I have a new favorite city, y’all. Well, aside from Houston. San Francisco is amazing (and the polar opposite of Houston). There’s tons of public transportation, elevation (what is that) and it’s COOOOOLLL. Like, midsummer… midday… in the sun… and sweater weather. If there’s a heaven, its climate is similar to San Fran’s.

Here’s where to take pix in the gorgeous city of San Francisco!

Of course, every city has a downside, and San Fran’s is the uphill foot traffic. Everyday is leg day in San Fran. Ouch. My calves are screaming still. Do yourself a favor and wear tennis shows.

Breakfast with Pat

This tiny, lil b-fast spot is great for eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy and… everything tbh. It’s small, colorful (complete with fun pillows — my mom took several photos of me with them, but I’ll spare you) and a hidden treasure. Get the waffles.

A morning stroll through the Golden Gate Bridge

This was from my first trip. A creative photo I have yet to match.

The second, winning vista/exit headed north on 101.

I mean, you can’t not, right?

I have to say, it’s a bit anti-climatic when you get stuck with a foggy day (which is pretty often). But it’s free and important — you gotta go to the bridge! You probably want to be on the San Fran side of the bridge, rather than the other side (v natury). Head toward the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. You can park there and buy any souvenirs. I don’t recommend doing the full walk. If you want to see both sides, I say drive it. The other side has tons of things to explore, but it’s more of a hiking experience.

Extra points if you have a clever photo. #Winner

Then boat under it

Alcatraz

Go on a guided tour of the city and no one will judge you for taking notes… or an excess of photos.

We wanted to hit up Alcatraz, and you DEFINITELY should, but it didn’t work with our schedule to do the full tour. It’s PRICEY, and fills up fast. Instead, we took one of the MANY boat tours and had a guide tell us all about Alcatraz (plus the rest of the city) from a far.

Cable car to lunch in Chinatown

Nanking

Z & Y

The cable car ride is another thing where you can’t not, you know? It will be over priced and confusing, but all worth it.

Nanking is amazing and HIGHLY recommended by, like, everyone. However, you shouldn’t expect the service will be good. Bring cash!

An alternative: Z & Y just around the corner. Equally as recommended — get the steamed pork dumplings and the broccoli beef. Or, split a special clay pot of yumminess!

Chocolate and shopping

This will be your favorite stop of the day. If it’s chilly, grab cocoa — it’s so rich!

Get crooked on the crookedest street

From the bottom

Dream crusher alert: Lombard Street isn’t the crookedest street in the world. It isn’t even the crookedest street in San Francisco, but it’s definitely the prettiest. PS. selfie sticks galore.

I recommend starting from the bottom and walking up. Best photos will be at the top looking down, IMO.

Climb the Twin Peaks

Oh, what a great view. Not.

It might not be worth it for the view, but it’s definitely an experience… a very windy one. Plug in Twin Peaks into your phone and use the GPS. It’s one big loop, and there are places to park at the top.

Dinner at Cotogna

OK, pardon the excess of photos, but come on. Dat food doh. It’s a v trendy spot in a v trendy area. Get a pizza, for sure!

Visit the Tanners

Whatever happened to predictability? It’s still in Alamo Square Park with the Painted Ladies (the colorful stacked houses). Hint: the Tanner house from Full House is at 1709 Broderick St.

Have a night cap and watch the sunset on the beach

The Buena Vista is where Irish Coffees became a thing, so I feel like I owed it so much. Much like everything else in San Fran, it’s a tad overpriced. They created something delicious, and for that I drink your tiny, overpriced drink with my pinky out.