A first-timer’s guide to San Francisco

With storied streets and old-school charm layered with a cosmopolitan vibe, San Francisco, California has long been a popular destination for travelers of all ages. Planning a trip with your friends soon? The city has many hip, happening spots to to enjoy with your pals, and is also easy to navigate on those days reserved for exploring on your own (or with that one buddy who shares your passion for, say, beat poets or vintage clothes). Get ready to—as the famous song goes—leave your heart in San Francisco.

Must-Sees
Yes, it’s super-touristy, but first-time visitors simply must eat, shop, or simply stroll along the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t forget to visit the sea lions at Pier 39 and indulge in a sweet treat at Ghirardelli! Says San Francisco-based fashion stylist Jessica Cabuay, “No matter how cold my tourist friends are, we still devour our ice cream while shivering!” From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can catch a ferry to Alcatraz. This former prison is a popular—if somewhat morbid—tourist attraction.

Renée Sebastian, a certified tea master and Bay Area native, definitely recommends a visit to Golden Gate Bridge.  “You can park, then walk up to take photos from designated view point, but the best way is to bike it on a nice summer—and not foggy—day. Bike from Pier 39 to Sausalito, and bike or take the ferry back.”

At the sprawling Golden Gate Park, visit the Japanese tea garden, explore on a bike, or simply lounge under one of the humongous trees. Don’t miss the state-of-the-art California Academy of Sciences within the park, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and “rainforest” that will take your breath away. For a better glimpse of the San Francisco community, Renée reveals, “Golden Gate Park is nice, but Dolores Park is more authentic and [has] a good mix of hippies and locals.” With a great view and lots of restaurants and cafés around the area, it’s a great place to picnic, or simply people-watch.

Culture vultures can geek out at Vesuvio Café, the former haunt of literary icons Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, located along Columbus Avenue in North Beach and right across the historic City Lights Bookstore. Practically every major city in the world has its own Chinatown, but there’s just something about San Francisco’s version that is incredibly atmospheric. And for an incredibly Instagrammable landmark, the Palace of Fine Arts has beautiful architecture and picturesque grounds.

Best Viewpoints
Renée says, “Treasure Island has a great vantage point—go there literally just for the view and a photograph.” She adds that the best view of the city is from Twin Peaks which is best experienced on a clear day, and is especially impressive at night. Spoiler alert: it involves hiking and can get chilly, so be sure to layer!

To tour the city in style, hop onto a cable car, which has been called a “moving historical landmark.” Choose from three cable car routes (www.sfcablecar.com)--the Powell-Hyde line is said to be the most scenic, running from Powell Street, up Union Square and Nob Hill, through panoramic Hyde, past the “crookedest street in the world” Lombard (which is no longer accessible by car), to Fisherman’s Wharf. And, if you love looking at beautiful houses and stylish neighborhoods, check out Presidio and Pacific Heights.

Dine and Chill
“The SF Ferry building, with the Farmers market and various restaurants, is a foodie paradise,” says Maite A., who visits San Francisco every summer. Jessica’s tourist staples include Cheesecake Factory, San Francisco Creamery, and “awesome ballpark food” for SF Giants and 49ers fans.

Hayes Valley is a new hip industrial enclave, and Renée’s top food stops include Blue Bottle Coffee, Miette, Rich Table, and Straw. Renée, who is the founder of da.u.de Tea Corporation and the upcoming tea shop Sweetea’s (soon to open in Manila), shares this insider tip for fellow foodies: “Visit [mobile food market] Off The Grid at Fort Mason every Friday—it’s the best!”

For live indie music, head to Café du Nord, which is re-opening in this Fall. Renee adds, “Oakland and Berkeley are also incredible places for live music.” And to witness San Francisco in full color (rainbow flags and all), visit the Castro District for a wild night. Check out sf.funcheap.com for events happening around the bay.

Shopping Stops
You’ll find all the big name department stores, designer brands, and specialty boutiques (Urban Outfitters! Anthropologie! Sephora!) at the bustling Union Square—don’t forget to take a photo with the heart sculpture! Pressed for time? Renee tips, “Skip Union Square and head to Union Street, Hayes District and Haight district instead.” Haight-Ashbury, the historic center of the hippie movement, is a bohemian haven where you’ll find independent shops and vintage stores. “Upper Haight is more diverse,” tips Jessica. Stanford Shopping Center is a pleasant outdoor alternative to the mall, as well as Berkeley, which has a laid-back, indie vibe.

And for the best bargains, hit up popular outlets Gilroy, Greatmall, and Livermore. “Gilroy is huge, but Livermore is newer and more upscale, plus, it has a winery if you can’t make it to Napa Valley,” shares Maite.

For vintage finds, head to Alameda Antiques Point Faire in Oakland every first Sunday of the month. “It’s the best in Northern California,” says Renée.

Day Trips
There’s nothing like a road trip for the ultimate bonding session. Rent a car and do the scenic “17-mile-drive,” stopping at the charming Carmel, as well as the Monterey Bay aquarium along the way.

Excite the nature lovers with a trip to the awesome Muir Woods Redwood Forest just over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wine experts, enthusiasts, and gastronomes can’t miss Napa Valley. To ensure you experience the best Wine Country has to offer, book a guided tour that appeals to your group—whether you want to go hot ballooning over sun-kissed vineyards, sight-see from a vintage wine train, go on a culinary and historical walking tour of downtown Napa, or simply go winery-hopping (don’t forget to pace yourself!). For the ultimate epicurean adventure, Yountville in Napa Valley is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the famed French Laundry (be sure to make a reservation months in advance).

When all else fails, download the SOSH city guide app on your smartphone for updates on events and recommended spots.

Photos by Pierra Calasanz-Labrador and Renée Sebastian

Yahoo #DTBY Exclusive: click now for special Singapore Airlines Don't Travel By Yourself offers to many exciting destinations!