Exploring San Francisco: A Mini Guide
Recently, I had a work trip on the West Coast. This was actually my first time traveling to San Francisco, and it didn’t disappoint! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I discovered so much in just a short amount of time. So, if you're planning your own visit to the City by the Bay, here's a recap of my itinerary and some must-visit spots you won't want to miss.
Where to Stay
During my stay in San Francisco, I had the pleasure of staying at the sleek and stylish Luma Hotel, which opened in 2022. Situated in the new heart of the city in the revitalized and reimagined neighborhood of Mission Bay, Luma Hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, complete with intuitive tech and curated amenities. The room wasn’t large, which I didn’t mind, but had a great view of the city. There were so many references to GLOW, from Glow Central to Glow Fit and more, it made staying here an easy yes. What I loved most about the hotel is its modern design and aesthetics – everything felt fresh and up to date (it just opened in 2022). Plus, the rooftop lounge, Cavana, provided stunning views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of work. Be sure to order the guacomole. The on-site cafe, Twyne, offers coffee, sweet treats, bites and more. Be sure to the order hot salted caramel latte with almond milk (so good).
getting around the City
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the city via San Francisco's efficient Muni transportation system. I hopped on the Muni bus (think light rail/street car), allowing me to see the sights while getting around conveniently. For a true sightseeing experience, you can catch a ride on the trolley. I caught them during a break, so I wasn’t able to ride, but I at least got a picture. Of course, another easy way to get around is via Uber, which allowed me to learn more about the local culture and places to visit by conversing with the drivers.
Shopping and lunch Downtown
Downtown San Francisco has an array of stores and boutiques to explore. I indulged in some window shopping at Macy's before heading to the Westfield San Francisco Centre, where I scored some amazing deals at H&M. Pro tip: don't miss out on the sales – I snagged a leopard shirtdress for just $15 and coat for $30!
After shopping, my husband and I took a leisurely stroll to the iconic Ferry Building, where we checked out local vendors in the marketplace and enjoyed the waterfront views. We also stopped by Senor Sisig for some Filipino street food.
DINNER IN the MISSION district
For dinner, we treated ourselves to a mouthwatering meal at Lolinda, a contemporary Argentinean steakhouse recommended by our Uber driver. From the succulent filet (medium rare) to the flavorful chicken kabobs and tasty salmon, every bite was a delight. Note - the surrounding area isn’t posh, but the food and service were both great.
Touristy Staples
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without checking out some iconic landmarks. While I was busy with work, my husband had the chance to visit Alcatraz and explore its history. We also made sure to visit the Painted Ladies, the picturesque Victorian houses made famous by the opening scene of Full House. It was a nostalgic moment that brought back memories of one my favorite childhood TV shows. Note - it’s not much else around the Painted Ladies, as it’s a residential area, but it’s nice for a photo op.
Although my trip to San Francisco was short and for work, I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this vibrant city and make the most of my downtime. From scenic walks to eating good, San Francisco was a nice place to visit. So, if you're planning your own visit, be sure to check out these must-visit spots.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any favorite spots in San Francisco or if you're planning your own visit soon.
Keep glowing,
Shalyce