Home LifestyleTravel Weekend Getaway Idea: San Francisco

Weekend Getaway Idea: San Francisco

by Jennifer Tripucka
Attain Medspa
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This week, we’re taking things to the West Coast with a trip to the Golden State’s San Francisco Bay Area, which is often popularized by the Golden Gate Bridge, rollercoaster-like hills, and everyone’s favorite show, Full House {cue the opening credits of the Tanners}. We’re here to dig a little deeper than that {although you still have to do the touristy stuff} to show you all the hidden gems, insider spots and more to make the most of a quick trip to the city that’s 47 square miles in size {aka you can get around quickly in this city!}. With plenty of history, Instagram-famous food spots and seaside scenery, and a breeze that follows you wherever you go, it’s worth a little extra frequent flier miles to head out West for a few days. Here’s your SF ‘weekend’ getaway itinerary:

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^ The iconic Painted Ladies

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Plane Flights

First things first, catch an Uber to EWR {Newark Airport} for a flight to San Francisco {SFO airport code}. United {we know, ughhhhh} offers direct flights to San Fran, and that’s definitely the best option to save time since you’re going across the country and not just a few hours away.

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Hotel Picks

Palace Hotel {Super Luxurious}

Built in 1875, this luxurious hotel is THE place to stay if you want to stay at the best of the best. With original architecture complemented by modern decor, there’s not a better place to live the high life and get the best of both worlds than at the Palace Hotel. It’s located right downtown, so you’re a walk away from everything in town. Plus, the top-notch hotel offers an elegant high tea, a Sunday City Brunch, and its restaurant Pied Piper serves up classic California plates right outside your hotel room. With a 2016 Award of Excellence, you know you’re going to be treated like royalty here.

Hobbs Inc

Inn Above Tide  {Seaside Charm in Sausalito}

 

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If you’re looking to get away from the city, then this quaint, luxurious hotel in Sausalito is where you need to book ASAP. Sausalito is a town located near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and is the perfect spot is you’re looking for a romantic getaway — especially because there’s only 31 rooms. As one of the top-rated hotels in Northern San Francisco by Condé Nast Traveler, you’re in for a treat. Every room is complete with stunning views of the bay, which you can view from your private deck. Plus, wine country {Sonoma and Napa} is just a quick drive North.

Hotel Drisco {Iconic Location}

Located in SF’s iconic Pacific Heights neighborhood, Hotel Drisco fits right in among the many mansions and gorgeous parks nearby. This chic hotel was built in 1903, and is undergoing renovations this year to reveal an updated look this summer. Make sure to check out their packages for birthdays, couples or a bike ride outing.

Places to Eat and Drink

La Taqueria {Mission District}

 

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“La Taq” is regarded by natives as hands down the best taco shop in America, and we concur that it’s definitely a can’t miss place in the bay area. It’s a hole in the wall restaurant located in the Mission District that serves up huge burritos, tacos and more that are 100 percent authentic. No one ever goes here without being satisfied and full. Be prepared for a line out the door and difficulty finding seating — but it’s worth it considering it’s been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel just to name drop.

Philz Coffee {Multiple Locations}

Two words: MINT MOJITO. Yup, that’s the name of this SF coffee chain’s top-selling coffee drink. The iced coffee drink is complete with fresh mint on top, and it’s basically the most hipster breath refresher you could drink. Plus, they’ve got delish bagels and pastries too. Tip: you basically didn’t go to San Fran if you didn’t snap a pic from Philz.

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Ghiradelli Square {Fisherman’s Wharf}

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Calling all chocolate lovers: did you know that Ghiradelli started in SF? Don’t miss this chocolate wonderland, where you can get just about every kind of treat made with Ghiradelli chocolate.

Boudin Bakery {Multiple Locations}

 

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We’ll be honest – SF isn’t the cheapest place to vacation, so Boudin Bakery is the perfect place to grab a quintessential SF bread bowl for a decent price. There are multiple locations, but we suggest going to the in Fisherman’s Wharf where all the action {and view of the bay} is. You can choose from SF’s finest clam chowder soup or tomato soup to fill your bread bowl if seafood isn’t your thing. The best part? You get a side of bread with your bread bowl. Carb lovers unite. And as a souvenir, we suggest buying the Insta-famous teddy-bear shaped bread.

