Travel by Design
Travel Guide: San Francisco for Design Lovers
Visionary architecture, great museums, amazing food and shops — you don't have to leave your heart here to take inspiration home
“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Mark Twain may or may not have said this, but the statement often rings true in the City by the Bay. Although it's mostly sunny here, temperamental weather changes can leave you shivering and sweating within the hour. But as long as you come prepared, San Francisco will treat you well.
While it's a small city — only 7 miles by 7 miles — San Francisco is dense. Its population of more than 815,000 means roughly 17,000 people per square mile on average. The bright side is that almost every block overflows with technology, architecture, great food and history.
You'll want at least three days to get a true San Francisco experience. And pack your walking shoes — the city may be small, but the steep hills can be brutal. Don't let that stop you from climbing, though. Whether you're walking down the curves of Lombard Street or up the slope into Fort Mason, or hiking to the top of Twin Peaks, all of your hard work will be rewarded with epic views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Here's how to experience San Francisco design like a local, from a local.
While it's a small city — only 7 miles by 7 miles — San Francisco is dense. Its population of more than 815,000 means roughly 17,000 people per square mile on average. The bright side is that almost every block overflows with technology, architecture, great food and history.
You'll want at least three days to get a true San Francisco experience. And pack your walking shoes — the city may be small, but the steep hills can be brutal. Don't let that stop you from climbing, though. Whether you're walking down the curves of Lombard Street or up the slope into Fort Mason, or hiking to the top of Twin Peaks, all of your hard work will be rewarded with epic views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Here's how to experience San Francisco design like a local, from a local.
Fort Mason
Location: Marina Boulevard (Marina)
Fort Mason was once a U.S. Army post and the principal port for the Pacific campaign of World War II. Today the complex of army buildings has been remodeled (the original red tiled roofs and white stucco exteriors were maintained) to host concerts, exhibits, festivals and a fantastic farmer's market on Sundays.
Explore the park above Fort Mason for a stellar view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or rent a bike in the main parking lot and ride along the trail through Crissy Field all the way to the bridge.
More info: Fort Mason Center
Location: Marina Boulevard (Marina)
Fort Mason was once a U.S. Army post and the principal port for the Pacific campaign of World War II. Today the complex of army buildings has been remodeled (the original red tiled roofs and white stucco exteriors were maintained) to host concerts, exhibits, festivals and a fantastic farmer's market on Sundays.
Explore the park above Fort Mason for a stellar view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or rent a bike in the main parking lot and ride along the trail through Crissy Field all the way to the bridge.
More info: Fort Mason Center
Conservatory of Flowers
Location: 100 John F. Kennedy Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $7; ages 12 to 17, seniors and students, $5; ages 5 to 11, $2
Located off one of the main walkways in Golden Gate Park, the Conservatory of Flowers is an unexpected architectural surprise amid the eucalyptus and palm trees. It's a treasured example of Victorian architecture, and each of its permanent galleries highlights a different tropical plant niche. If it's sunny, snag a Popsicle from an outside vendor and relax near the flower beds.
More info: Conservatory of Flowers
Location: 100 John F. Kennedy Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $7; ages 12 to 17, seniors and students, $5; ages 5 to 11, $2
Located off one of the main walkways in Golden Gate Park, the Conservatory of Flowers is an unexpected architectural surprise amid the eucalyptus and palm trees. It's a treasured example of Victorian architecture, and each of its permanent galleries highlights a different tropical plant niche. If it's sunny, snag a Popsicle from an outside vendor and relax near the flower beds.
More info: Conservatory of Flowers
Bay Bridge Light Show
Location: Bay Bridge (Embarcadero)
Acclaimed New York LED light artist Leo Vilareal recently designed this twinkling light show on the Bay Bridge, which links San Francisco and Oakland. Vilareal also created the famous light display on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The light show commemorates the bridge's 75th anniversary and runs every night from dusk until 2 a.m. The best viewing spot is on the Embarcadero.
