The San Francisco skyline at golden hour
San Francisco, CA

A Weekend in the City

Three days of food, fog, and one very good wedding. Tap any stop to see the details, picks, and a map.

Friday

Evening

Korean comfort food, then up the hill for a drink.

  1. Cozy Korean comfort food to start the trip slow. Order a little of everything and share.

    • Bulgogi - the table favorite
    • Kimchi jjigae - warming, a little spicy
    • Korean fried chicken - get it for the table
    • Walkable to all the Nob Hill bars after.

    707 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

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  2. Three very different vibes within a few blocks. Start low-key, end with a view.

    • Peacekeeper - skylight and a fire pit - the cozy first stop
    • Top of the Mark - 19th-floor views over the city
    • Tonga Room - kitschy tiki with an indoor rainstorm
    • Top of the Mark and Tonga Room can get busy - worth checking hours before you go.

Saturday

Full day

Matcha in San Mateo, a shaded trail, lobster rolls in Burlingame, then a classic Italian dinner in Daly City.

  1. A bright green matcha latte in a glass on a wooden table

    Start slow at this dedicated matcha tea house in downtown San Mateo. Grab a latte, ease into the day, then point the car toward the reservoir.

    180 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

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  2. A shaded, paved path winding along Crystal Springs Reservoir on the Sawyer Camp Trail

    A relaxing walk on shaded, paved paths along the reservoir. Flat and easy - go as far as feels good and turn back.

    • A short drive from downtown San Mateo.
    • Paved and stroller-friendly - bring water and sunscreen.

    Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo, CA

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  3. A classic New England lobster roll on a toasted bun

    Late lunch on the way back: famous lobster rolls and corn chowder at this no-frills market and eatery. Order at the counter, grab a seat, dig in.

    • Lobster roll - the reason to come
    • Corn chowder - rich and worth it

    824 Cowan Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010

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  4. A plate of spaghetti and meatballs in red sauce on a restaurant table

    Close out the day at a classic Italian-American supper club - red booths, big portions, and old-school service. A short drive from Burlingame, easy parking, no fuss.

    • Spaghetti and meatballs - the house comfort plate
    • Veal parmigiana - a Joe's standard
    • Caesar salad - tableside, the right start
    • Roughly 15 minutes north of Burlingame on the way back toward the city.

    11 Glenwood Ave, Daly City, CA 94015

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Sunday

All day

Booked for the wedding - enjoy the coast.

  1. The Pacifica coastline at golden hour with surf along the shore

    The whole day is the celebration on the coast. Nothing else to plan - just show up and soak it in.

    • Pacifica is about 25 minutes south of the city along the coast.
    • It runs cool and foggy by the water - bring a layer.
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Monday

Morning

Wheels up.

  1. Pack the night before, leave time for traffic to the airport, and grab one last coffee on the way.

See you in the city. Pack a layer for the fog.