With the Super Bowl looming, our sights are set on the Bay—and, okay, maybe not solely for the football aspect but more for a weekend jaunt up to beautiful Northern California. Whether you have plans to travel for the big game (which is going down in Santa Clara, 40-some miles away), we recommend San Francisco any time of year—the park culture alone is one that fills a void in our (deprived) Angeleno hearts. Ahead, what to do and where to stay on a trip to SF.
Shopping
In the Mission, visit Voyager for a curated selection of pieces from indie designers, then pick up amazing vintage wares from Painted Bird and No. In Hayes Valley, stop into Azalea and Rand + Statler, and make your way to Haight Street to check out the OG Wasteland location. For high-end items, it doesn't get better than Curve on Fillmore.
Coffee & Pastries
Stop into Philz or Blue Bottle—a couple of the city's ubiquitous chains—or more independent roasters like Reveille or The Mill for consistently delicious brews. Grab a pastry at the highly Instagrammable Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, but get there early—they sell out of their famed cruffins by 10am. Tartine and Craftsman and Wolves also offer an array of otherworldly baked goods.
Brunch
The city has no shortage of brunch spots—stop into Jane after shopping on Fillmore Street or Nopa if you're near Alamo Square. For incredible carrot cake french toast, try Scotland Yard; for a beautiful view and great seafood, do Mission Rock Resort; and for unconventional avocado toast, don't miss Foreign Cinema.
Dinner
For awesome Italian, do A16 in the Marina, Flour + Water or Beretta in the Mission and Tony's in North Beach, which serves up the best pizza in town. If you can score a reservation, try State Bird Provisions or the Michelin-starred Sons and Daughters. For those partial to gluten-free fare, you'll be happy as a clam at Radish; New American enthusiasts, set your sights on Maven.
Libations
You'd be remiss to not hit up a wine bar during your stay—after all, you are near wine country. We love Hotel Biron and Resolute. The dimly lit Tosca Cafe is perfect for knocking back a cocktail (their Italian fare is great too), or hit up Tipsy Pig for their specialty drink, the Strawberry Fields.
Stay
The Clift in Nob Hill has a modern, cosmopolitan feel, while The Phoenix touts a funky, kitschy vibe. For a truly luxurious experience, check into the Palace or the Fairmont.
Attractions
Visit the Sutro Baths. Take a day trip to Tomales Bay and slurp oysters. See a show at Cobb's Comedy Club or Bimbo's. Get a facial with Kristina Holey. Make a bonfire at Ocean Beach's fire pits. Stroll the Ferry Building. Hang in Dolores Park. Take photos in front of the Painted Ladies. Have the best time ever.
