24 hours in san fran

San Francisco has a way of making you feel like you've lived there your whole life, even if you're only passing through for a day. The salt air off the Bay, the steep hills, the sound of cable cars — it all hits at once and you're just kind of in love. Here's how we spent 24 hours in one of the best cities in the world.

Saturday — Arrival + Iconic SF

10:30 a.m. check in- 1 Hotel San Francisco

If you're going to do SF, do it right. We stayed at 1 Hotel San Francisco, which is right on the Embarcadero waterfront. The vibe is sustainably luxe — warm tones, lots of greenery, and that Bay breeze coming through every time you step outside. It's the perfect home base for everything below.

11:00 a.m.- Walk the Embarcadero

Start the morning the right way — on your feet, walking the waterfront. The Embarcadero is one of those stretches where you just stop every few minutes to take it in: the Bay, the Ferry Building clock tower, the bridges in the distance. It doesn't feel like a tourist thing, it feels like what locals actually do on a Saturday. Which is the highest compliment I can give.

12:30 p.m.-Lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co. (Ferry Building)

I will start arguments over this lunch. Hog Island Oyster Co. inside the Ferry Building is one of the best food experiences I've had, period. We sat at the bar, the Bay was right there, and we went in.

What we ordered:

• Grey Whale gin martinis

• Dozen oysters — bar mix

• Chipotle bourbon grilled oysters

• Boquerones crostini

• Clam chowder

The oysters are sourced from Tomales Bay, about an hour north, so they're as fresh as it gets. The chipotle bourbon grilled oysters were the move — a little smoky, a little sweet, completely different from what you'd expect. Pair all of this with a perfectly cold martini and a view of the Bay and you have my ideal afternoon.

Pro tip: the Ferry Building itself is worth a wander. It's one of California's best farmers markets, and the clock tower is modeled after a Spanish cathedral. Grab something for the road.

2:00 p.m.-Coffee, Scooters & Crooked Streets

After lunch we grabbed coffee at Philz Coffee, an SF original. Order the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee — it sounds weird, it's iconic, just trust it. Every drink is a handcrafted pour-over and it shows. From there we grabbed Lime scooters and rode up to Lombard Street — yes, the famously crooked one. Eight tight switchbacks built in 1922 just to make the hill drivable. It's one of those things that looks fake in person. We definitely took the obligatory photos and I regret nothing.

3:00 p.m.-North Beach Wander (Optional but Worth It)

If you have the time and the legs, North Beach is a great afternoon detour. We walked through Washington Square Park, ducked into City Lights Bookstore (a legendary Beat Generation landmark — the kind of place that makes you want to buy books you'll actually read), and stopped at Caffè Trieste for a quick espresso. Old-school SF in the best way.

4:30 p.m.- Sunset at Ina Coolbrith Park

This one is the hidden gem of the whole trip. Ina Coolbrith Park is a small, mostly locals-only viewpoint that gives you the Bay, Coit Tower, and the downtownskyline all in one frame. We got there just before golden hour and it was one of those moments where you just go quiet for a minute. Add this to any SF itinerary without question.

6:00 p.m.- Back to 1 Hotel

We headed back to the hotel to reset — freshen up, have a cocktail in the lounge — before heading out for dinner. The lounge at 1 Hotel is a great spot to decompress before the evening picks back up.

7:00 p.m.-Kokkari Estiatorio

This was the dinner of the trip. Kokkari is a Greek restaurant that's been an SF institution for decades, and it earns every bit of its reputation. The space feels warm and old-world — there's a wood-burning fireplace, exposed beams, and the kind of room energy that makes you want to linger.

What we ordered:

• Martini + Greek Negroni

• English peas, dill, feta, lemon — simple and perfect

• Octopus — charred, tender, one of the best bites of the trip

• Lamb — wood-fired, falling apart, totally worth the wait

• Greek coffee + pistachio dust to finish

The octopus is something I still think about. Get it. The lamb is the main event. The negroni riff with Greek spirits is a nice touch. Go with a reservation and don't rush it.

10:00p.m.- Pacific Cocktail Haven

After dinner we walked over to Pacific Cocktail Haven, which is exactly what it sounds like — an award-winning bar known for creative, beautifully balanced cocktails. The drinks here are artistic without being pretentious, and the space has a great energy on a Saturday night. This was a highlight.

11:00 p.m.- Nightcap at Smuggler's Cove (Optional)

If you've still got gas in the tank: Smuggler's Cove. It's a legendary multi-level tiki bar with over 1,000 rums on the menu and the kind of immersive atmosphere that feels like you've stumbled onto a pirate ship. It's fully committed to the bit and it's wonderful. We'd had a full day, so this one gets the optional tag — but if you love a great bar, this is a bucket-list stop.

Sunday — Slow Morning Before Heading Out

8:30 a.m.- Breakfast at Terrene (1 Hotel)

We had breakfast at Terrene inside the hotel before heading off to Napa. We kept it simple: a breakfast sandwich, fruit, and yogurt. Clean, fresh, exactly what you want before a drive. If you're staying nearby and not in a rush, Tartine Bakery is the classic SF alternative — expect a line, know it's worth it.

Quick Takeaways

Best pairing: Martinis + oysters at Hog Island, Ferry Building

Must-do: Lombard Street + the Embarcadero waterfront walk

Best dinner: Kokkari Estiatorio — no question

Cocktail highlight: Pacific Cocktail Haven

Hidden gem: Ina Coolbrith Park — views that stop you in your tracks