More info: The Bay Lights
Location: Bay Bridge (Embarcadero)
Acclaimed New York LED light artist Leo Vilareal recently designed this twinkling light show on the Bay Bridge, which links San Francisco and Oakland. Vilareal also created the famous light display on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The light show commemorates the bridge's 75th anniversary and runs every night from dusk until 2 a.m. The best viewing spot is on the Embarcadero.
More info: The Bay Lights
San Francisco Parklets
As part of San Francisco's Pavement to Parks program, some street space has been transformed into unique seating areas outside restaurants and cafés. These are affectionately called parklets. A few favorites:
Four Barrel Coffee Parklet
Location: 375 Valencia St. (Mission)
On warm days this parklet bustles with iced-coffee-drinking hipsters whose colorful "fixie" (fixed-gear) bikes overflood the built-in bike rack.
More info: Four Barrel Coffee
As part of San Francisco's Pavement to Parks program, some street space has been transformed into unique seating areas outside restaurants and cafés. These are affectionately called parklets. A few favorites:
Four Barrel Coffee Parklet
Location: 375 Valencia St. (Mission)
On warm days this parklet bustles with iced-coffee-drinking hipsters whose colorful "fixie" (fixed-gear) bikes overflood the built-in bike rack.
More info: Four Barrel Coffee
Rapha Parklet
Location: 2198 Filbert St. (Marina/Cow Hollow)
Grab an espresso at Rapha or a burger from Roam on nearby Union Street and kick back to do some serious Marina people watching. Cleverly built out of a deconstructed Rapha Citroën H-Van, this parklet is open to anyone who happens to walk by.
More info: Rapha
Location: 2198 Filbert St. (Marina/Cow Hollow)
Grab an espresso at Rapha or a burger from Roam on nearby Union Street and kick back to do some serious Marina people watching. Cleverly built out of a deconstructed Rapha Citroën H-Van, this parklet is open to anyone who happens to walk by.
More info: Rapha
Delfina Parklet
Location: 2406 California St. (Lower Pacific Heights)
Located outside the amazing Delfina Pizzeria in Pacific Heights, this parklet takes a more modern approach. A sturdy concrete form and low-maintenance plants surround built-in benches and individual seats, all within a few feet of incredibly tasty pizza.
More info: Pizzeria Delfina Pacific Heights
Location: 2406 California St. (Lower Pacific Heights)
Located outside the amazing Delfina Pizzeria in Pacific Heights, this parklet takes a more modern approach. A sturdy concrete form and low-maintenance plants surround built-in benches and individual seats, all within a few feet of incredibly tasty pizza.
More info: Pizzeria Delfina Pacific Heights
Must-Dos
De Young Fine Art Museum
Location: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $10; seniors, $7; youth and students, $6; children 12 and under, free
Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and San Francisco architects Fong & Chan designed the de Young's new building, which opened in 2005. The architects designed the striking perforated copper facade, which has already acquired a beautiful patina, to mimic light filtering through a tree canopy.
If you're lucky enough to attend on a day without fog, make sure to explore the museum's public sculpture gardens and climb to the observation tower.
More info: de Young Fine Arts Museum
De Young Fine Art Museum
Location: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $10; seniors, $7; youth and students, $6; children 12 and under, free
Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and San Francisco architects Fong & Chan designed the de Young's new building, which opened in 2005. The architects designed the striking perforated copper facade, which has already acquired a beautiful patina, to mimic light filtering through a tree canopy.
If you're lucky enough to attend on a day without fog, make sure to explore the museum's public sculpture gardens and climb to the observation tower.
More info: de Young Fine Arts Museum
California Academy of Sciences
Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $29.95; seniors and students, $24.95; children, $19.95; ages 3 and under, free
Across the Music Concourse from the de Young, the California Academy of Sciences offers interactive exhibits for all ages. The massive LEED structure houses a planetarium, an aquarium (with an albino alligator), a natural history museum, a 3-D theater and a four-story rainforest. A 2 1/2-acre living roof tops it all off.
