central. Hospitality so warm that when they come to make your bed you will find a white noise machine and chocolate shortbread cookie left behind just for you!

State Bird Provisions

Everyone knows the name. Stellar reviews all around but why not experience the elevated fusion cuisine here for yourself? The ambience here matches up to the food offering that is so celebrated people from all over town come to book and get a table over the weekend, especially when ravenous and in need of something a bit more refined than a steakhouse. The menu is ambitious to say the least, creative and extremely thoughtful. Modern American cuisine for the sake of narrowing it down and it’s interesting that the menu started off with just a single item - quail. Tapas and delicious dessert plates also available. Michelin Guide definitely approves of this establishment.

Tosca Café

Grab a breather and settle down in North Beach in between your visit to the nearest pub, music, skating park or shopping mall. Tosca is well-known for its coffee cocktails (yes that’s right) and the trendy and mouthwatering Italian food they serve up fresh for sojourners making their way through the city. A good place for a casual date too if you and your eating partner are interested in a bit of the restaurant’s history while you tuck into your spicy Italian brunch, lunch or dinner.

The best things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

A hotspot for art, culture and history. This fascinating museum needs to be on your weekend plans if at all at some point during your tour of the Americas. Whether you’re traveling with friends, solo or with family, the interior of the place is just as colorful and stimulating in the visual sense and the story behind the masterpieces as well, just as much as the architectural aesthetic of the building’s façade. The museum is constantly pushing the envelope in terms of the artists it showcases and has become unique in it choice of collections. Defd from both modern and traditional artistes, paying homage to the classical but also taking new emerging creators humbly under its wing.

Pier 39 - Fisherman’s Wharf

During your weekend trip, do stop by here for non-stop energy and activity. There’s something for everyone here at The Fisherman’s Wharf and the neighborhood serves up San Francisco hot on a plate for every type of traveler. Explore an array of colorful and vibrant shops, incredible food stalls and restaurants, arcades , street performers putting on a show, 3D rides and the Aquarium of the Bay attraction. Go for it!

San Francisco Botanical Garden

This garden is a festival of color. It may be great idea to get in touch with nature especially in a city like San Francisco where the urban life and tram cars and architectural gems can put things into the perspective of a concrete jungle. The botanical garden here has around 7,500 varieties of plants, succulents, flowers and other types of flora. Fun fact about this favorite and beloved natural attraction is that it is one of the largest of its kind in the entire West Coast. You will find it right inside Golden Gate Park. Pack a picnic, spread a blanket on the fresh grass and have a relaxing time away from the busy city streets.

Other cool things to do in San Francisco

  1. Explore the collections at the Legion of Honor

  2. Take a tour of Golden Gate bridge

  3. Plan an exciting trip to Alcatraz island

  4. Visit de Young Museum (also a Golden Gate Park attraction)

San Francisco is waiting! Download the WKNDTRP app and get full access to our complete San Francisco city guide. Discover more incredible recommendations like this and plan a weekend trip to San Fran soon over a long weekend maybe!

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