The best of both coasts unite in undeniably charming San Francisco. This foggy city by the bay has adopted the West Coast’s casual vibe and paired it with the East Coast’s energetic pace.
Photo by San Francisco Travel Association, Michelle King, Axiom Hotel, Proper Hotel, Atelier Crenn, California Academy of Sciences, B8ta, Exploratorium
STAY
► Axiom Hotel
For the tech and design aficionado, the Axiom Hotel is the future. Initially built in 1908, the Axiom has been transformed into a modern and sleek hotel with technological features at every turn, in tune with San Francisco’s burgeoning tech industry. While guests are aided by the smart technology such as paperless newspapers, sensor locks and fiber optic Wi-Fi, the Axiom Hotel understands that hospitality and comfort always come first.
► Proper Hotel
This up and coming hotel in the Mid-Market neighborhood mirrors what urban travelers need. Behind the historic flatiron building it lives in, the Proper Hotel houses a stylish rooftop bar, eclectic interiors and the most impressive amenities boasting brands like Aesop and Bellino Linens. The Proper Hotel elevates the standards for hospitality by having the concierge service just a touch away through The Proper app, available through the built-in iPad provided in every room.
DINE
► Blue Bottle Coffee
Not many shops are open in the Ferry Building at such an early hour, so the daily commotion can only belong to Blue Bottle Coffee. Shop for freshly-roasted beans in their sleek brewing collection as you wait for your cup of cappuccino, single-origin pour or their refreshing iced coffee. Despite having opened a few outlets worldwide, no sip comes close to the one made in their hometown of San Francisco.
► Atelier Crenn
The first female chef in the United States to earn two Michelin stars, Dominique Crenn has rightfully earned the stars through reinvention of minimalist French food made with local Californian ingredients and playing with sensory experience. In lieu of menu, Mrs. Crenn has created lines of poetry that correspond to each dish and that will keep you guessing until the food finally arrives before you. Every plate served is a work of art.
► Bi-Rite Creamery
In the seemingly constant chilly weather of San Francisco, one might wonder whether ice cream is a good idea. The answer is yes, if you go to the Bi-Rite Creamery. True to their Californian roots, they handpick the fresh and sustainable seasonal ingredients you get in every scoop while working with local dairy farmers to make their small-batch ice cream. Handmade and simplistic, each scoop tastes and feels like a treat from your childhood.
► Tartine Bakery
Where some businesses compromise on quality, Tartine is definitely not one to skimp on quality ingredients and tender loving care needed to bake San Fransisco’s favorite morning buns. As the explanation suggests, they will most likely run out before the clock turns noon so make sure to arrive early and bring along friends and family to share their endless variety of baked goods, from croissants to quiches to country breads.
SHOP
► Ferry Building Marketplace
Whether it is to shop for San Francisco’s best artisan produce or have a sit-down lunch, the Ferry Market Building is never short of choice, so start with a quick browse for the market’s freshest offers. Visit Far West Fungi for their myriad types of mushrooms and truffles or bring home artisan cheese from the Cowgirl Creamery. Buy your lunch and have a picnic on the Ferry Building waterfront with views of the Bay Bridge, truly San Francisco at its finest.
► B8ta
In an era where how we shop is increasingly digital, b8ta revives the retail industry. B8ta lets customers try cutting-edge gadgets before buying and they work with more than 100 start-up tech companies to do so, giving those start-ups a chance to introduce their products offline when the usual retail shelves are dominated by big brands. B8ta’s best-sellers include wireless security lights and innovative earphones. Sounds usual? You have to visit their stores to see for yourself.
DO
► California Academy of Sciences
Explore life in the sea, sky and on land at the California Academy of Sciences. Walk around three tropical rainforests habitats one minute and gaze at the largest indoor coral reefs the next, it is exciting enough to spare an afternoon here with the whole family. This state-of-the-art museum has used recycled steel in its construction and solar panels as an energy source, giving them the title of the greenest museum in the world.
► Musee Mecanique
Before there were selfies, there were vintage photo booths where pictures took five minutes to develop. To remind yourself of the good old days there is no better place to do so than the Musee Mecanique, a privately-owned collection of antique arcades and instruments located by Pier 39. Entrance to the museum is free and all arcades are working, so you can reminisce favorite games from your childhood. Play away!
► Explore the Exploratorium
A short tram ride down from the Ferry Building will find you facing the Exploratorium, certainly not your ordinary, every-day science museum. The Exploratorium is filled with experimental and educational exhibitions that will fascinate both kids and adults alike. If the afternoon crowd is too much for you, an adults-only admission is available every Thursday night through Exploratorium After-Dark program where you can sip on cocktails while letting your inner child loose!
► Visit Alcatraz Penitentiary
The Alcatraz Penitentiary was not an ordinary prison and it did not house ordinary inmates. Yet contrastingly, this maximum-security prison offered possibly the best view of San Francisco while guarding the worst of prisoners. After it closed down, Alcatraz became a part of the Golden Gate National Park with daily tours allowing the world to commemorate its history. During high season, be sure to book the tickets online well in advance.