More info: California Academy of Sciences
Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park)
Cost: Adults, $29.95; seniors and students, $24.95; children, $19.95; ages 3 and under, free
Across the Music Concourse from the de Young, the California Academy of Sciences offers interactive exhibits for all ages. The massive LEED structure houses a planetarium, an aquarium (with an albino alligator), a natural history museum, a 3-D theater and a four-story rainforest. A 2 1/2-acre living roof tops it all off.
More info: California Academy of Sciences
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Location: 736 Mission St. (Downtown/SoMa)
Cost: Adults: $12; seniors: $10; students: $10; 18 and under: free
Avoid the overhyped Union Square and venture farther downtown instead, to the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the museum houses art and artifacts focusing on Jewish culture and history in a new structure.
It was once a historic power substation, and Libeskind combined the original building with new, bold contemporary spaces, such as a blue steel cube-like addition.
More info: Contemporary Jewish Museum
Location: 736 Mission St. (Downtown/SoMa)
Cost: Adults: $12; seniors: $10; students: $10; 18 and under: free
Avoid the overhyped Union Square and venture farther downtown instead, to the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the museum houses art and artifacts focusing on Jewish culture and history in a new structure.
It was once a historic power substation, and Libeskind combined the original building with new, bold contemporary spaces, such as a blue steel cube-like addition.
More info: Contemporary Jewish Museum
Xanadu Gallery
Location: 140 Maiden Lane (Union Square)
A visit to the Xanadu Gallery is a must for anyone who loves architecture. It's the city's only Frank Lloyd Wright building, and it also houses a gallery of antiquities and art from Asia, Oceania and Latin America. Nestled in a quiet spot on Maiden Lane — a fun alley of restaurants and shops off Union Square — it's a great way to get an up-close and personal look at Wright's work.
More info: Xanadu Gallery
Location: 140 Maiden Lane (Union Square)
A visit to the Xanadu Gallery is a must for anyone who loves architecture. It's the city's only Frank Lloyd Wright building, and it also houses a gallery of antiquities and art from Asia, Oceania and Latin America. Nestled in a quiet spot on Maiden Lane — a fun alley of restaurants and shops off Union Square — it's a great way to get an up-close and personal look at Wright's work.
More info: Xanadu Gallery
Must-Eats
Tartine Bakery
Location: 600 Guerrero St. (Mission)
There's a good reason this small bakery has garnered such esteem — it's offerings are absolutely delicious. Elizabeth Prueitt and her husband, Chad Roberston, have turned making bread into an art. Get there early — you'll avoid a big line and can snag a morning bun and a spot at one of the communal tables.
More info: Tartine Bakery
Tartine Bakery
Location: 600 Guerrero St. (Mission)
There's a good reason this small bakery has garnered such esteem — it's offerings are absolutely delicious. Elizabeth Prueitt and her husband, Chad Roberston, have turned making bread into an art. Get there early — you'll avoid a big line and can snag a morning bun and a spot at one of the communal tables.
More info: Tartine Bakery
Proxy (Two-Block Project in Shipping Containers)
Location: 432 Octavia St. (Hayes Valley)
Using old shipping containers, San Francisco architecture firm Envelope A + D designed this temporary setup in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. As of this writing, the containers hold six shops, including four great locally based food and drink stops: Ritual Coffee Roasters, Smitten Ice Cream, Avedano's Meats and Biergarten (shown here).
More info: Proxy
Location: 432 Octavia St. (Hayes Valley)
Using old shipping containers, San Francisco architecture firm Envelope A + D designed this temporary setup in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. As of this writing, the containers hold six shops, including four great locally based food and drink stops: Ritual Coffee Roasters, Smitten Ice Cream, Avedano's Meats and Biergarten (shown here).
More info: Proxy
Pizzeria Delfina
Location: 3611 18th St. (Mission)
Although the Pacific Heights location has the parklet, I prefer the Mission location of Pizzeria Delfina for its cool design. Old-school hexagon tile floors and chalkboard menus contrast with yellow Eames chairs and a funky wall mural — a testament to the restaurant's old-meets-new approach to food. Hit up nearby Bi-Rite Creamery after for a scoop of honey-lavender ice cream.
