San Francisco was built in motion. Shaped by Gold Rush expansion, rebuilt after the earthquake and fire of 1906, and continuously redefined by waves of migration, the city has never settled into a single identity. Instead, it holds its history in fragments — Victorian row houses beside modern glass towers, cable cars climbing streets that seem almost too steep to exist, and neighborhoods that each carry their own distinct rhythm.
What makes San Francisco compelling isn’t its landmarks, but the way the city unfolds as you move through it. Morning fog lifting off the Bay, late afternoon light settling into the hills, and evenings that drift into restaurant tables, corner bars, and quiet walks along the water.
This guide covers where to eat, stay, and experience the city at its most essential, from waterfront views to neighborhood restaurants and iconic cultural corners.
Stay
Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hilton San Francisco Union Square is very beige, very corporate and very large hotel - in the Union Square area of San Francisco, California 
Hotel Kabuki My stay at Hotel Kabuki allowed me to see the best of Japantown, while also enjoying coming back to my suite, in San Francisco, California
Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Infinity Hotel San Francisco combines stylish comfort with modern amenities and a prime location for easy access to the city's top attractions
Kimpton Alton Fisherman’s Wharf The Kimpton Alton Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf offers modern comfort, acclaimed dining, and easy access to San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels San Francisco Proper is a beautifully designed hotel in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco, California
The Laurel Inn – Joie de Vivre by Hyatt My stay at The Laurel Inn - a Joie de Vivre hotel in Pacific Heights was an experience in understanding how the front desk staff reflects guests experiences of a hotel. Experiences
Case for Making Expanding my creativity with curated art supplies from Case for Making has expanded my creative vision and happiness
San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum for the first time, I found it a peaceful place for meaningful reflection and photography
SkyStar Wheel – Fisherman’s Wharf The SkyStar Wheel at Fisherman’s Wharf offers stunning 150 foot high views of San Francisco and the Bay from comfortable gondolasEat
Bar Crenn Bar Crenn offers refined French inspired cuisine and exceptional cocktails in an intimate, artfully designed setting in in San Francisco, California
Board and Drink Board & Drink restaurant in San Francisco serves delicious and visually impressive brunch favorites in a warm, inviting setting
Izakaya Rintaro Dining at Izakaya Rintaro was a lovely affair of distinct Japanese cuisine in the Mission District of San Francisco, California
Robin – San Francisco My personalized omakase dinner at Robin was full of exceptional quality sushi bites and great conversation, in San Francisco, California 
Son & Garden My colorful breakfast at Son & Garden provided peak Instagram worthy shots while serving a delicious colorful breakfast in San Francisco, California
Spruce San Francisco Spruce in San Francisco gave me a beautifully plated and delicious dining experience in Presidio Heights
The Pawn Shop The Pawn Shop was a unique and rather fun speakeasy style bar and restaurant in San Francisco, California
Twisted Street Cafe Twisted Street Cafe in San Francisco provides a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, serving Ritual coffee and artisanal to-go snacks that delight both locals and visitors
