It’s fitting that this post is the first about my trip to Napa. A group of seven of us traveled from Austin and New York City to celebrate our friend Dan’s 40th birthday. The big reason we were in Napa: The French Laundry was Dan’s bucket list restaurant. To illustrate his excitement, days before our trip, Dan told us he was giggling to himself as he watched YouTube videos about dining at The French Laundry and he might have teared up at dinner. This dinner was very much anticipated and the perfect way to celebrate a monumental birthday.

Why Visit The French Laundry?

Is there another U.S. restaurant the majority of foodies can name? The French Laundry has earned three Michelin stars since 2006 and has won James Beard Foundation and Top 50 awards, among others.

Classic French cuisine is how many chefs begin their training, though you may not be familiar with what the cuisine consists of because of the prevalent “New American” category. The French Laundry achieves classic French cuisine flawlessly and you can’t help but appreciate the time and precision of each dish. The traditions and techniques of French cooking give a strong foundation, and hands-on experience in noteworthy kitchens around the world adds to a resume. Just look at the many alumni of The French Laundry who have gone on to lead award-winning restaurants of their own, René Redzepi and Grant Achatz are two.

The French Laundry has been open since 1978 and Thomas Keller bought the restaurant in 1994. Chef Keller is widely celebrated by foodies and critics around the world because of his successful restaurants and focus on flying in the best of the best ingredients. While he doesn’t prioritize geographically local purveyors, he supports purveyors who have the highest quality product and production values he believes in. An award-winning restaurant with the best ingredients in the U.S.? Sounds like the start of a great experience.

The French Laundry Currently

The restaurant follows California mandates, and has had several stay-at-home orders. The restaurant shifted the majority of its tables to its private courtyard outdoors in July 2020. The outdoor space was re-modeled for additional stone surfaces for tables. You can have up to 10 people per party. There are heaters all around the courtyard and pashminas are available for comfort. Windows line the kitchen so you can watch the team in action. With the lovely trees and lights, it was an elegant ambiance and we all agreed that it was almost preferred to dine outside while the weather was mild, despite the necessity.

There are a few tables inside the indoor dining area but those will cost additional per person. You can have up to 12 people inside.

Their gardens across the street are still open for guests to walk through, so if you’re interested, arrive early to give it a look.

How to Make Reservations for The French Laundry

Reservations are made online through the Tock website and must be paid in full. Reservations open a month out and there are at least five seatings from 2 pm to 6 pm, depending on daylight savings and sunset time. Since we dined before daylight savings, our reservation was at 6:45 pm, the last of the night.

Be sure to put the reservation open date in your calendar and jump on it! Reservations have been more readily available because people are not traveling as much, but they still book up.

The French Laundry Chef’s Tasting

It was four hours of culinary magic! Envision engaged and knowledgeable wait staff, impeccably plated dishes, and the best ingredients.

Here was our menu and dishes:

“Oysters and Pearls”
“Sabayon” of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Regiis Ova Caviar

Celery Root “Veloute”
Cutting Celery and Preserved Perigord Black Winter Truffles

“Bread and Butter”
Bitter Cocoa Laminated Brioche and Diane St. Clair’s Animal Farm Butter

Japanese Bluenose Medai “Tartare”
Fragrant Basil, Toasted Brioche and Golden Pineapple “Vierge”

Hand Harvested Maine Sea Scallop “Poele”
Applewood Smoked Lobster Mushroom “Risotto” and Arrowleaf Spinach “Panade”

Wolfe Ranch White Quail
Hadley Orchards Medjool Dates, Parsnip Puree, Watercress Leaves and Schmitt Family Farm Apple Cider Jus

Herb Roasted Elysian Fields Farm Lamb
Garden Sunchokes “a la Creme,” Watsonville Artichokes, Compressed Persian Cucumbers and Spanish Caper-Brown Butter Jus

Gougére
Andante Dairy “Etude” and Preserved Perigord Black Winter Truffle “Fondue”

Assortment of Desserts
Fruit, Ice Cream, Chocolate and Candies

And some commentary about the dinner!