Cream {Two Locations}

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Get your sweet tooth fix at Cream, where you can make a DIY ice cream sandwich that’ll look perfect in your Instagram grid. Choose from flavors like matcha and classics like cookies and cream. You can even mix and match the cookie portion and choose from other baked goods like brownies, do’sants and waffles. They’ve even got vegan and gluten free options.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

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You’ve probably seen this perfectly pink bakery on Instagram with one of its legendary cruffins featured in front of its iconic “I got baked in San Francisco” sign. A cruffin is a croissant/muffin hybrid, and the flavor changes daily, so it’s always worth it to stop by every time for a new flavor {On New Year’s Day, the flavor was champagne}. They’ve also got treats like matcha croissants. Make sure to call ahead though because they often sell out and close early.

Places to Go Out/Have Cocktails

Boulevard Restaurant {Embarcadero}

 

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As one of the bay’s finest five-star restaurants, you’re going to be treated like a VIP. Make sure to call for reservations in advance — we suggest calling at least a month prior to your trip because this is a hotspot for locals. You can look forward to starters like an ahi tuna tartare, dishes including lamb t-bone or angus filet, and a long dessert menu including house made ice cream, cookies and cream bon bons and butterscotch pudding. Plus, you’ll get a picturesque view of the bay and Embarcadero area {next to Financial District} at your table that will make your jaw drop.

Trick Dog {Fun Menu}

With a continuously changing themed menu, you have to hit up Trick Dog every time you visit SF because the menu will be totally different. This bar is typically always packed, so you know there’s a good reason people are obsessed with it. Past menu themes include SF tourist map and Chinese Restaurant, so we know you’re curious.

Black Horse London Pub {Games Galore}

This pub is rated one of California’s top bars, so you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t stop by. Although it’s the smallest bar in SF, its serves up some serious drinks to compensate for its lack of square feet. Expect to be handed an ice-cold beer from a bathtub filled with ice from behind the bar and play games all night.

Sightseeing MUSTS

Golden Gate Bridge

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We don’t really have to explain this one too much, but we can tell you the best place to get your touristy photo is at Fort Point.

Landsend

No, not the store — it happens to be a park that serves up one of the most breathtaking views of the entire bay area and Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a lesser known spot that typically only the locals know about, so it shouldn’t be as crowded as other spots in the city. You can also see Sausalito clearly atop the cliff here.

Alcatraz Island

 

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Head to the island of Alcatraz to learn about the federal prison that once held some of the most dangerous military felons there. You can experience what it was like to be a prisoner with day tours where you can head out to the island.

Lombard Street

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Buckle up because it’s time to drive down the curviest street in America while getting an unreal view of the city down below. Seriously, if you haven’t figured it out by now, SF looks like a postcard with every turn.

HG Insider Tips:

La Taqueria is CLOSED during Christmas/New Year’s so the workers can go home to Mexico to be with their families, so make sure to check their Facebook page to make sure your trip there isn’t a lost cause.

Bring a jacket no matter what time of the year it is…despite what us East Coasters may think of the West Coast, SF is always breezy year round.

SF is divided into different neighborhoods just like NYC is — just a heads up in case you see names like Mission District, Noe Valley, etc. when it says where restaurants or things to do are located.

The “Painted Ladies” in the first picture of this post isn’t actually where the real Full House from the show is located. The real one is located here.

Never taken an Uber? Click here and use the promo code HGTAKE20 to get your first ride free (up to $20).

So there you have it; a quick trip to San Francisco, which can be done in a few days, max 10.5 hours of travel time from Hoboken to San Francisco [start-to-finish].  This post was sponsored by Uber, but having just visited The Bay, know that we’d never steer you {no pun intended} wrong!

Let us know where we should cover next in our #HobokenTravels!

RMA

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