GET TO KNOW SF!
You can find the official SF Travel Guide below, but many of our club leaders live (or spend a lot of time) in San Francisco. We would love to share some of our favorite spots with you!
Josh Blissett
President
Favorite food spot:
Food is my JAM!! In SF, Kin Khao has been a longtime fave. Michelin star Thai food and relatively affordable. Great for lunch. ROOH for high end modern Indian. La Mar Peruvian Cebicheria on the Embarcadero is incredible. Humphrey Slocombe Secret Breakfast ice cream at the Ferry Building. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the street (for real!!). In the East Bay the patio vibes at Nido’s Backyard are super fun, and Belotti has been named one of the top Italian restaurants outside of Italy (it’s Piedmontese specifically). Check out Ensarro Ethiopian or stroll from taco truck to taco truck during the daytime along International Blvd. For an incredible omakase sushi experience, book a table at Utzutzu in Alameda. There are only 8 seats at the sushi bar and they only do two seatings/night, so don’t wait!.
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Favorite afternoon activity:
Go for a casual hike in Joaquin Miller Park or Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. Hang out at Alameda Beach (one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets), walk Oakland’s Lake Merritt.
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Tell us your ideal afternoon in SF:
I’ve lived in the East Bay most of my time in the Bay Area, so I’ll go that direction. Walk the 3.5 miles around Lake Merritt and finish at the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market for breakfast. Head over to Alameda Beach stopping at Scolari’s in Alameda for fries. Swing through Original Pattern Brewery before getting the rest of your evening going.
Anything else to add to our travelers:
Sadly, don’t leave ANYthing visible in your rental car unless you’re comfortable with a break-in. Get outside your comfort zone and eat everything. This is one of the most diverse regions in the country, and that’s reflected in our food options. Skip the chains and try one of our many local offerings - from tacos to coffee and everything in between. If you’re driving, prepare for traffic because you’ll be sitting in a lot of it; otherwise, from business people to unhoused people to local politicians, everyone uses the BART and Muni systems to get around. More than anything, immerse yourself in the region to see why we love this place we call home!
Colin Schieszer
Vice President
Favorite food spot:
Burma Love or Burma Superstar, same restaurant but different location (go to the one in the Richmond or Mission, avoid Downtown). It’s my favorite restaurant hands down! Also, if you are looking for a more casual but awesome activity, walk around Chinatown and wander into the countless shops for Dim Sum. If you are looking for fast casual seafood, Hook Fish is the way to go. Get the rockfish tacos for me!
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Favorite afternoon activity:
The cable car museum! If you are staying in the East Bay, you can ferry to the city and then jump on a cable car to the cable car museum. It's an awesome, small museum. I give this recommendation to everyone and it’s always a hit!
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Tell us your ideal afternoon in SF:
I live right by Golden Gate Park, so it feels wrong not to give it a special shout-out! Throughout Golden Gate Park are so many hidden gems and great for an afternoon stroll and people-watching.
Anything else to add to our travelers:
If you haven’t heard…. always wear a jacket! Karl the fog dwells in San Francisco, and it is always a bit chilly. Also, avoid Union Square or the Tenderloin. I recommend exploring these neighborhoods: North Beach, the Marina, Castro, Noe Valley.
Arthur Mendes
Finance Manager
Favorite food spot:
San Francisco is a culinary haven, and among its diverse gastronomic delights, I have discovered four favorite restaurants that never fail to impress my taste buds. First on the list (in no specific order) is Dumpling Time, a treasure trove of amazing dumplings from various Asian cuisines – the lamb dumplings are a must here. Next, Hook Fish offers a straightforward seafood experience, sourcing the freshest catches and serving them up in simple yet delightful ways, my favorite is the halibut burito. For a taste of Brazil, Café de Casa is my go-to spot, offering savory coxinhas and feijoada that transports me straight home. Finally, Fiorella captures the essence of Italy with their wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an array of soul-warming dishes that bring the charm of Italian home-cooking.
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Favorite afternoon activity:
My favorite thing to do in San Francisco during the afternoon is checking out the awesome cultural scene! There are so many museums all over the city where you can just pop in and see some seriously cool art that has inspired people for ages – some of them have free admission days. My top picks are the de Young Museum, which has an incredible collection of art from all over the world, and the California Academy of Sciences, where you can geek out on science and nature. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon, soaking in the creativity and beauty all around while having a blast!
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Tell us your ideal afternoon in SF:
My ideal day in San Francisco would definitely involve good food, great company, and enjoying the outdoors. One of my favorite spots is Cafe de Casa, where I love to grab some delicious Brazilian food. With my food in hand, I'd head to Dolores Park, that has an incredible view of the city. Hanging out with friends on the grassy slopes, soaking in the sun, and taking in the vibrant atmosphere is just perfect.
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As the sun starts to set, we'd make our way to the Mission District and find a cozy bar to chill and catch up. There's something special about the Mission's laid-back vibe that makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a few drinks with friends. Whether it's a trendy cocktail/mocktail spot or a classic neighborhood bar, the options are endless.
This mix of good food, the company of friends, and the beautiful San Francisco outdoors creates a day filled with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the city's unique charm.
Anything else to add to our travelers:
The San Francisco Bay Area is a dreamland for outdoor sports lovers! There's so much to do and experience here. You can go cycling on beautiful trails, catch epic waves while surfing, or sail with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. And for all you rock climbers out there, Castle Rock State Park has some seriously challenging crags waiting for you! The best part is, you don't even need to worry about gear – rentals are readily available. So get out there and make the most of this amazing natural playground in the Bay Area, where adventure and beauty come together for an unforgettable time!
Caroline Green
Communications Manager
Favorite food spot:
My favorite place is Arizmendi Bakery. While there are locations sprinkled through the Bay Area, there is one right next to Golden Gate Park. I often grab a piece of their daily pizza and pastry before heading to the park with friends. I second Colin on Hook Fish - definitely my favorite fish taco place in SF and Marin. Great for after a hike or bike ride to the beach.
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Favorite afternoon activity:
MIf I have a couple hours open or even just one, then I walk through the neighborhoods. SF is full of beautiful views around every corner and a walk around any neighborhood is full of character! Beware of hills but I promise it will not disappoint. Bonus - you’ll probably stumble upon one of many parks through-out the city.
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Tell us your ideal afternoon in SF:
Sitting in a park with friends, activities/games, snacks and beverages! My favorites are Tunnel Tops in the Presidio, Francisco Park located right behind Ghirardelli Square and of course Alamo Square (it’s so great and you’ll find many locals on the weekend despite being tourist central!).
Anything else to add to our travelers:
Make sure to incorporate nature in your plans if you enjoy the outdoors! If you can make the time then I highly recommend the Presidio or Golden Gate Park. It’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of a large city when walking through their trails.