• The French Laundry is known for their Oysters and Pearls dish and it was definitely one of my favorites!
• After reading the menu, you’re probably thinking it was a decadent dinner with things like caviar and truffle. You’re right! The ingredients were rich and the dishes were filling.
• Of course, I loved the abundant dessert course! (It reminded me of Room 4 Dessert.) All the little plates of things were delicious except I was a little disappointed by the macarons. One of my favorite desserts was the affogato.
• One of the desserts was picking chocolates of any flavor from a box!
• The service was excellent! We enjoyed chatting with our servers. I imagined service would be flawless but perhaps with the outdoor casualty, we didn’t get synchronicity of the plates being served and there were crumbs left on the table. These weren’t deal-breakers but unexpected lapses to me for a three-Michelin-star restaurant.

After dinner, we took a trip to the kitchen! Since we were the last service of the night, the kitchen was spotless and the team was gathered to talk about the next day. Usually, you’d be walking right into the action.

You won’t leave without goodies! Since we were celebrating a birthday, we took home a bottle of The French Laundry’s Modicum bubbly, chocolate, and cookies.

Let’s Talk About the Plates

We were expecting an incredible meal and experience, but we were delighted to discover the plates. I’m not sure if other restaurants do this – I wouldn’t be surprised if they did – but it was the first I’d heard of it.

I’m not sure how the conversation started with our head server Regina, but we learned that each plate design has a name. The dishware is chosen for the type of dish and look of the dish, and the names are usually descriptors. The names make it easier to identify what is needed in a busy kitchen, for example, “can someone get me a Moulin Rouge plate?” So, we started trying to guess the names as the dishes arrived. Interstellar, Grandma, and Palm were some of the names. Can you see which plates these names refer to? They have a beautiful selection of plates!

And a special treat – Regina showed us the plate cabinets! After the plates are washed, inventory is taken and the dishware is carefully stored here. They have three of these big cabinets!

How Much Does it Cost to Go to The French Laundry?

When I posted about going to The French Laundry on Instagram, I immediately got questions about how much it costs. People seemed to know that it costs much more than a typical meal and were curious to know how much.

Full payment must be made with the reservation and the pricing per person includes gratuity. With tax, this amount came out to about $377 per person. At the restaurant, we split a bottle of wine and added additional gratuity, so the final cost per person was $427. This pricing is in line with other three Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S.

Is The French Laundry Worth It?

It is quite the expense and easily the most expensive meal I’ve had. People have asked me if it was worth it, and this question can be tricky. Everyone has their own expectations of value and quality, and you know yours. Eating great food, legendary if you consider everything I wrote above, with great foodie friends is priceless. This was a memorable experience because of who we were with and what we were celebrating, and I would go back in time and do it again. However, if I were to return in the future, I’d like to find someone else to pay my way. I have many more restaurants to save up for instead!

Details for Your Visit

• Ambiance: Impressive, dramatic, grandiose
• Attire: Dressy, suits without a tie recommended for outdoor dining
• Noise Level: Average
• Reservation: Necessary, book in advance
• Groups: Up to 12 people
• Meal: Prix fixe menu, about eight courses
• Pricing: $350-450++ per person
• Parking: Free street parking
• Location: Yountville, the restaurant is about 20 minutes from downtown Napa, 35 minutes from downtown Sonoma, and one hour from San Francisco

The French Laundry
6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
https://www.thomaskeller.com/

Have you ever dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant? What’s your bucket list experience, already experienced or that you’re working towards?

P.S. Want to read more about restaurants? See my restaurant posts here. If you’re looking for notable restaurants, check out this post about Pujol and Quintonil or this post about Nahm.

P.P.S. Want some foodie bucket list inspiration? See this post.

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I took a return trip to San Francisco, with my boyfriend this time, to explore more of the city. We went out of the city to Sonoma and Muir Woods National Monument but also explored some new places in the city. Here are some additional San Francisco Sight-Seeing Recommendations.

Blazing Saddles Bike Rental
Riding a bike is a great way to see the city, though you’ll need to watch out for the hills in this city. The Blazing Saddles rental process went very smoothly and they have a 24/7 drop off location available. Riding around downtown in the financial district was not as scary as I thought it would be. From the financial district we headed toward the water and made stops at the Ferry Building, Fort Point, and The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio before biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. We took the ferry across the bay to the Ferry Building. It was an 11-hour day and grueling at times but we checked the experience off the list.

Musee Mecanique (Mechanical Museum)
If you’re near Fisherman’s Wharf and love old-timey things, pop by the Musee Mecanique. It’s filled with antique arcade machines in working condition. It’s interesting to see what people enjoyed years ago and how arcade machines have changed. This large room is free to visit, though you’ll need your own quarters to play the games, and can be satisfied by a quick walk-through.

