48 Hours in San Francisco
Nov 25, 2016, Updated Feb 03, 2023
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Stay at the Four Seasons.
The Four Seasons’ location in Union Square near the Yerba Buena Gardens makes it an easy starting place to numerous locations you’ll want to visit in the city.
It’s not in a neighborhood that is particularly known for culinary prowess (there are well-known national chains everywhere here- for something super unique you’ll want to take a short walk or Uber to another neighborhood to try something a bit trendier), but it is fairly central to attractions across the city, and no point you’ll want to visit is more than a 10 minute ride away.
Also worth visiting: The Four Season’s in-house restaurant and bar, MKT.
We loved all of the dishes we tried:
Charred Octopus
Lobster Ceviche
Artichoke and Arugula Salad
Chicory and Little Gem Salad
Seared Scallops over quinoa
Sustainable Chilean Seabass
Flan
Berry Crumble
Explore the Palace of Fine Arts.
The Palace of Fine Arts was built in 1915 for the Pan-Pacific Exposition to display fine art – and re-built in 1965. It is a grand, statuesque park that winds around a small lagoon, and is incredibly picturesque (there are often weddings there.)
It’s a perfect spot to take photos, people watch, or just quietly explore – and totally free. You can walk there, or have an Uber drop you off right at the entrance.
Then walk towards the ocean through the park for a nice long afternoon !
Wander through the Presidio and see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Taste test Taquerias.
La Taqueria – crowned by 538 to have the best burrito in the nation – but we’re a bit torn on this one.
They have the best fillings (the meat and cheese is amazing in their burrito) – but the carnitas flavor is a bit more subdued.
Five Thirty Eight reigned La Taquerias burritos as the best in the nation. I love their beans- and their cabeza is excellent- but my favorite mission burrito is definitely Taqueria Cancun’s carnitas. What is your Mission fave?? #sanfrancisco #burrito #food #foodie #foodgram #tasty #eeeeeats #foodietravel #travelblogger #besttrip #wanderlust #foodcation #forkyeah #foodporn #delish #tasty #foodandwine #foodwinewomen #nomnom
Other picks: The agua fresca is heavenly, and great to quench a thirst on a hot day. Don’t shy from lengua (tongue) and cabeza (head) tacos – they are spectacular here!
Taqueria de Cancun – my pick for the best burrito. Get it smothered . The carnitas will make you think you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in heaven – they are intensely crave-able.
If you’re getting a burrito, order up one Mojado-style – smothered in red and green chile sauce with cheese and sour cream – just like the Mexican flag!
You can’t carry this one, but it is crazy delicious. And since Cancun’s line is a bit shorter, you can easily grab a spot at one of the picnic benches inside to tuck in with a cold cerveza!
The Lengua tacos at Cancun are also incredible – don’t miss them!
Visit Little Russia.
If you’re looking to explore one of San Fransisco’s many ethnic neighborhoods, but want something a little different than the insanely crowded ChinaTown, head to Little Russia (on Geary) for tons of delicious Russian and Georgian treats.
Moscow and Tbilisi Cafe – head here for poppyseed bread, khachapuri, and tons of delicious Eastern European treats!
Holy Virgin Cathedral – this stunning Orthodox Cathedral is covered in vibrant icons and is a must-see if you’re interested in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Tips for visiting: They do ask you to not take photos when services are being held, but welcome photos of icons at other times.
There is a bookstore adjacent to the building offering a large amount of icons, holy books, Russian texts, as well as prayer ropes and pins.
Please note – many Orthodox churches ask women to cover their heads inside churches. This wasn’t enforced on our visit (I’m Orthodox and expected this – I simply tossed the scarf I was wearing for chilly weather over my head), but it is a great sign of respect to cover your head especially if there is a service. Don’t be offended if you’re asked to cover your head while exploring the church.
Get Baked at Mr. Holmes.
Plum cream perfection. #doughnuts #tasty #sanfrancisco #eeeeeats #feedfeed #instayum #foodstagram #travel #travelblogger #eattheworld #tasty #igotbakedinsanfrancisco #mrholmesbakehouse #delish #foodie #foodporn #eat #eattheworld #trip #besttrip
A photo posted by Courtney | Food & Travel ? (@sweetcsdesigns) on
This Tenderloin hotspot packs a massive crowd on the weekend – be prepared to stand in a VERY long line for the famed cruffin (croissant muffin, with piped fresh cream in the middle).
Hop in the other line for other baked goods including bear claws, doughnuts, savory bread puddings, and croissants. We didn’t get to try the cruffin – but the rest of the pastries were delicious.
My husband and I were least enthusiastic about the savory bread pudding when ordering – which ended up being our absolute favorite once we tasted it. It is rich and meaty, with delicious cheese and herb notes that make for an amazing breakfast.
I also really loved the churro croissant and doughnuts!
Eat through the Ferry Building.
Grab Literary Themed Cocktails from Novella.
Novella is in short walking distance from the Four Seasons and other Union Square hotels, as well as ATT Park – making it an easy spot to slide into a cozy chair or booth and sip some deliciously themed cocktails.
Don’t miss out on their punches – you can even do a punch tasting flight!
Be sure to book a table on weekends if you’re stopping by after 6pm, as it does fill up fast.
My pick for some of the tastiest cocktails in #sanfrancisco ? Definitely Novella- a literature themed bar full of cool touches, soft leather chairs & character named drinks. My fave: the Scout Finch. Husband was all about the Moneypenny. Bourbon/scotch forward with delicious fruit accents that were perfectly balanced! #cocktailswithcharacter #drink #happyhour #besttrip #travel #travelblogger #drinks #food #foodandwine #foodie #eat #eeeeeats #tasty #delicious
A photo posted by Courtney | Food & Travel ? (@sweetcsdesigns) on
Sip Tea and People Watch at Samovar
Samovar, right in Yerba Buena Gardens, is a delicious teahouse full of gourmet delights and tea services!
Samovar is situated perfectly over the waterfall, where you can watch tourists milling about, people taking photos, or stop in between visiting the San Fransisco Modern Art Museum.
