TRAVEL TO // San Francisco, CA

You may have noticed I've had a very lax (actually nonexistent) blogging schedule this past summer. The weather was so perfect this year and I kept busy traveling + taking on some new design projects but I've been meaning to write this post for awhile now.  In June, one of my longtime girlfriends and I left the guys at home in exchange for our perfect girls trip to San Francisco.  I say 'perfect' because it actually was - we spent four days wandering the city admiring the jaw-dropping architecture, stopping for lattes at sidewalk cafes, and choosing our dinner spots for the design as much as the food. My dear friend is a kindred spirit to say the least. We stayed at the newly reno'd Hotel G which I would highly recommend if you like cozier, more quaint accommodations as much as we do. 

\ Hotel G \

Picking a favorite neighborhood would be impossible but Noe Valley was a definite highlight.  Exploring by foot is the way to go to if you want to admire the architecture up close and not miss a chance for a pit-stop at La Boulangerie de San Franscisco or any of the other adorable cafes.  Climb the hill if you want to make the most of the amazing city views.

\ The Podolls in Noe Valley \

The Podolls in Noe Valley

Walking along the Piers, we hitched a ride with a cyclist cabbie and wrangled the low-down on the best place to go for fresh, authentic seafood.  Right off the main walkway close to Pier 45 but tucked out on the docks is Scoma's.  I ordered the salmon, which was to-die-for, and thought we had encountered a little-known gem until, on the way out,  I noticed the street is named Al Scoma Way.  Needless to say, the experience did not disappoint.

\ Scoma's \

The Pacific Heights neighborhood was certainly worth the trek, as was the climb to Alta Plaza Park... and then there's Haight-Ashbury.   Admittedly a little out of our comfort zone but it's neighborhoods like this that help give San Fran an irresistible contention that's difficult to put into words.  Go I'm telling you, just go.

 \ The Painted Ladies \

\ Bridge views from across The Bay \

We also loved \\ The Grove, The Cavalier, Fenix, 398 Brasserie, Cafe de la Presse

Make sure you see \\ Chinatown, the sea lions at Pier 39, + Sausalito (the closest thing I've found to Amalfi this side of the Atlantic)

Before you go, please buy \\  A comfy pair of shoes, + See San Fransisco by Victoria Smith

 Left your heart in The City by the Bay + have some fav spots for our next trip?  Do tell!