Fort Point National Historic Site
This place is a free gem. The views are architecturally pleasing to the eye with great spots for shots of the bridge.

The Walt Disney Family Museum
We made sure to come here after hearing about the current Disney and Dali exhibit from a friend. Disney and Dali were two artistic leaders of imagination and surrealism in their time. They built a friendship and created a specific artistic collaboration, though it came to life in a roundabout way. They also inspired each other, as seen in their work. The exhibit takes you through their careers, struggles and inspirations, and is a magical illustration of how they brought their work to life. The exhibit is $15 and available until January 3, 2016.

Sutro Baths and Cliff House, Land’s End, and Ocean Beach
All of these areas are within a five-minute walk from each other. I first came here on a quick stop with the Vantigo tour. It was chillingly cold and my interest in exploring the area wasn’t very high. Thankfully, the weather was better the second time around because this place was eerie, dramatic and inspiring. The area was engulfed by thick fog, Brandon Anderton (@frpart) had created his beautiful designs in the sand on the beach, and surfers could be seen trying to catch a wave far in the distance.

California Academy of Sciences
Our main draw to this museum was 40,000 animals, a rainforest, an aquarium and a planetarium all under one roof! We spent about three hours exploring every exhibit in this science museum. The admission price of $35 for an adult ticket is hefty but there is a lot to see.

San Francisco is an expansive city full of activities and things to experience. I’ve had a great fill and seen a lot in my two visits but it’s a city I wouldn’t mind returning to for its beautiful weather, fresh seafood, and cool vibes. Until next time, San Francisco!

Want more San Francisco tips? Check out my other posts about the beautiful city.

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On our way back to San Francisco from Sonoma, we stopped at Muir Woods National Monument to hug some trees! We were excited to see the beautiful redwoods and the awe-inspiring sight did not disappoint. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit.

When to Go
Get there as early as possible when the park opens at 8 a.m. and go on a weekday. There are a limited number of parking spots closer to the entrance and a high number of people visit each day. Hopefully going early will give you a quieter and more peaceful experience. The rainy season is late October to early May.

Getting There
It’s a 40 minute drive from San Francisco. You’ll drive on a long, narrow, and windy road in the last 15 minutes. Make sure you have a steady driver in your party or find a shuttle that will take you there. Speaking from experience, the windy roads may make you slightly car sick.

Can you see me hugging a tree?!

If you’re not visiting Muir Woods for a serious hike, stay on the boardwalk and don’t veer from it.

If you want to get into nature, there are several trails that will take you on dirt trails deep into the woods. Off the trail, you’ll be able to hug some trees. If needed, there are $1 maps of the trails at the entrance. If you want to be “extra” adventurous, don’t get a map because the trails will eventually lead you back.

In other words, our “seeing the redwoods” experience turned into an unexpected miles-long hike around the park because we decided to see what was on a side trail. It was a long and sweaty hike but a great workout.

You might even see some critters like this chipmunk.

Quick Details:

• Get there early (open at 8 a.m.) and on a weekday.
• They’re open 365 days a year.
• Parking is free.
• Park entrance fee is $7 per adult. Free for children 15 and under. (On January 1, 2016, the entrance fee will increase to $10 for adults 16 and older.)
• Weather is slightly cooler under the shade of the trees.
• There is no cell phone service in Muir Woods.
• Visit the official website here.

What national parks have taken your breath away?

Visiting San Francisco? See my recommendations for things to do and places to eat.

The post Muir Woods National Monument Travel Guide appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

We got the chance to return to Sonoma on a group trip a few years later, so I’ve added notes from that trip in too. We stayed in the perfect house and enjoyed a wine tasting steps from the Downtown Sonoma Plaza.

Here is a Sonoma Travel Guide to help you plan a wonderful time in Sonoma!

Sonoma vs. Napa

In my pre-trip research and conversations during the trip, I learned that Sonoma is prettier, easier to get to and navigate, and more affordable than Napa. Sonoma also has a wider selection of wines and is known to be more laid-back. If you want an experience that is more sophisticated, Napa is the better choice. I prefer Sonoma!