More info: Pizzeria Delfina, Bi-Rite Creamery
Location: 3611 18th St. (Mission)
Although the Pacific Heights location has the parklet, I prefer the Mission location of Pizzeria Delfina for its cool design. Old-school hexagon tile floors and chalkboard menus contrast with yellow Eames chairs and a funky wall mural — a testament to the restaurant's old-meets-new approach to food. Hit up nearby Bi-Rite Creamery after for a scoop of honey-lavender ice cream.
More info: Pizzeria Delfina, Bi-Rite Creamery
Bi-Rite Market
Locations: 3639 18th St. and 550 Divisadero St. (Mission)
If you're in the mood for picnicking at Dolores Park, there's no better place for food than Bi-Rite Market. The fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods and made-to-order sandwiches are some of the best in town.
More info: Bi-Rite Market
Locations: 3639 18th St. and 550 Divisadero St. (Mission)
If you're in the mood for picnicking at Dolores Park, there's no better place for food than Bi-Rite Market. The fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods and made-to-order sandwiches are some of the best in town.
More info: Bi-Rite Market
The Mill
Location: 736 Divisadero (NoPa)
A joint venture between Josey Baker Bread and Four Barrel Coffee, the Mill is a warm and modern coffee shop that's great for refueling after a visit to nearby Alamo Square.
A Four Barrel latte with almond milk is my personal favorite; it pairs perfectly with a massive hunk of cinnamon-sugar toast from Josey Baker Bread.
More info: The Mill
Location: 736 Divisadero (NoPa)
A joint venture between Josey Baker Bread and Four Barrel Coffee, the Mill is a warm and modern coffee shop that's great for refueling after a visit to nearby Alamo Square.
A Four Barrel latte with almond milk is my personal favorite; it pairs perfectly with a massive hunk of cinnamon-sugar toast from Josey Baker Bread.
More info: The Mill
SoMa StrEAT Food Park
Location: 428 11th St. (SoMa)
For cheap eats it's hard to beat San Francisco's food truck scene. But it's also kind of a pain trying to figure out where the best ones are parked. SoMa StrEAT Food Park has helped solve the problem by hosting some of the city's most popular vendors on a regular basis. Check the schedule to see who'll be there, then park yourself on one of the many outdoor tables for some delicious, affordable grub. Curry Up Now and Roli Roti are local favorites. Try your hand at the Joey the Cat Skeeball trailer, too.
More info: SoMa StrEAT Food Park
Location: 428 11th St. (SoMa)
For cheap eats it's hard to beat San Francisco's food truck scene. But it's also kind of a pain trying to figure out where the best ones are parked. SoMa StrEAT Food Park has helped solve the problem by hosting some of the city's most popular vendors on a regular basis. Check the schedule to see who'll be there, then park yourself on one of the many outdoor tables for some delicious, affordable grub. Curry Up Now and Roli Roti are local favorites. Try your hand at the Joey the Cat Skeeball trailer, too.
More info: SoMa StrEAT Food Park
Jones
Location: 620 Jones St. (Downtown/Tenderloin)
The modern rooftop deck at Jones, a downtown bar and restaurant, is a surprising contrast to its more traditional neighbors. Massive movable planters, plenty of patio heaters and a stunning design by Nottoscale combine in a swanky setup that's easily accessible from most downtown hotels.
More info: Jones
Location: 620 Jones St. (Downtown/Tenderloin)
The modern rooftop deck at Jones, a downtown bar and restaurant, is a surprising contrast to its more traditional neighbors. Massive movable planters, plenty of patio heaters and a stunning design by Nottoscale combine in a swanky setup that's easily accessible from most downtown hotels.
