If You Are Going

If you are going to San Francisco, remember to wear a flower in your hair...

And you should probably be prepared to move there.  Or at least to go back, many, many times.

In the past few years six friends have moved to San Francisco from Boston alone, and that doesn't include Facebook friends or other friends I haven't seen on any on my past three or more visits (hope you're reading this anyway guys!). And, additional friends have moved there from wherever they were.  And just last week another friend announced a 5 year plan to move out there the minute she got home.  (I'm skeptical of 5 year plans. But still.)

But, with that one little caveat, San Francisco IS a fantastic place to visit, and you will certainly not be the only tourist.  Tourism is huge and very well set up.  Or you can just hang out in a neighborhood or set out to explore lots of them if well-set-up tourism isn't your thing.

And, since it's a giant magnet, you probably know at least one friend or friend-of-a-friend who can loan you their couch, show you around, or meet you for coffee.  Or, if not, don't worry because coffee can be your friend.  Start with Philz, I like the Mission Location.  While you're in the Mission, enjoy a burrito, wherever you walk by, then continue with your coffee pilgrimage at Ritual, and Four Barrel.  You can pick up as many reading materials as you need to accompany your coffee at the used bookstores scattered along the way.  If you are really committed to the coffee pilgrimage, continue to Pirate Cat Radio for their Maple Bacon Latte, which luckily has enough something to it that its like a meal in itself. Or you can ironically eat a vegan treat if you bring more than $4 with you unlike I did.)  Another day, make your way to Blue Bottle, which you can also experience together with an artist-inspired pastry at SF MOMA.  

I could go on for days, or years.  And you will too.   And you probably already have.  So let me know when you are moving to San Francisco, or what coffee or other attraction I shouldn't miss on my next visit.  (Yes I've been to Alcatraz.)

Comments

[Amy Conley Wright]

I love my city by the bay! I've been living in the Bay Area for 9 years now, San Francisco for 3. What makes it such a "gigantic magnet"? Tolerance, interesting people, natural beauty, great food, among other things. Not a cheap place to live, but worth it in so many ways.

And another coffee recommendation in the often-overlooked (but awesome!) Outer Sunset neighborhood, by Ocean Beach: Trouble Coffee, where you can enjoy cinnamon-sugar toast, coconuts, and individually brewed coffee:
http://www.troublecoffee.com/

[Anthony Celino]

I remember an article from a while back proclaiming San Francisco, New York and Hong Kong as the three most spectacular harbors in the world. Having seen all three, and living near one for most of my life, I actually would have put Sydney Harbor above them all. San Francisco would be a close second though, and matches Sydney in its abundance of green spaces on the water. Since I visited about six years ago, I have often felt that I could, and eventually may, live in San Francisco, but I find that same pull from Portland and Vancouver. Maybe it’s something about the west coast.

I know it’s probably popular enough to be on most people’s short list, but I found Golden Gate Park a real jewel when we were out there. You can walk from temples and gardens reminiscent of Villa Borghese in Rome, to shrines straight out of Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto. Also AT&T Park (which was called SBC Park when I was there and has had like 20 other names since it opened) is as beautifully situated a ballpark as you’ll find. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, a stroll around McCovey Cove and an order of the garlic fries is worth the trip out there. Speaking of garlic, The Stinking Rose on Columbus Ave features it in all their selections, even the desserts!

[Pat Hadley]

I liked bicycling over the Golden Gate Bridge!

[Jennifer Campaniolo]

I love San Francisco! I would move there if I could but all my family and friends live on the East Coast.

I agree with you about the burritos. I also liked City Lights Bookstore, and Vesuvio Saloon next door. Their Little Italy is better than New York's in my opinion. And just sitting in Golden Gate National Park and watching people run with their dogs and eat their ice cream cones against the beautiful backdrop of the bridge is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Just avoid Fisherman's Wharf!! Except for the sea lions sunning themselves, it's tacky as hell.