How Long to Stay in Sonoma

We were in Sonoma for 24 hours and it was the right amount of time for us. We had a full day of wine tasting and were able to try two different restaurants. I would recommend staying longer if you want more wine tasting and you could even go try Napa for a day. For our second trip, we were there for about three days and spent leisurely time in Sonoma and Napa.

Getting to Sonoma

We rented a car at 9 a.m. Sunday morning in San Francisco and drove about an hour to our hotel in Sonoma. It was an easy drive with little traffic. Our Enterprise rental through Priceline was $67 (includes insurance) for two days. You can also search for companies that will pick up / drop off in San Francisco if you don’t want to rent a car or stay overnight in Sonoma. The Vantigo tour, the company I did a city tour with on my last trip, offers wine tour options.

Sonoma Wine Tour: Platypus Tours

My friend Sarah recommended Platypus Tours to us and they also have the highest reviews of any Sonoma wine tour company on TripAdvisor. We experienced their 5-star tour for ourselves and were incredibly pleased. They picked us up from our hotel for our leisurely 7-hour tour to four wineries. They keep groups small (ours had eight people) and we enjoyed getting to know everyone. Our tour guide Rob V. was passionate and knowledgeable about wine, a good driver, and prepared an excellent picnic lunch for us. He picked a good mix of boutique and well-known wineries for us, and we enjoyed the experiences at each winery. We visited Madrone Vineyards, Loxton Cellars, Buena Vista Winery, and Peter Cellars.

A wine tour is a fun way to interact with other wine-enthusiasts and you don’t have to worry about navigation or winery selection. It’s also a safer way to get around if you plan on tasting wine.

Info: $110 per person for a 7-hour group tour and includes snack and lunch. Does not include guide’s tip and at most $15 tasting fee per winery. See the FAQ on their website for more details.

On our group trip, we visited Three Sticks for a tasting. They have a beautiful courtyard and their wines were tasty!

Where to Stay in Sonoma

El Pueblo Inn

We had a pleasant stay at El Pueblo Inn. It was in a convenient location along the main road and minutes away from the main plaza and wineries. The room was cozy and comfortable.

Casa La Paloma

On another trip to Sonoma, we stayed in this house right off the main square, which was perfect for being near all the action. This four-bedroom house has a huge living room and backyard with a hot tub. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the grocery store, which is also convenient.

Sonoma Restaurants

The Girl & The Fig

We had a phenomenal dinner at The Girl & The Fig. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. The food and wine were all 5-star. They had a red or white five-glass wine flight available. We enjoyed Grass-Fed Steak Tartare, Fig & Arugula Salad, Wild Flounder, Duck Confit, and Lavender Crème Brulee.

El Dorado Kitchen

Before leaving the little Sonoma paradise, we stopped at El Dorado Kitchen for breakfast. I enjoyed the egg white omelet with spinach, parmesan, and mushrooms and comes with fried potatoes, arugula, and a biscuit.

LaSalette

We enjoyed this Portuguese restaurant for dinner with friends. Mmm lots of seafood like scallops, seafood stew, octopus, and more.

Sweet Scoops

For a sweet treat, stop by this ice cream shop in Sonoma square.

What to Do in Sonoma Besides Drink Wine

Sonoma has lots of parks to explore, including ones that will give you beautiful views of Sonoma. See outdoor options on the Sonoma County website.

Have you been to Sonoma or Napa? What are your recommendations?

P.S. Want to see more travel inspiration? See more travel posts here.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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What they say is true. You will leave your heart in San Francisco. Maybe it was my rose-colored glasses. Maybe it was because my trip had few hiccups. Maybe it was the undeniably perfect weather. Maybe it was the subtle coolness of the city and its residents. Maybe it was because around every corner was a fun activity or sight and with every step, a calling of a new neighborhood filled with charm and history.  Though residents told me about the city’s ugly side with talk of rising rent, gentrification, and the homeless issue, they unknowingly couldn’t help but exude pride for their city by sharing tidbits of history and the city’s unique, prevailing personality. Yes, San Francisco charmed me. San Francisco is a city for most, if not all. You’ll find an abundance of activities, restaurants, and interests. Everything and everyone seems to fit in here and there’s always something to be discovered. For me, I know it’s a place I will continue to visit!

You’ve read about my favorite San Francisco restaurants/eats and my favorite things to do and suggestions of things to do in San Francisco. Read on in my San Francisco Travel Guide for tips on how to get around the city and things to think about when planning your trip.

