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A Perfect Spring Day in San Francisco

Ask this member a question. SFWorld SF resident of 10+ years
May 3, 2006
2.5 of 5 stars based on 6 votes
A great day of walking to see and taste what San Francisco has to offer.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: San Francisco
  • Category: Perfect day
  • Traveler type: Sightseeing
  • Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Singles, Students, Budget travelers, Tourists
  • Seasons: Spring, Summer
  • Tags: Embarcadero, Pier 23, San Francisco
1. Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, San Francisco, California
The following items capture a great walk I did one time. On a nice day it's a great way to see the city without any tough hills but with plenty of stops for food and drink. The total distance is about 4 miles but there are some good ways to trim the walk: take the F-line from the Ferry Building the Fisherman's wharf. To get to Union Square from North Beach take the #30 bus which runs along Columbus and up Stockton (through Chinatown) to Union Square.

You can also do this tour in various directions (i.e start at Union Square and take the MUNI Metro underground to the Ferry Building- exit at Embarcadero Station). No rules. Just a good day to get out and about.

The Farmers' Market is located at the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street and the Embarcadero. Start here in the morning and try the fresh produce or even grab breakfast. Take a seat out back and watch the ferries come and go. Need a break- cross the Embarcadero and go to the Noah's Bagels- it's usually a less crowded place to grab coffee and sit and people watch. Don't forget to go inside the building- there are many great foodie spots for cheese, wine, chocolate and caviar.
2. The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California
From the Ferry Buillding wander North along the Embarcadero. If you can last about a mile you can get to Fisherman's Wharf. Along the way, you'll see Coit Tower and watch the boats come and ago on the Bay. If it's time for another break, stop at Pier 23 (on Pier 23) -a long-time waterfront bar (live music some nights). Don't go for great food, just a snack, drink, and break.
3. North Beach
North Beach, San Francisco, California
Next I recommend skipping Fisherman's Wharf. Instead, turn left on Bay Street. For inexpensive Ghiradeli chocolate go to Safeway at North Point Center (i.e another reason to skip the touristy Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradeli Square. Then turn left on Mason Street and head towards North Beach. Also note Trader Joe's- a great place to grab a bottle of water (or anything else)- think of it if you want supplies for an urban picnic. Follow mason until it hits Columbus and then follow it until Union Street- now you are in the heart of North Beach. Stop at Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store (no cigars available) for cheap eats and drinks- sit outside across from the park and people watch.
4. Chinatown
Chinatown, San Francisco, California
Once you are ready to continue, keep walking up Columbus. You'll pass some great cafes to visit when nightfalls. Whnen you reach the corner of Columbus and Broadway take a right and quick left to follow Grant through Chinatown. if you need a Chinese food fix cut over to Kearny and go to R&G lounge. Otherwise keep walking an you'll pass through the gates and wind up on the edge of Union Square. Caffe de la Presse is a great local spot to grab a coffee. Otherwise, keep walking and you'll come to Union Square itself.
5. Union Square
Union Square, San Francisco, California
Our final stop on the tour is Union Square. Union Square itself was remodeled a few years ago and now it is more open and has a cafe- another possible spot to people watch. From here you can choose a direction to 1) complete the loop back to the Ferry Building by taking the vintage streetcars (F-line); 2) take the cable car back to North Beach (Powell and Mason)- go to Albona -a great place near the end of the cable car line (Francisco @ Mason).
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