Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in San Francisco

From its charming cable cars navigating steep inclines, mysterious Alcatraz Island, iconic Golden Gate Beach and stylish hidden cocktail bars and restaurants, there’s never a dull day in San Fransisco.

“San Francisco has only one drawback: ’tis hard to leave.” — Rudyard Kipling

Eat: Pier 39

Head to San Fran’s Pier 39 for a glimpse of the city’s California sea lions basking in the sun before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the pier’s many eateries. With its oceanfront location, it’s no surprise that many of Pier 39’s restaurants dish up fresh seafood, with the like of the Crab House, Eagle Cafe, Fog Harbour Fish House and Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant all serving oysters, crab, sea bass, calamari, shrimp and more.

Image credit: Waterbar

Drink: Waterbar

Just look at that view! If you want to enjoy a tipple or two alongside panoramic views of the San Francisco bay, skyline, Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, then Waterbar is the place to be. Have your camera at the ready as you enjoy one of the bar’s original cocktails such as the Existential Crisis with Woodinville Bourbon, Bénédictine, Earl Grey syrup and pomegranate; or the Don’s Dawn with Pampero Aniversario rum, Carpano Antica Vermouth, lime and orgeat

Image credit: Staypineapple

Stay: Staypineapple San Francisco

Located in Union Square – one of San Francisco’s busiest plazas – first-time visitors or returning travellers will love the hotel’s central location close to everything you’ll want to see in the city. The hotel describes how their rooms offer ‘The Naked Experience’ which isn’t anything weird, it’s simply that everything from the comfy robes to the soft bedding and big fluffy towers will make you want to be naked.

There’s even Pineapple Pup Packages for pampered pooches, servings of pineapple cupcakes in the afternoon and beach cruiser bikes for exploring the city on.

Play: In the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood

Novelist and playwright, William Saroyan, once said “If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life.” San Fran’s Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood is one of those places that’s just so full of energy and personality, it rubs off on you. Expect plenty of vintage clothing boutiques, quirky artworks, record ships, casual bars and colourful homes as you enjoy getting lost amongst the madness.