More info: Jones
Must-Visit Shops
Nest
Location: 2300 Fillmore St. (Lower Pacific Heights)
The section of Fillmore between Bush and Jackson streets is a great place for exploring, snacking and shopping. Grab a coffee at Jane or a sandwich at Bun Mee and head to Nest, a quirky, adorable spot that instantly feels like home. It's perfect for finding gifts for friends, and there's an amazing collection of bedding and accessories. Check out the dish, silverware and glass collections, too; many items are hand painted and absolutely gorgeous.
More info: Nest
Nest
Location: 2300 Fillmore St. (Lower Pacific Heights)
The section of Fillmore between Bush and Jackson streets is a great place for exploring, snacking and shopping. Grab a coffee at Jane or a sandwich at Bun Mee and head to Nest, a quirky, adorable spot that instantly feels like home. It's perfect for finding gifts for friends, and there's an amazing collection of bedding and accessories. Check out the dish, silverware and glass collections, too; many items are hand painted and absolutely gorgeous.
More info: Nest
Therapy
Location: 541 Valencia St. (Mission)
Next door to its clothing shop, Therapy's furniture store is full of fantastic finds. While the little knickknacks are fun to poke through, I personally love the furniture collection. Most of the pieces are very affordable and can be customized in different fabrics and colors.
More info: Therapy
Location: 541 Valencia St. (Mission)
Next door to its clothing shop, Therapy's furniture store is full of fantastic finds. While the little knickknacks are fun to poke through, I personally love the furniture collection. Most of the pieces are very affordable and can be customized in different fabrics and colors.
More info: Therapy
Public Bikes
Location: 599 Valencia St. (Mission)
Rob Forbes, founder of Design Within Reach, started this San Francisco bicycle company to create simple, everyday bikes. Beautiful and easy to ride, these European-inspired bikes come in tons of colors and size combinations. Even if you're not in the market for a new bike, it's worth checking out the store.
More info: Public Bikes
Location: 599 Valencia St. (Mission)
Rob Forbes, founder of Design Within Reach, started this San Francisco bicycle company to create simple, everyday bikes. Beautiful and easy to ride, these European-inspired bikes come in tons of colors and size combinations. Even if you're not in the market for a new bike, it's worth checking out the store.
More info: Public Bikes
FL!PP
Location: 1400 Green St. (Russian Hill)
Tucked into a corner spot off Polk Street in Russian Hill, FL!PP (Fashionable Living in Petite Places) is a hidden gem on the north side of the city. While the furniture selection is impeccable, check out the Fuchsia Garden in the back. Bonsai, succulents and garden decor come to life in this magical space.
More info: FL!PP
Location: 1400 Green St. (Russian Hill)
Tucked into a corner spot off Polk Street in Russian Hill, FL!PP (Fashionable Living in Petite Places) is a hidden gem on the north side of the city. While the furniture selection is impeccable, check out the Fuchsia Garden in the back. Bonsai, succulents and garden decor come to life in this magical space.
More info: FL!PP
Perish Trust
Location: 728 Divisadero St. (NoPa)
Exploring the Perish Trust is an adventure everyone should experience. Hosting a curated collection of antiques, art and tchotchkes, the store feels like an old-fashioned library that's been untouched for decades.
More info: The Perish Trust
Location: 728 Divisadero St. (NoPa)
Exploring the Perish Trust is an adventure everyone should experience. Hosting a curated collection of antiques, art and tchotchkes, the store feels like an old-fashioned library that's been untouched for decades.
More info: The Perish Trust
Flora Grubb
Location: 1634 Jerrold Ave. (Bayview)
Landscape designer Flora Grubb (yep, that's her real name) has created an oasis dedicated to selling plants and garden supplies to urban dwellers. Meandering through the shop's gardens and unique installations is a wonderful way to spend a warm afternoon.
More info: Flora Grubb
Location: 1634 Jerrold Ave. (Bayview)
Landscape designer Flora Grubb (yep, that's her real name) has created an oasis dedicated to selling plants and garden supplies to urban dwellers. Meandering through the shop's gardens and unique installations is a wonderful way to spend a warm afternoon.
