A few weeks ago, I found myself in San Francisco for a conference that I decided to stretch into a long weekend. It had been a while since my last visit, and I’d almost forgotten just how much I adore that city. The steep hills lined with pastel Victorian homes, the salty air rolling off the bay, the mix of old history and buzzing modern energy—it all reminded me why San Francisco is such a special place to explore.
Whether you’re planning a first trip or just haven’t been back in a while, here’s my quick guide to making the most of your time there.
First Things First: Tips for Visiting San Francisco
- Bring Layers, Always. San Francisco weather is famously tricky. The fog rolls in without warning, and even if the sun looks bright, the wind will keep you reaching for that extra sweater. Locals will tell you: always have a jacket with you.
- Humidity is Real. If you’re dreaming of a good hair day, this might not be your city. The damp air means frizz is practically guaranteed, so embrace the tousled look and enjoy the ride.
- Comfortable Shoes Are a Must. The hills are no joke. Pack sneakers or flats you don’t mind walking in, because exploring on foot is one of the best ways to see the neighborhoods.
Where to Eat: Breakfast in San Francisco
One of the most memorable stops from my weekend was Mr. Holmes Bakehouse—a place I discovered after shamelessly googling “most Instagrammable restaurants in San Francisco.” No regrets here, because this bakery was not only ridiculously cute but also genuinely delicious.
The star of the show? The cruffin—a croissant-muffin hybrid that the bakery has become famous for. The fun part is that they only offer one flavor per day, and it changes daily, so it feels like a little surprise. Before you head over, check their Instagram to see what the flavor of the day is.
Insider Tips for Visiting Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
- Get There Early. The bakery opens at 8 a.m., but if you want a cruffin, you’ll want to be in line by around 8:30. When you’re in line early, you’ll get a sticker that guarantees you two cruffins once they’re ready at 9 a.m. Without that sticker, you may miss out.
- Don’t Skip the Other Treats. Even if cruffins aren’t your thing (or you don’t want to wait), the rest of the menu is equally tempting. A few favorites: the churro croissant, the chocolate croissant, and their savory bread pudding. Pair it all with a cup of Intelligentsia coffee and you’ve got yourself the perfect morning.
- Divide and Conquer. If you’re with a friend, one of you can hold your spot in the cruffin line while the other goes inside to snag pastries and drinks to enjoy while you wait. It makes the experience a lot more fun (and filling).
- Take the Photo. You can’t leave without grabbing a snapshot under the bakery’s famous pink neon sign that reads “I got baked in San Francisco.” It’s practically a rite of passage.
- Enjoy at a Park. Since the bakery doesn’t have seating, I recommend doing what we did: grab your pastries to-go and head to Lafayette Park. It’s a gorgeous spot to sit, sip your coffee, and dig into your goodies while enjoying the city views.
Why San Francisco Never Gets Old
What struck me most during this trip was how San Francisco balances so many different vibes at once. It’s a city with world-class dining and shopping, yet it also feels laid-back and approachable. You can be wandering through historic neighborhoods like Nob Hill one minute, and then browsing modern boutiques or sipping artisanal coffee the next.
The food scene alone could keep me coming back. Every corner seems to hold a new bakery, coffee shop, or restaurant that’s earned a cult following. And yet, despite its trendy reputation, the city still has that timeless charm—the clanging of the cable cars, the colorful row houses, the sweeping views of the Golden Gate peeking through the fog.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco is one of those cities that rewards both planning and spontaneity. Have a list of must-visit spots, sure, but also leave room to wander. Some of my favorite moments came from simply strolling through neighborhoods, discovering unexpected coffee shops, or stumbling upon a park with a view I didn’t know existed.
If you’re heading there soon, remember the essentials: pack layers, lower your hair expectations, and bring your appetite. Start your day with a cruffin (or two) at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, snap the neon photo for fun, and let the city take it from there.
Because the truth is, San Francisco never really goes out of style—it just keeps giving you more reasons to fall in love with it again and again.
