San Francisco | A week in Northern California
This has nothing to do with newborn photography. It is a San Francisco travel guide, written by a photographer who has been back to this city more times than she can count and still is not over it. I now photograph newborns and families in Greenville, SC -- but I still travel every chance I get, and Northern California is always worth writing about.
If you landed here looking for a photographer in the Upstate SC area, I would love to hear from you. But first -- San Francisco.
San Francisco does not need a lot of selling. If you have been, you already know. If you have not, this guide will get you there faster.
BEFORE YOU GO
Rent a car. You will not need it inside the city, but the day trips on this list are not reachable without one and they are half the reason to come. Dress in layers -- San Francisco is cold in the morning and warm by afternoon regardless of the season, and you will regret the jacket you left at home.
WHERE TO STAY
An Airbnb in a real neighborhood will give you a much better feel for the city than a hotel. Stick to the core neighborhoods if walkability matters to you.
WHERE TO EAT IN THE CITY
Brenda's Meat and Three -- Fried chicken and grits that hold up against anything you will find back home in the South. Great atmosphere, worth the line.
Sightglass Coffee -- Really good lattes, great space, multiple locations. No wifi, so come to drink coffee and not to work.
Pica Pica -- South American food in the Mission District. Cheap, delicious, and the arepas are worth the trip alone.
Umami Burger -- Get the truffle burger. That is the whole tip.
Ferry Building Marketplace -- Go on a Saturday when the farmers market is running. Great breakfast stop before a day in the city.
Harbor Cafe in Santa Cruz -- Best eggs benedict I have had anywhere. Worth a stop if you make it to Santa Cruz.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE CITY
Marin Headlands -- The best view of the Golden Gate Bridge you will find. You drive across the bridge to get there, which is its own experience. Parking is competitive but worth it.
Baker Beach -- Great view of the bridge plus the Pacific. A little more relaxed than the Headlands.
Chinatown -- Go for the history as much as the food. Most traffic-heavy part of the city so give yourself extra time and bring cash.
Sausalito -- The small harbor town just across the Golden Gate. Walk the harbor, eat fish and chips at FISH, wander. One of my favorite spots in the whole area.
DAY TRIPS WORTH THE DRIVE
Yosemite National Park -- About four hours from the city but absolutely worth it. The Tunnel View lookout gives you the iconic view without much effort. Walk the trail to Yosemite Falls if you have the energy.
Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, and Monterey -- Drive the Bixby Bridge, stop at Pfeiffer Beach for sunset, and take your time on the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most beautiful drives in the country.
Point Reyes Seashore and Lighthouse -- One of the most dramatic coastlines you will ever see. Pairs well with Muir Woods as a full day trip.
Muir Woods -- Giant redwoods, easy trails, genuinely restorative after a few days in the city. Get there early -- it fills up fast.
Napa Valley -- Castello di Amorosa -- Napa's only castle. Do the tour instead of just the tasting. Worth the extra cost.
Get your bags ready.
If you are a family in the Greenville or Upstate SC area looking for a photographer, that is my actual job. Let's connect.