San Francisco: the city by the bay, home to the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and of course, Oh Happy Day. We love our city, and while it’s tough to choose favorites in a city so grand, we definitely have a few spots that top the charts. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Uber to show you our guide to our favorite places to go in SF! Uber recently launched Uber Bike in partnership with JUMP Bikes to put e-bikes all over San Francisco, and gave us a special preview to cruise around the city for a perfect day going to all our beloved hangouts. We even made a little video to show them off! Scroll down for the full details!
I love traveling by bike when I’m out exploring, because you can enjoy the sights and sunshine, but also cover a lot of ground. My biggest thing that has kept me from getting on a bike in San Francisco is the city’s infamous hills. I mean, COME ON, those babies are STEEP! The great thing with Uber’s electronic assist bikes (or e-bikes) is that they put more power behind the bike as you pedal. So going up a giant hill is actually totally doable and if you’re like me, you’ll even feel like a super-fit champion of the world! They actually go 1.5x faster than regular bikes, and you can arrive at your destination quickly and without looking like a sweaty monster. Bonus! Uber Bike is currently only available in San Francisco, but if you’re in the city just update your app to find a JUMP Bike near you and get riding. It’s the perfect way to hit the town!
1. Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th St.
Bi-Rite has a few locations around the city, one of which is quite near the Oh Happy Day office (both a blessing and a curse). On one hand, you have access to fresh, delicious, and beautiful groceries. But on the other hand, it is near impossible to leave empty-handed (sorry, wallet!). Honestly, I don’t even mind because everything from there is so tasty, and they have dang good ice cream. Go pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers and an assortment of scrumptious provisions and you’ll feel on top of the world.
2. 20th Century Cafe
198 Gough St.
Picture the most ideal little European cafe you can imagine. Now transport that cafe to San Francisco. Welcome to 20th Century Cafe. They have huge, gorgeous windows that let in loads of natural light to perfectly illuminate your latte and pastries, all of which will taste phenomenal. Everything is served on charming antique dishes and the you feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a better place (maybe even heaven?). Order a piece of honey cake and soak in the ambience. You’re welcome.
3. Painted Ladies
Steiner St. and Hayes St.
Okay, okay, it can be a little touristy, but there is something so quintessentially “San Francisco” about the Painted Ladies (aka the “Full House” houses). They are nestled right up against Alamo Square Park, which is a great little spot to sunbathe, people watch, or enjoy a picnic lunch. You can also see great views of the city and pet other people’s dogs. Big win all around!
4. Clare V.
344 Linden St.
Our whole team are huge fans of Clare V., so when they opened up a shop in Hayes Valley, we were giddy! We actually even came here as part of our Oh Happy Day Christmas party (we each got to pick out our own handbag, it was a DREAM!). This shop is beautifully styled and all of the merchandise is always fresh and en pointe, so naturally this is one of our favorite places to window shop (or have a full blown shopping spree… it depends on your level of self control). Personally, I want it ALL.
5. Miette
449 Octavia St.
I’m convinced that the expression of feeling like a “kid in a candy store” came from Miette. This little sweets shop is absolutely magical. They have all of the most beautiful candy and treats, with pretty wrappings and packaging to boot. Plus their chocolate cake is UNREAL. So so yummy. Make sure you give yourself some time to meander through the rows of colorful goodness. You won’t regret it!
6. Color Factory
575 Sutter St.
Of course we can’t talk about our guide to San Francisco without mentioning our experiential pop-up exhibit, Color Factory! Dive into a sea of yellow balls, dance in a confetti shower, spell your name with a giant light bright! What better way to spend a day in the city than by cutting loose and playing like a kid?! Don’t forget to grab a Color Factory neighborhood map on your way out so that the adventure can continue.
This post is sponsored by Uber.
Video by Paul Ferney
Photography by Sarah Kate Price
Ana
March 30, 2018
I want to go to San Francisco for year now! Still, for me it’s a very expensive trip (I live in Europe), but I can’t ignore that it’s one of my lifetime dream trips! 😀
Kiss*
http://www.fine-alchemy.blogspot.pt
Eyelash Boxes
March 30, 2018
What a beautiful pics and bicycle..happy environment.
Thanks for sharing with us! Keep it up!
Respect!
Rosemary
March 30, 2018
I assume these spots you featured were near your headquarters as there are many other great spots not to forget, like the Taqueria on Mission and Mitchell’s Ice Cream on San Jose Avenue, or Pizza from Delfina. Perhaps you should highlight all the great spots in each section of SF.
Tara Cannon
April 3, 2018
I would love to ride bikes around San Francisco ! I have been on the cusp of booking a family trip. This just might tip the scales for me !
Michelle
April 4, 2018
Will add Colour Factory to my SF list. Uber bikes will be handy too!
https://www.parkerroad.com.au
Eva
April 5, 2018
I love this little guide! Miette’s macarons are literally the best I’ve ever tasted. We moved out of SF 3 years ago, but I definitely would have spent plenty of time at 20th Century Cafe! Reveille was my favorite for many years 🙂
Eva | http://www.shessobright.com
Michelle & Watson
April 8, 2018
Loved your guide! I need to come visit if not just to see that striped building. I’m also dying to check out the Color Factory!
Woof Xo,
Michelle & Watson
https://www.watsonandwalls.com/