More info: Flora Grubb
Must-Stays
Phoenix Hotel
Location: 601 Eddy St. (Tenderloin)
Cost: $139 to $169 per night
For more than 20 years, the Phoenix has been known as San Francisco's rock 'n' roll hotel — and for good reason. Visiting musicians and bands often crash at this swanky spot.
A funky mix of retro and modern design defines the hotel. It's located in San Francisco's gritty Tenderloin area, so if you have kids, it might not be for you. But if you're up for adventure, the hotel's fantastic design shouldn't be missed. Even if you don't end up staying here, it's worth making a pit stop to get a drink at the hotel bar, Chambers Eat + Drink.
More info: Phoenix Hotel
Phoenix Hotel
Location: 601 Eddy St. (Tenderloin)
Cost: $139 to $169 per night
For more than 20 years, the Phoenix has been known as San Francisco's rock 'n' roll hotel — and for good reason. Visiting musicians and bands often crash at this swanky spot.
A funky mix of retro and modern design defines the hotel. It's located in San Francisco's gritty Tenderloin area, so if you have kids, it might not be for you. But if you're up for adventure, the hotel's fantastic design shouldn't be missed. Even if you don't end up staying here, it's worth making a pit stop to get a drink at the hotel bar, Chambers Eat + Drink.
More info: Phoenix Hotel
Westin St. Francis
Location: 335 Powell St. (Union Square)
Cost: See website for rates
The original St. Francis hotel opened in 1904, just two years before the city's Great Earthquake and Fire destroyed much of the city and most of the hotel. The interior was fully refurbished, and the Westin opened again in late 1907. Today most of the hotel retains its original glamour. Taking a ride in the glass elevator and making a stop at Harry Denton's Starlight Room on the 21st floor will give you a taste of classic, old-school San Francisco.
More info: Westin St. Francis
Location: 335 Powell St. (Union Square)
Cost: See website for rates
The original St. Francis hotel opened in 1904, just two years before the city's Great Earthquake and Fire destroyed much of the city and most of the hotel. The interior was fully refurbished, and the Westin opened again in late 1907. Today most of the hotel retains its original glamour. Taking a ride in the glass elevator and making a stop at Harry Denton's Starlight Room on the 21st floor will give you a taste of classic, old-school San Francisco.
More info: Westin St. Francis
Clift Hotel
Location: 495 Geary (Downtown)
Cost: $249 to $669 per night
As soon as you pull up to the front entrance, it's clear the Clift isn't an average hotel. It was designed by Philippe Starck, and the lobby is outfitted with an incredible collection of iconic and original furniture, as well as a 35-foot bronze fireplace and chimney sculpture by Gerard Garouste. The downstairs bar, the Redwood Room, is cozy and plush, with an original interior of redwood paneling said to have come from a single tree.
More info: Clift Hotel
What design-friendly destinations are on your do-list this year?
Seattle home design: Browse Seattle-area design photos
Location: 495 Geary (Downtown)
Cost: $249 to $669 per night
As soon as you pull up to the front entrance, it's clear the Clift isn't an average hotel. It was designed by Philippe Starck, and the lobby is outfitted with an incredible collection of iconic and original furniture, as well as a 35-foot bronze fireplace and chimney sculpture by Gerard Garouste. The downstairs bar, the Redwood Room, is cozy and plush, with an original interior of redwood paneling said to have come from a single tree.
More info: Clift Hotel
What design-friendly destinations are on your do-list this year?
Seattle home design: Browse Seattle-area design photos
Ferry Building
Location: 1 Sausalito, San Francisco Ferry Building (Embarcadero)
San Francisco's historic Ferry Building was originally the main transportation center for anyone coming into the city from the East Bay or Marin. Today it hosts a bustling marketplace that's open seven days a week. Avoid the packed Saturday farmer's market and go on a weekday instead. Cowgirl Creamery, Blue Bottle Coffee, Hog Island Oysters, Boulette's Larder and Boccalone Salumeria are a few favorite food booths. The colorful collection of pottery at Heath Ceramics is a must-see, too.
More info: Ferry Building