Intro to San Francisco

Day 1: Explore the city of San Francisco

The first day of your trip is the perfect day to hit all the top tourist spots. Get ready to walk a lot! Stop by the Ferry Building and walk through the stalls. Grab a pastry and coffee to start the day (Blue Bottle Coffee is a popular chain that has a location in the Ferry Building). Once you've explored the Ferry Building, stroll along the water on the Embarcadero from Pier 1 all the way to Pier 39. Pier 39 is quintessential San Francisco waterfront. Walk along the pier, shop and see if you can spot the sea lions that love to lay out in the sun by Pier 39. After you've explored Pier 39, walk along the Embarcadero further to Boudin Bakery & Cafe and have some clam chowder for lunch.

Optional: if you are up for more walking, you can go to Coit Tower and climb to the top of it for an amazing view of the city.

Optional: You can take a ferry and tour the famed Alcatraz Island to see the famous prison and learn about its notable inmates.

After you've had time to rest and have lunch, it is time for more walking! Uber to Alamo Square to see the painted ladies (the Full House house!). Next, explore the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its hippie vibes and history with music. Walk along Haight St and shop in the various vintage and music stores until you reach Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park has something for everyone -- from the Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences to pedal boats on Stow Lake to the Bison Paddock. Pick your own adventure and walk through the park. At the end of the park, you can cross the road and sit at Ocean Beach. If you're not up for sitting, you can continue walking along the beach to the Sutro Baths and hike all the way to Lands End Labyrinth.

As a reward for all your walking day 1, go to the North End (SF's little Italy) for dinner. My favorite Italian restaurant on Columbus Ave is Mona Lisa, and the Stinking Rose is a very close second.

Day 2: More exploring!

Today is the day you see that famous bridge (spoiler alert: it's not gold). You are going to explore Presidio Park. Similar to Golden Gate Park, this park is also a choose your own adventure area. You can walk around Palace of Fine Arts, hike Lovers' Lane and make your way to the food truck area for lunch by the Presidio Visitor Center. From there, you can walk along a path to Crissy Field and continue all the way to Fort Point National Historic Site, which is at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sit along the water and enjoy the breathtaking view. If you'd like to go in a different direction, Baker Beach is at the opposite end of Presidio Park. Baker Beach is my favorite beach in the city with a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 3: Time to Cross the Bridge!

Today, you will do a day trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Drive across the bridge or take a ferry and stop in Sausalito. Walk around the shops and art galleries and have a nice lunch along the water. Once you are done exploring the town, continue on to Muir Woods to see the incredible redwood forest.

Once back in the city, you can relax at one of the many breweries in the area. Some of my favorites are Black Hammer Brewing Company and 21st Amendment Brewery

Day 4: Time to Sip Some Wine

Take a day trip to the wineries in Sonoma and Napa. There are countless wineries to tour and do tastings at. You cannot go wrong with whichever ones you choose!

Once back in the city, end the day with a sweet treat at Ghirardelli Square.

Some other options for activities you can do:

• Take the cable car from Powell/Mason Cable Car Turnaround to Chinatown

• Grab food to go and sit in Dolores Park. My go-to is Senior Sisig for a burrito (with french fries in the burrito!).

• Attending a sporting event. San Francisco has several sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants.

• San Francisco Zoo