San Francisco, CA – Barron Bucket List

Top restaurants to try:

EPIC Steak – An amazing steakhouse with a deep wine list and panoramic views of the bay! This is somewhere to go for a nice, higher end dinner.
Cliff House – Pop in here for a casual fun afternoon in the Bistro or an elegant evening out in the Sutro’s. The two-story windows offer beautiful panoramic views of the bay! Amazing food and a charming atmosphere.
Pier Market at Pier 39 is a great seafood, casual dining option to grab lunch. Everyone raves over their New England Clam Chowder!
Chart House – Another restaurant with great panoramic views of the bay located at Pier 39! Primarily seafood but they do have a couple of pasta and steak options.
Boudin Bakery Cafe – A very casual quick bite to eat but this is a staple in California and I loved it! Definitely worth trying if you’ve never been. They are famous for their Sourdough bread. I always get their Turkey Avocado sandwich and the broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl!
You have to try this tiny, hole-in-the-wall place in Chinatown called House of Xian Dumpling. They have the absolute BEST chicken fried rice I have ever had in my life! We were recommended by locals to try this and you know they give the best suggestions.

Things to do:

Take the Hornblower Brunch or Dinner Cruise across the bay! It is a beautiful way to see the city skyline.
Do an audio tour of Alcatraz Island.
Walk/drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and check out the cutest little town, Sausalito!
Stop by the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop! You can take a tour to learn about the chocolate making process and try samples then sit outside to enjoy some ice cream, all of which are so delicious!
Drive down Lombard Street
Stop by the iconic Painted Ladies
Ride a cable car!
Say hello to the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf!
Spend a day at the Ferry Building! It’s like a farmers market with all sorts of shops and snacks.
If you go to the top of Macy’s in Union Square, there is a Cheesecake Factory you can pop in and grab dessert. Ask to sit outside and enjoy the amazing views!

Panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Cheers!

M+M

For our one year dating anniversary, Matt and I went to California to explore San Fran and Napa Valley! We stayed at the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in Union Square during our time in San Francisco. It was a beautiful (also affordable) 4-star hotel and a really great location.

There are so many things to do and see! One of the highlights for me was this tiny, hole-in-the-wall place in Chinatown called House of Xian Dumpling and they have the absolute BEST chicken fried rice I have ever had in my life!! Seriously go check it out if you go to SF. The first time I went, locals told us about it and they did not disappoint! We also typically stop by Fisherman’s Wharf and grab lunch at Pier 39. Pier Market is a really yummy restaurant there with great views and you’ll usually get to see seals on the docks close by!

Napa Valley!!!

Ah, I could never get tired of this area. Here are some of our favorite wineries that we visited:

This was at a cute little restaurant called R+D Kitchen in Yountville that we went to for dinner with some friends and, of course, tried more wine.

Cheers!

M+M