Music is in the Air

San Francisco boasts an incredible music scene, and its year-round calendar of not-to-be-missed festivals speaks for itself. From the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park, to the Treasure Island festival that offers not only amazing music but food trucks and art installations (and a giant Ferris wheel), to Outside Lands that attracts some of the biggest names in music like Elton John.

What we’re getting at… San Francisco is truly is a music lover’s paradise. 

Take a Hike

SF is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and you can easily spend a whole day taking in its charm and exquisite natural beauty by embarking on an urban -ahem- hike. Want to feel like you’re in the woods right in the middle of the city? Head to the over 3-mile long Golden Gate Park, or venture to the Sea Cliff area Land’s End trail and soak up views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

For an urban hike consider getting off BART at 16th Street in the Mission and walking all the way to Bernal Hill where more gorgeous views await. Or wander North Beach’s Italian inspired streets and alleys, ending at Telegraph Hill’s Coit Tower.

Famous Attractions Truly Worth Visiting

Not sure which tourist attraction are actually worth your time? Well, there’s a lot in SF.

Don’t miss the historic ferry building where market street ends downtown, where you can wander and try local SF cuisine like Prather Ranch’s meats, cheese from Cowgirl Creamery and coffee from Blue Bottle. Pier 39 is a fun place to take your kids, as it offers entertainment, sea lion spottings, food, and water-front views. Definitely don’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge, as this is a spectacularly unique experience (you can walk or jog across it, too).

World Cuisines

This section could be a book, but try and hit Foreign Cinema in the Mission for gourmet California fare that includes screenings of old movies and an outdoor garden, 25 Lusk in the Financial District for trendy, American cuisine, Nopa in the Lower Haight for fun cocktails, a cozy, modern ambience and organic, wood-fired meals.

You’ll also find an array of delicious Latin cuisine in the Mission and authentic Italian plates in North Beach.

Where to Stay

Where you stay in SF can dictate the experience you’ll have, but it’s hard to go wrong.

Try the trendy Mission district if you want to be close to authentic Latin cuisine and a hipster-friendly bar and club scene. Highlights include the Make-Out Room and the Elbo Room for drinking and dancing.

Consider the famous Castro neighborhood if you want a more upscale vibe. Here there is a myriad of gay bars and dance clubs to choose from, along with excellent brunch locals to soak up last night’s booze. You can also continue the party at one of the Castro’s famous bottomless mimosa hot spots, like Lark, Barracuda, or Bisou Bistro.

If you prefer a downtown energy, head to either the Orchard or Union Inn near Union Square, or get pampered in Pacific Heights Victorian luxury at Hotel Drisco.

Basically, San Francisco is a music and food-lover’s dream. Book a hotel, snag some concert tickets, see a theatrical performance, or catch a game, and get ready for an eventful night.