Mission District

WEATHER
The weather is consistent and cool in San Francisco. The average fluctuates between 50 to 80 degrees, depending on the season. I recommend bringing a light jacket to keep with you because some areas, like those close to the Golden Gate Bridge, may be breezier and colder than other areas. Ferries will have cooler temperatures also. In September, I found myself sweating from walking around and wishing I had a fleece jacket in the same day!

Pier 39

GETTING AROUND

Airport
You’ll likely fly into San Francisco International Airport, which is about 20 minutes south of downtown. The BART can be taken directly from the airport to the downtown area.

Public Transportation
The BART subway and Muni transit are the ways to get around. The BART is available on the east side of the city, which is slightly inconvenient. Muni transit refers to the buses, light rail, street cars and cable cars. Some buses may allow you to give your fare in exact change ($2.25 single trip) but others will require you to pay with a Clipper card. Check the website to see where to buy one.

Private Transportation
Uber and Lyft are widely available. In most areas of the city, short distances will cost $5 to $6 and longer distances will cost up to $12.

Mission District

DO

• Take a sight-seeing tour like Vantigo or a hop-on, hop-off bus because there are many “must-see,” tourist sights. This will help you cross all the sights in a succinct amount of time and help you decide where you want to spend more time.
• There are also places outside of San Francisco like Napa, Sonoma, and Sausalito that would be great to enjoy if you have time.
• For a list of recommended sights, check out my blog post about things to do in San Francisco and more recommendations about things to do.

If you’re planning a first trip, I would opt for at least five full days in San Francisco. I’m one who loves to pack in as many “must-see” sights and experiences into my vacations, so here is my quick five-day guide to see and do as much as possible.

Day 1: Sight-Seeing Day. Spend a couple of hours on a sight-seeing tour to cross off all the San Francisco “must-see” places. Make sure to hit Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, Chinatown and Alcatraz.

Day 2: Wine Country Day. Adventure to Napa or Sonoma for a wine tour.

Day 3: Outdoors Day. Venture out to Muir Woods National Monument, ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge or spend a day at Angel Island State Park.

Day 4: Museum Day + More Outdoors. Go hang out in the Golden Gate Park area where there are several museums. You can also swing over to Presidio, Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Cliff House, Land’s End, and the Sutro Baths if you’d like to explore these sights.

Day 5: Everything You Haven’t Done Yet Day. Anything else you missed? If you have free time, I recommend spending half a day in the Mission District where there are plenty of great restaurants, shops to wander in and out of and Dolores Park to relax on.

The Sassy Sea Lion of Pier 39

STAY

Trying to find an affordable place to stay in San Francisco was a doozy. Average hotel rates are the highest in the country – about $397 per night. Thankfully, I had friends to stay with on this last trip. For my next trip, we opted for Airbnb because rates per night were a lot cheaper (around $150 per night). If you’re looking for a place to stay, try staying in Hayes Valley or Castro for lower rates. There are plenty of great hotels but be ready to work that into your budget.

Clarion Alley

EAT

You will love all there is to eat in San Francisco. There are an abundance of pastries and plenty of cuisine options. Check out this post to find out more about popular restaurants.

Fisherman’s Wharf

QUICK TIPS

• While the Tenderloin neighborhood is safer during the day, try to avoid it at night.
• Be sure to check the sights you want to see ahead of time. Alcatraz requires reservations ahead of time.
• As with any popular sights in any city, get to a landmark or viewpoint early in the morning for the best photos without other people in them.
• Yes, San Francisco’s fog has a name. Say hello to Karl the Fog!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Have tips about San Francisco? Have questions about something I didn’t cover here? Please leave me a comment or send me a message!

Want more information about San Francisco? Check out my list of things to do in San Francisco and my Favorite San Francisco Restaurants.

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I went to San Francisco at the beginning of this month to attend the Re:Make Conference and to explore the wonderful city. I can’t say enough good things about San Francisco. The city has plenty to do, eat and see. Here are many suggestions for how you can spend your time in San Francisco.

