The kids had 2 days off of school mid-week due to parent teacher conferences. I immediately started planning our next adventure since I could “attend” the conferences via zoom anywhere, why not SF?
I found our hotel, the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, here for $155 per room per night in one of the nicest, safest spots in the city: Nob Hill. I was thrilled about the price point for this 4 star historic gem. We typically need to book 2 rooms so I know when I’m planning that everything is double… even still, for hill top grandeur it was, literally, a given!
24(ish) Hour Break Down of Our Trip
I broke down our visit by each activity and time block so you can see how much we fit in as well as around how long my kids lasted at each place. On the trip was Mama (me), Lea (our au pair) + my tiny basketball team of 5 kiddos. We left for the city as soon as the kids got out of school on Wednesday.
Also noteworthy: we visited in the middle of October which is some of the best weather for SF due to their “Indian Summer”. Sunny and the fog is less likely to cover the iconic Golden Gate Bridge making excellent photos.
Between the empty city and beautiful weather, it’s an amazing time to explore (and take pictures!).
Day 1
2:30 Arrived at the Bay Bridge, drove threw the city… rolled down the windows and pushed back the moonroof and took in the sights on our way to…
3pm: Lombard Street. Hands up as you wind down this famous crooked street.
3:20pm Checked into our hotel, used the bathrooms, changed for the cooler temps since we knew we’d be walking the rest of the day.
4:20pm Started exploring the neighborhood and surrounding areas
4:35pm Made it to Union Square
4:45pm Stopped to window shop at Harry Winston.
4:50pm More window shopping at The Couturiere
5pm Ordered gelato at Amorino just in front of the gate at China Town (bathrooms open to customers).
5:20pm Walk China Town
5:45pm Played on the playground at Huntington Park. Park is also next to a dog park so our animal lovers were so happy. The dogs do not cross over into the playground which was good news for our littles who fear bigger dogs.
6:30pm Dinner at Nob Hill Cafe (indoor and outdoor dining with bathrooms for customers). Called ahead but no reservations required.
7:25pm Passed Grace Cathedral on the short walk back to the hotel and admired it lit up at night.
8:30pm Bath, Catch a Movie & Bedtime.
Day 2
8:35am Ready to Check Out
>>> Planned to walk to breakfast and grab some crepes at either The Crepe House or Crepes Oh La La. Both are open for take-out. But I had a raging migraine and needed meds stat so we drove to an area I know has free parking and a Starbucks so the kids could grab a quick breakfast<<<
9:30am Grabbed meds at CVS and Starbucks for the kids. This area has free parking while you grab a bite to eat, grocery shop and it’s safe and cute:
3595 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (between Spruce St. & Locust St. Laurel Heights)
10:15am Found some free parking a block away from the Painted Ladies, snapped some pictures and the kids played on the playground at Alamo Park (Restrooms Open!)
11am Arrived in Golden Gate Park (free parking) and walked into the Japanese Tea Gardens (no reservations required).
11:50am Wondered to the Music Concourse and listened to a few musicians practicing the Cello and Violin. Kids ran around on the half shell stage.
11:55am Headed toward the SkyStar Wheel but discovered you need reservations. Found a fun tunnel, however, to make loud noises in so it was a wash.
Tip: California Academy of Sciences is OPEN now if you want to make a reservation and visit. We will definitely be going back to explore there and ride the ferris wheel!
12:30pm Walked to the Stow Lake Boathouse and ordered lunch (chicken strips are huge!) and sat by the water watching paddle and row boats.
This is also where I zoomed into my first parent-teacher conference.
1:15pm Got back in the car and drove to the other end of Golden Gate Park to play at Koret Children’s Quarter playground (Restrooms Open!)
2:45pm Arrived at Golden Gate Bridge for pictures and parking. You’ll want to click here for exact location and pricing. (Restrooms Open!)
3:20pm Drove by the very first house Mark and I ever lived in. 1530 Pershing Drive. Presidio Townhomes were formally military housing. We visit this sweet spot “every time” we go to the city (according to Ethan). Noted.
3:30pm Drove to the Lincoln Park Steps. Free Parking, quickly jumped out for a few snaps.
3:45pm Drove through the neighborhood of Sea Cliff and dreamed about what it would be like to live in one of these multimillion dollar houses with views of the ocean. Robin Williams lived there during the same time Mark and I lived in the Presidio. Sometimes I’d walk over and peep his large brontosaurus topiary towering above his backyard fence. It’s not there anymore ❤️.
4pm Parked at CVS to pick out snacks and treats and buy a few water bottles. Free Parking. 377 32nd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
4:30pm Played at Baker Beach. Free Parking. Portapotties. We packed sand toys, towels, bathing suits, kites and a change of clothes. I’m so glad we did!! Only thing I would have added is baby powder to help dry off sand that sticks.
6:20pm Ate Dinner at Burma Superstar . Free street parking after 6pm. My kids loved the Fiery Beef (non-spicy) so much we ordered it twice!
Then we drove home!
Have you been to San Francisco and seen it this empty? Will you plan a visit?
