If you and your love are planning on heading to the United States for your honeymoon, consider adding a San Francisco stopover to your itinerary. This eclectic eco city of cultural and epicurean delights, tech giants and historic architecture promises to be an exciting addition to your romantic getaway.
From Australia, San Francisco is also a great arrival or departure location, with easy connecting flights. So, newlyweds, get ready to leave your heart in San Francisco, with our roundup of sightseeing and foodie SF experiences.
Three of the best: things to do
See the city: San Francisco natives love an eco mode of transport, making two wheels the choice for many morning commuters. So, when in SF why not take a bike tour? Streets of San Francisco Bike Tours offers a variety of trips which allow you to explore San Francisco’s vibrant neighbourhoods and see major landmarks like Golden Gate Park and the iconic Victorian-style homes, the Seven Sisters. If you’re worried about the hill-factor – don’t be – the tours are tailored in distance and route to suit different abilities, so it’s ok if you’re not quite “Tour de Francisco” ready.
Take a day trip: Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge lies the charming town of Sausalito nestled on the bay. Comprising cute shops, inviting restaurants, cosy bars and romantic inns, it’s a simply gorgeous locale to spend a few hours. Browse the quaint stores (if you and your man are fans of quirky socks, stop by Soxalito), dine right on the bay (try Barrel House Tavern or Scoma’s Sausalito) and soak in those stunning views.
Explore the woods: A short drive from San Francisco, Muir Woods is a must-see for nature lovers and is home to some of the tallest trees on earth – the majestic Coastal Redwoods. Depending on how much time you have, try a brisk stroll around one of the shorter trails, or set off on a hike through the forest for a truly enchanted woodland experience. As you arrive, grab a map from the rangers and keep your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies, squirrels and chipmunks!
Three of the best: foodie experiences
Enjoy a moveable feast: Fancy a romantic stroll with food included? Join a walking food tour and get a local’s look at some of San Fran’s best foodie neighbourhoods. Avital Food Tours takes hungry travellers through a selection of the city’s iconic areas; so depending on your style you could try the trendy latin Mission District, Italian enclave North Beach, or the bohemian and musical Haight Ashbury. En route, you’ll get to sample tasty appetisers, delicious mains and decadent desserts from both new and stalwart establishments – and you can also choose to include drinks.
Sample the seafood: With its premier Pacific Ocean location, it’s only natural that San Francisco has garnered a reputation for great seafood – so you simply have to sample the local catch while you’re there!
Tourist hotspots Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Wharf are the ideal places to start your SF seafood experience. Stroll along the famous pier, hang out with the raucous sea lions and try a mini donut (or many!) from Trish’s Mini Donuts.
When you’re ready for mains, meander along the bay to the Fisherman’s Wharf and settle into a cosy booth at one of the many seafood restaurants. If you have a hankering for chowder and crabs, don a bib and get stuck in at nearby Joe’s Crab Shack – you definitely won’t leave hungry!
Dine market-style: San Francisco’s original Ferry Building has been transformed into a gourmet marketplace, bursting with artisanal products, fresh produce and delicious dining options. Foodie couples will love wandering along the cavernous main hall and discovering the array of delights on offer. Start your visit with a quality caffeine hit from Blue Bottle Coffee before venturing to Cowgirl Creamery Sidekick for a seriously cheesy Mac ‘n Cheese – it’s big enough to share! For upscale dining, slurp oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co or book into the highly regarded Slanted Door, which serves up inventive Vietnamese Fusion.
All images by Anika Reynolds
With so many things to sample and see, friendly locals and super easy transport options, San Francisco is the perfect place from which to begin your United States honeymoon, no matter whether you have 48 hours, four days or more!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Wow – San Francisco is definitely on my US itinerary!
About Anika: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!
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