Vantigo Van Tour
I was so excited when I found this San Francisco tour. Vantigo‘s City Tour is a comprehensive three-hour tour around the city in a cute VW van. Erik, the owner, was the tour guide on my tour and he was full of San Francisco knowledge and witty jokes. This tour would be perfect at the beginning of a trip to decide to which sights you want to go back and spend more time. We did many quick drive-bys and we ended up stopping at Sutro Baths, Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower, Alamo Square and the Golden Gate Bridge. Vantigo also has brewery, Sonoma and night tours.

Ferry Building Marketplace
The Ferry Building Marketplace is by the Embaradero and a great place to enjoy a progressive lunch and walk around the shops. A few celebrated restaurants have locations here, including Hog Island Oyster Co., Humphry Slocombe and Cowgirl Creamery. One of my favorite gift shops is called Gardener and has food-related gifts.

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf
Sea lions! Head over to Pier 39 and you’ll see the big crowds. The sea lions are highly entertaining as they sleepily moan at each other. Fisherman’s Wharf is filled with restaurants, shops and tourists. Ghiradelli Square is here and you’ll be able to get some of the famous chocolate. (If you want to buy the chocolate at a lower price, buy it at grocery stores and pharmacies around the city.)

Chinatown
One of the most popular Chinatowns in the country, San Francisco’s Chinatown is filled with Chinese chatter, typical gift shops, and an abundance of restaurants. Look up to see the lanterns!

Alcatraz
Alcatraz is filled with history. The audio tour comes with the ticket and it’s eerie to walk along the cells, hearing the stories of how some of the most notorious inmates of the time lived. Tickets cost around $32  and you’ll need to book at least a few weeks ahead. The ferry trip and exploring the island will take about two or three hours, depending on how much you want to walk around. The scenic views of San Francisco on the ferry and on the island are great!

Golden Gate Bridge
Ah, yes, THE Golden Gate Bridge. You’re likely to see it from multiple points in the city. If you want to experience the bridge up close and personal, walk or ride across the bridge.

Lyon Street Stairs and Filbert Stairs
The Lyon Street stairs and Filbert Stairs will give you some of the best views in San Francisco.

Tiled Steps / 16th Avenue Steps
The tiled steps are a colorful part of San Francisco. You’ll see a long view of the city at the top.

The Painted Ladies
The famous row of “Full House” houses still look as good as back when the show was on (and cost a pretty penny). The houses are next to Alamo Square, where you can hang out and relax.

Clarion Alley
One of my favorite things in San Francisco is Clarion Alley, where graffiti artists have created stunning art along the walls. Many are political art pieces and murals change from time to time. It made me think of Austin’s HOPE Outdoor Gallery but on a smaller scale with less random graffiti tagging.

Coit Tower
This landmark was named for Lillie HItchcock Coit. The area is good for the views of San Francisco and you can also go up the tower for a fee to get better views.

Lombard Street
Lombard Street is most known for being very curvy, though the curviest street is actually Vermont Street.

City Lights Booksellers
Established in 1953, this famed bookstore was the literary gathering place for beatniks. Now, this three-story independent bookstore is a historic place to explore and pick up a new read.

Palace of Fine Arts
This monumental structure was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It has since been in several movies, including Star Wars.

The View
Similar to Chicago’s high-rise observatories, The View is a free lounge at the top of the Downtown Marriott. Not as impressive as Chicago’s views but the lounge is less busy and still an interesting view.

Cliff House and Sutro Baths
Once a privately owned pool, Sutro Baths and the nearby Cliff House are now historic ruins.

Best Outdoor Spots to Explore
Want to spend time outdoors? San Francisco has plenty of outdoor park spaces that are perfect for having a picnic, doing some people watching and enjoying the wonderful weather. Here are my favorites:

• Dolores Park
• Golden Gate Park
• Marina Green
• Crissy Field

Dolores Park

Crissy Field

Museums
San Francisco has many fantastic museums. These are my top four choices.

• California Academy of Sciences – Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium and four-story rainforest! Go see over 40,000 live animals.
• De Young Museum – Fine arts museum
• Exploratorium – a hands-on science museum
• Legion of Honor – art museum with over 4,000 years of ancient art. You can also see Rodin’s Thinker sculpture here.

California Academy of Science

What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco?

Want more information about San Francisco? Check out my San Francisco Travel Guide and my Favorite San Francisco Restaurants.

The post Best Things to Do in San Francisco appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are some San Francisco eats I enjoyed and recommend.

