2 Days in SAN FRANCISCO
A Local's San Francisco: Beyond the Postcard
[outdoor version]
Forget the crowded piers and cable car lines. This is San Francisco as the locals know it- a two-day journey through windswept greens, neighborhood haunts, and the kind of spots where the city's real personality shines through.
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DAY ONE
Day One begins with the simple ritual of coffee from the San Francisco local’s favorite Philz coffee truck at Marina Green, where the Golden Gate Bridge feels like it's just for you. The walk to Dynamo Donut's unassuming hut becomes a pilgrimage for their vegan chocolate donut, then continues along the bay trail to the Warming Hut, a weathered shelter where the Pacific wind reminds you you're at the continent's edge.
After working up an appetite, track down a Salbute (that perfect Yucatecan antojito) at the Cochinita food truck next to Philz.
Then you can lose yourself in the Fillmore district’s indie boutiques, with stores such as Diptyque, Jonathan Adler, Cuyana, and Fiat-Lux. I’d estimate at least 2 hours in this neighborhood. If you’re hungry again, we highly suggest stopping by Bun Mee’s first location or our founder’s favorite- La Mediterranee.
As evening settles, the Castro welcomes you with Beit Rima's laid-back Middle Eastern fare—the kind of dinner that feels like a neighborhood secret. It is truly a local’s favorite- and you can tell by the line out the door! It’s not too long and is worth it!
In Addition:
After your Fillmore shopping, consider a detour through Japantown's Peace Plaza- grab a matcha soft serve at Benkyodo or browse Kinokuniya bookstore. It's just blocks away and adds another layer to the neighborhood exploration. Bonus if you come during cherry blossom season!
DAY TWO
Day Two takes you to the Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco's newest urban park that locals are still pinching themselves over. The Presidio Park Store is worth browsing, and park rangers are more than happy to discuss the history. Good eats can be found at Il Parco or at the rotating food trucks.
Later, Salesforce Park offers an elevated escape—literally a 5.4-acre park in the sky—where Barebottle Brew Company Joyride's pizza, along with a gelato cart, provides the perfect excuse to linger above the city streets.
IN ADDITION If you have time before Salesforce Park, the Ferry Building Marketplace (We know, technically touristy, but locals go there too!) has incredible artisan vendors.
You can even hop on the F train on Market (use your Clipper card) to make your way down, though it’s close enough to walk. There’s the Cowgirl Creamery for cheese, Acme Bread, or just people-watching with a Blue Bottle or Red Bay coffee on the waterfront.
EXTRA CREDIT if you walk along the Embarcadero south to the Cupid’s Span sculpture.
San Francisco's cable cars are the world's last manually operated cable car system, a National Historic Landmark established in 1873 after Andrew Smith Hallidie witnessed horses struggling on the city's hills.
Today, 40 historic cars operate on three lines, powered by a continuously moving underground cable, with the first female grip operator beginning her career in 1998.
Locals use it to go to the grocery store, get to work- you can use a Clipper card for all transportation in the SF Bay Area.