My Valentine’s Week Adventure: My First Trip to San Francisco
This Valentine’s Week was my first as a single woman, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend it than exploring San Francisco. Every moment of this adventure was incredible, and my only regret was that I didn’t have more time.
After checking into the Grand Hyatt Hotel, my first stop was Pier 39. I grabbed a Sparkling Water to settle my stomach before indulging in a hearty bowl of Cioppino at Fog Harbor Fish House. The fresh seafood and rich tomato broth were everything I needed to kick off my trip. While at the pier, I got to see the famous sea lions lounging in the sun, which was such a fun experience. From there, I made my way to the Ferry Building for a sweet treat at Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, which is definitely a must-visit for unique and delicious flavors.
The next morning, I visited Swan Oyster Depot, a true local gem offering the freshest seafood. This historic spot has been serving customers since 1912 and still operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring some! I had the crab louie salad and smoked salmon, both of which were phenomenal. If you love seafood, this place is absolutely worth the stop.
Before heading out for the day, my mom and I went to Roxanne Cafe for breakfast. Anyone who knows me knows that I had to try the classic Eggs Benedict. It was like your normal Eggs Benedict, but one of the differences I noticed was that the Canadian bacon was much thicker than I am used to, and the house potatoes were a bit bland. That could be my Texas roots talking, but I will say the fruit was so yummy! After breakfast, we hopped on the cable car and started our Big Bus Tour from Fisherman’s Wharf. I thought it was a fantastic way to explore all the great parts of San Francisco. During the tour, we stopped and got off at the Golden Gate Bridge because, let’s be honest, you can’t prove you went to San Francisco unless you have a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, right?
One of the best tips I can give for getting around San Francisco is to grab a Clipper Card. I picked up a three-day pass from a Walgreens near me, and it was a lifesaver, especially with all the steep hills. With this pass, I was able to use the cable cars, which made exploring even more fun. One of my favorite rides took me to Chinatown, where I found delicious dumplings, custard, and roast duck. If you’re staying in Union Square, I highly recommend walking through the tunnel from Chinatown. It’s a unique way to experience the city.
For dinner on my second night, I went to Scoma’s, an iconic pier-to-plate Italian seafood restaurant that has been around since 1965. I decided to try the Pasta Diplomatica, a heavenly dish with scallops, shrimp, clams, mushrooms, onions, and linguine in a rich cream sauce. I paired it with a 2023 Riesling from Napa Valley, which complemented the flavors perfectly.
On my final night, I had dinner at Tadich Grill, the original “cold day restaurant” that has been serving since 1849. The chilly weather made it the perfect night for their seabass, which did not disappoint. After dinner, I had the pleasure of attending the San Francisco Symphony with my mom and her husband. I couldn’t have been happier to third-wheel this experience because it was truly magical. I have always had a deep love for music, and as I get older, I cherish these kinds of nights even more. A huge thank you to the San Francisco Symphony for an unforgettable evening.
San Francisco stole my heart, and I can’t wait to return and explore even more of what this beautiful city has to offer. Stay tuned for part two of my adventure!
