A Weekend Getaway in San Francisco

I finally made my way to San Fransisco for the weekend after having lived in Los Angeles for a year. If you ever have the opportunity to fly out of Burbank airport – DO IT! It can’t even be compared to LAX. The entire experience went seamlessly – in and out through security in under 5 minutes.

What to know before visiting San Francisco 

• You can fly into SFO but flying into San Jose is also fairly convenient and offers decently priced airfare
• 2-3 nights is a fair amount of time to experience SF
• It’s a fairly small city and has a population of 865,000
• According to the Global Business Cities Alliance, it’s now the 8th most expensive city in the world.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CITY

The Intercontinental San Francisco on Howard Street is conveniently located near the Moscone Convention Center and about a 12-minute walk from Union Station. The rooms are contemporary and cozy – & if you’re lucky enough, they offer a spectacular view of the city. The hotel also has an amazing private spa and indoor pool. A mere 30 feet away from the lobby lies the noteworthy Michelin one-starred restaurant, Luce!

WHERE TO EAT

• Mina’s Test Kitchen || I’m so grateful that my friend suggested this at the last minute. It was one of the more memorable dining experiences I’ve had in a long while. The renowned Michael Mina has partnered with chef Hugo Ortego to create Mi Almita – a homage to Mexican dishes with a twist. The translation of Mi Almita means “my little soul” and that’s exactly what they provide in each and every dish… A $39 5-course tasting menu that also offers additional courses. Having just spent some time in Holbox Mexico, and really learning more about traditional Mexican cuisine – I felt that I was in an acceptable position to gauge the flavors. The ceviche tasting portion included 3 varieties: Ceviche Caracol (with pieces of charred pineapple, papaya, and red onion), Ceviche Verde (lime cured white fish with cilantro), and Campechana Estilo DF (Mexico City- style shrimp & crab). An incredible second opener but the two dishes that stood out as my favorites were the  Ostiones Asados (fire-roasted West Coast oysters with Chipotle butter) and Pato en Mole de Higos (crispy duck, fig mole,  sweet potato purée, and fresh figs).

• Baked Bear Ice Cream || If you want an incredible ice cream sandwich that’s tailored towards your palette- then Baked Bear is an ABSOLUTE must!

• Luce || Michilen cuisine experience is undoubtedly an amazing experience. Conveniently located in the lobby of the Intercontinental San Francisco on Howard Street, is one of the most worthwhile dining locations in the city! They offer an amazing tasting menu, and if you find yourself there on a weekend afternoon – you have to try the Di Stefano Burrata off the Brunch menu. It’s out of this world.

• Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: I finally made my way to the most acclaimed bakery in the entire city. The conclusion definitely lived up to the hype – even surpassed any previous expectations I may have had. I can’t believe I went 27 years without trying a cruffin. YES – it was arguably life-changing!

SIGHTS YOU MUST SEE

With such a fleeting amount of time in the city, you definitely have to see the staple spots

1. The Golden Gate Bridge (this is an absolute must obviously) though, I would advise going in the early afternoon during the summer, so you’re not bombarded with an abundance of fog.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf – This is where you can buy a quintessential San Francisco souvenir and find some of the best clam chowder!
3. The Japanese Tea Garden – An array of beautiful gardens, koi ponds, a gorgeous bridge, and delightful green tea, of course!
4. Alamo Park – San Fransico is notably recognized for the famous reference point of these distinguished houses that were seen on the Hit 90’s show of Full House.