TO DO: San Francisco

Exploring new cities is the best, and San Francisco is one of the best to explore!  With it's mix of natural beauty and city life, it's truly one of the prettiest cities, and one with a lot to do!  You can see the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Alcatraz Island (which always fascinated me because I love the movie "The Rock"), check out Ghiradelli Square, and of course take a ride on a trolley car (if you can bear the wait in line).  But this wasn't my first time crossing the Bay Bridge, so I took a different route as a tourist and hit up the local hotspots with my friend Crystal who lives in the city - very conveniently near all the shops and restaurants on Haight Street.

So here is my "Livin' like a Local"-  Guide to San Fran:

The public transportation in San Fran is pretty awesome (and the parking is not) so take the bus...er... Muni to get around.  For father travels around the bay area use the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

On Wednesday's and Sunday's visit the Heart of the City Farmer's Market and pick up some of the freshest looking produce I have ever seen and take in the wonderful cityscape background.

I fell in love here because they have a stand dedicated to one of my favorite things to cook with... mushrooms!  All different kinds!  I nearly died, you can't find this at the Studio City Farmer's Market.

Be a tourist for a day if you're a local, or just be a tourist if you're a tourist and scour Chinatown for cute trinkets and deals, or pick up some bamboo to add life to your apartment.  Did you know that San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and North America's oldest Chinatown?!

Swing by Pearl's Deluxe Burgers to satisfy your hunger and marvel at the burger options, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a rich and creamy shake.

*be on the lookout for my review of Pearl's for my Quest to Find the Best Burger

After a long day of exploring quench your thirst and rest your tired feet at Toronado located on Haight Street.  It's fabulous, if your definition of fabulous is a laid back, cash only, local beer bar with an awesome selection of beer (no Bud Light here), which my definition of fabulous most definitely is.  If you don't like beer (what is wrong with you?!) then this is not the place for you.  But if you do, and like good beer at that, then this place is heaven.

I like my beer dark, Crystal likes her's light.  Options for everyone!

The next morning fight your hangover with a hearty breakfast at Kate's Kitchen.  Make sure you try the cornmeal buttermilk pancakes and check out the specials board.

Finish off your time in the city with a relaxing day at the park, if the weather is nice, and if it's even close to nice take advantage of it!

Awww, I miss it already!

Helpful tips: lots of places are cash only, so bring some!  And wear comfy walking shoes.

peace, love, San Fran, and happiness!