Mr. Holmes Bakeshop
While their cute sign may be the most recognizable part of this small bakery, their baked goods shouldn’t be counted out! They’re known for their cromuffin but you need to line up before they open to get one! I arrived an hour later and they were already sold out. I had a chocolate croissant instead and it was very satisfying. Crispy, flakey, and chocolatey.

$
1042 Larkin Street, San Francisco 94109
Website: http://www.mrholmesbakehouse.com/
Quick Summary: Delicious pastries galore! Cromuffin and their infamous neon sign.

Hog Island Oyster Co.
If you love seafood, this is the place to visit! The company, with multiple locations in California, is focused on cultivating high-quality oysters sustainably. After trying three different kind of oysters, it’s clear their selection is one of the finest. My friend Patrick and I also enjoyed Crispy Anchovies, Tuna Crudo and Mussels and Fries. When I go back, I want to try their popular clam chowder. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and the service was top-notch. They have outdoor seating at the Ferry Building location, which was very nice that sunny San Francisco day!

$$
The San Francisco location is at the Ferry Building. They also have locations in Marshall and Napa.
Website: https://hogislandoysters.com
Quick Summary: Great seafood selection. Get the oysters!

Humphry Slocombe
Ice cream! They are known for their interesting flavors. Hibiscus Beet Sorbet, Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, Secret Breakfast, and more. It got hot walking around San Francisco, so I enjoyed a Lemon Sorbet at the Ferry Building location.

$
Three locations in San Francisco: Ferry Building, Mission Bay and Mission District
Website: http://www.humphryslocombe.com/
Quick Summary: ice cream is a great treat after a hot day!

Gott’s Roadside
This restaurant is known for its American classics – burgers, fries, and shakes. For me, it was a quick swirled soft serve ice cream dessert. The perfect ending to a yummy time at the Ferry Building Marketplace!

$
San Francisco location is in the Ferry Building Marketplace
Website: http://gotts.com/
Quick Summary: Vanilla and Chocolate soft serve ice cream

Lers Ros Thai
I was recommended this Thai restaurant by multiple people and I’m so glad I made it! My lovely hosts, Tinna and Ryan, and I enjoyed a selection of four dishes: Yum Woon Sen (spicy silver noodles with ground pork), Moo Prik Khing (Pork stirk-fried with green beans), beef fried rice and mussels.

$$
Three locations in San Francisco
Website: http://lersros.com/
Quick Summary: Tasty, authentic Thai food

Sushirrito
What do you get when you combine sushi and a burrito? Sushirrito! A burrito-sized sushi roll with seaweed, rice and your choice of “fillings.” I really enjoyed the Mayan Dragon with Crispy Chicken Katsu. They also have rolls with raw yellowtail and tuna and cooked salmon, shrimp tempura, beef, pork belly and eggplant.

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Four locations in San Francisco
Website: http://www.sushirrito.com/
Quick Summary: Burrito-sized sushi rolls; Great spot for a quick lunch

Craftsman & Wolves
This patisserie was on my to-try list but they ended up catering the Re:Make Conference breakfast! I did pass by as I was exploring the Mission District and it’s very cute. The Strawberry muffin with cream cheese filling (yes, inside the muffin) was my favorite!

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746 Valencia Street (at 18th Street)
Website: http://www.craftsman-wolves.com/
Quick Summary: Delish Pastries; Unique flavors; Also have sandwich, soup and salad items for lunch

Susiecakes
This cute, baby blue bakery has a ton of baked goods options. I went for a vanilla/vanilla mini cupcake and was delighted.

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Many locations in Northern and Southern California; In SF: on Chestnut in the Marina District
Website https://www.susiecakes.com/
Quick Summary: Cupcakes!

Tartine Bakery
Yes, the wait is worth it! This very popular, award-winning bakery usually has a line but no one really minds. It’s not the prettiest place and doesn’t have a lot of seating, but the wide selection of pastries, breakfast items and sandwiches is the big draw. We enjoyed the raspberry bread pudding, veggie quiche, hibiscus tea and frangipane croissant, but the star was the morning bun. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and coated with cinnamon sugar and candied orange. YUM.

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600 Guerrero Street or 550 Divisadero Street
Website: http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Quick Summary: Expect a wait but it’s worth it if you love pastries; Get the morning bun.

