As a New Couple

We were excited to spend a few days in San Francisco, travelling as a new couple on our first adventure together. My guy had been many times before and couldn’t wait to show me around. I, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to see it through his eyes.

As Tony Bennett famously sang, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” It’s easy to understand why. With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, charming cable cars, ocean breeze, and surprisingly warm sunshine, it’s hard not to fall in love.

That said, this vibrant city has layers. We sped past beautiful neighbourhoods in our Uber, wishing we could stop and explore each one. And the views — breathtaking, endless views — San Francisco is never shy in front of a camera. With sunshine in the forecast and a cool breeze rolling off the ocean, it felt perfect.

There are even similarities between San Francisco (our big sister?) and my hometown of Vancouver, which made me feel right at home.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

With so many great options, deciding on a hotel can feel overwhelming. Honestly, it took a little research and a realistic budget, which goes a long way. Nonetheless, we wanted a central location, so Union Square was an easy decision.

Villa Florence is just half a block away and relatively easy on the wallet. Also worth considering is the San Francisco Proper Hotel, designed by Kelly Wearstler—when she’s involved, you know it’s going to be a unique experience.

Be sure to take the elevator up to Charmaine’s Rooftop bar & Lounge, for spectacular rooftop views, overstuffed lounges, and a hip crowd that can keep you entertained all evening.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

This trip felt different because we were navigating the city together as a new couple. I had visited before, but this time held a certain significance. I couldn’t help but quietly wonder: are we compatible travellers?

Then he suggested renting Segways.

Cue the panic.

Not only were we renting them — he signed us up for an advanced two-hour Segway & Scooter Tour. I’m sure my face said everything. I had never even considered trying one.

To my surprise, it ended up being a great experience. Stepping outside my comfort zone added an unexpected layer of fun to our adventure. Maybe this guy is onto something.

Not Your Average Coffee

After touring on our segways, we were thirsty. Enter Buena Vista Cafe, famous for creating the now-iconic “Irish coffee.” Who knew?

An assembly line of glasses lined the bar as Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and thick whipped cream were poured with precision. It was the perfect (and delicious) way to end the afternoon.

Classic San Francisco Stops

A trip to San Francisco is never complete without visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. Brace yourself—it’s busy. Souvenir shops, seafood stalls, restaurants, and a colony of sea lions make it one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Nearby, Ghirardelli Square is worth a stop. Boutiques, pubs, and of course, the famous Ghirardelli shop—don’t forget your free sample. A little further down, See’s Candies offers even more sweet temptation. Choosing a favourite felt nearly impossible. Thankfully, there were more chocolate samples to taste.

And then there’s Alcatraz Island. I know what you’re thinking. Yes, we’ve all seen Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. I promise you, it’s nothing like the movie. Still, if you’ve never been, it’s worth the ferry ride across the bay. You can explore at your own pace or take a tour once you land. Alcatraz is filled with history and crazy stories of its infamous inmates. It’s eerie to imagine what life was like back then.

Where We Ate

Hungry? San Francisco’s food scene is second to none, so where does one begin?

We discovered Octavia completely by accident. We had originally booked at Frances it’s sister restaurant, but a reservation mix-up led to a complimentary cab ride and a lovely welcome at Octavia—complete with a glass of champagne.

The entire dining experience was flawless. Only later did we discover both restaurants held Michelin stars. A memorable evening—and yes, the handsome guy across the table may have helped.

There are so many diverse neighbourhoods. We wandered through Chinatown and North Beach, where small cafés and eclectic restaurants line the streets (and no, not the Cheesecake Factory, although we did go, great rooftop patio, but otherwise a miss).

For a true classic, Zuni Cafe is a must. We shared the Caesar Salad, and the famous roast chicken with bread salad—essentially stuffing with gravy (to die for) and absolutely worth the 45-minute wait. Order wine, come to relax and enjoy the moment.

Without a doubt, it was the perfect first adventure together. I fell for San Francisco — but the guy?

He has my heart.

LC

xo