Bi-Rite Creamery
Bi-Rite’s ice cream is creamy and packed with flavor. I had to go with my favorite flavor, salted caramel, which happens to be their most popular flavor. They have lots of flavors, including seasonal flavors. In addition to regular cones, you can get sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes, and baked goods. If their products don’t win you over, they are also very focused and proactive on community!

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3692 18th St, San Francisco
Website: http://biritecreamery.com/
Quick Summary: Great ice cream! If there’s a long line at the Bi-Rite Creamery and you don’t want to wait, you could go next door to their grocery store and buy a pint instead.

Thistle
I got to try this tasty delivery service at the Re:Make Conference. They provided superfood salads and cold-pressed juices that were top-notch! If you live in the Bay Area, you can use the special offer code “FEARLESS” to try Thistle.

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They are a Bay-Area delivery company so no physical location.
Website: https://www.thistle.co
Quick Summary: Amazing healthy food!

Kara’s Cupcakes
I enjoyed a lovely mini carrot cake cupcake at this bakery. It was a lovely sweet treat after walking around the Marina District.

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Many locations in Northern California; 3249 Scott Street in the Marina District
Website: http://karascupcakes.com/
Quick Summary: Cupcakes!

farm:table
We found this spot for breakfast through Yelp one morning. We’re glad we arrived early because they had a steady line in the morning. I really enjoyed my matcha chai latte and spinach and cheese quiche. I had a few bites of boyfriend’s crispy ham and egg croissant too. Great find!

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754 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website: http://farmtablesf.com/
Quick Summary: Cute, small café for breakfast.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Recommended by a friend and the home of a world pizza champion, this corner spot in Little Italy was good for a quick bite, though their service was slightly lacking. We split their Little Italy salad and Wood-Fired Margherita pizza. All good!

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1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/
Quick Summary: Variety of pizza choices

R&G Lounge
Craving crab, we found this spot on Yelp and remembered it was recommended by a friend. It’s a bustling Chinese restaurant with a large menu. On a Monday night, we were able to get a table easily but I’ve heard there are long lines on the weekends. Fried salt and pepper crab is their signature dish and it was meaty and flavorful. We also enjoyed the Prawns with Honey and Walnuts and Mixed Vegetables.

$$
631 Kearney Street, San Francisco
Website: http://www.rnglounge.com/
Quick Summary: Popular Chinese restaurant with the food to back up their popularity

Jane
We walked past Jane one morning one the way to pick up our rental car and turned back around to get some breakfast. This cute coffee shop has a good chia pudding parfait.

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2123 Fillmore St. and 925 Larkin St
Website: http://itsjane.com/
Quick Summary: Cute coffee shop and bakery

Brenda’s French Soul Food
The early bird gets the worm, especially on a Tuesday morning. Known for their brunch, this popular spot provided a tasty Creole spread for our breakfast. A beignet flight included four beignets with different flavors: plain, chocolate, apple cinnamon and crawfish. The potato hash is seasoned appropriately with spices of the homeland. To top it off, the shrimp and grits are everything you want in the dish: cheesy, greasy, and filling. Try their sweet watermelon ice tea if that’s your thing; I really enjoyed it.

$$
652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Website: http://frenchsoulfood.com/
Quick Summary: Great spot for New Orleans-style soul food

Comstock Saloon
After dinner, we were looking for a bar to end the night and crossed paths with this intriguing spot. The vibe is very cool, like a speakeasy, and we enjoyed the live jazz music. Their classic cocktails are strong and their fried shishito peppers were a great snack.

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155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: http://www.comstocksaloon.com/
Quick Summary: Chill, snazzy bar with classic cocktails

I got many recommended restaurants from friends and “best of” lists and didn’t get to visit all of them. Here are some highly rated restaurants I hope to enjoy on my next trip!

• La Taqueria: http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-taqueria-san-francisco-2
• Sift Dessert Bar: http://siftdessertbar.com/
• Golden Gate Bakery: http://goldengatebakery.com/
• Roli Roti: http://www.roliroti.com/
• Burma Superstar: http://www.burmasuperstar.com/
• Pachino Pizzeria: http://www.sfpachino.com/
• Flour + Water: http://www.flourandwater.com/

For the latest San Francisco restaurant information, check out these local online resources.

• San Francisco Eater
• San Francisco Chronicle
• San Francisco Thrillist List

What San Francisco restaurants and eats would you recommend?

Check out my recommendations for things to do in San Francisco and my San Francisco Travel Guide.

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