San Francisco is a fantastic honeymoon destination for many reasons. The diverse and thriving city itself makes for a unique urban experience, but with its numerous parks and outdoor spaces, San Fran is also a great place to kick back and unwind postwedding.
What to See and Where to Stay
Your SF honeymoon will be completely different depending on where you choose to stay since so many of the city’s neighborhoods have such distinct character and flavor. For easy access to Union Square, Chinatown, and North Beach, check out the fun and funky Hotel des Arts (800-956-4322), a boutique hotel that also has a gallery with works by local artists. Or stay nearby (and even closer to all the shopping in Union Square) at the recently renovated Mosser Hotel (800-277-3804). Either way, you’ll be right near the cable cars (a definite must-do San Francisco experience), making it easy to get out and explore.
You could take a side trip to wine country, but there are plenty of opportunities to try some local vino in town. During weekends in the summer and fall, make a reservation for Sips and Bites on the Bay (877-329-7377). While you cruise around San Francisco Bay on FDR’s presidential yacht, you’ll get to try wines from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and more, all expertly paired with delectable hors d’ouevres.
The Best Time to Go
May through September is the busy season for tourists. But given San Francisco’s relatively mild and temperate (albeit foggy) climate year-round, there’s not a significant dip in the winter months. March and April bring lots of showers, which can often contribute to major flooding and mudslides in the region.
Hotel rates do vary depending on the season, and in some cases, the day of the week --rates often go up on the weekends. San Francisco is a popular spot for conventions, particularly for the tech industry, so you may encounter occasional issues with specific events. To find out what’s going on in the city and for more trip tips, check out the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (415-391-2000).
The Best Ways to Save
One easy (and tasty) way to stretch your budget? Eat like a local: San Fran natives love their crepes, which are cheap, filling, and delicious. Right near Haight Street in the Cole Valley neighborhood, hit up Crepes on Cole (415-664-1800). In addition to the namesake food, locals also rave about their home fries, which are practically a meal on their own. Looking for some upscale fare? Go to the Mission District for dinner and a movie. Foreign Cinema (415-648-7600) is a popular and trendy neighborhood restaurant that offers California/Mediterranean-inspired dining as well as indie movies outside while dining alfresco.
Likewise, take advantage of San Francisco’s excellent public transit -- it’s much less expensive and easier than cabbing it. You can purchase one-, three-, or seven-day Muni “passports” that give you unlimited rides on buses and cable cars (SFMuni.com). For BART, you can simply buy smart cards as needed at the stations (BART.gov).
There’s also tons you can do courtesy of your own two feet. Grab a couple of coffees and explore popular neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury on foot in the early morning before the crowds hit. Or hop a bus over to the Marin Headlands (a gorgeous national park with plenty of free hiking and great views); then steal a kiss while walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. It doesn’t get more romantic -- or free! -- than that.
-- Kate Wood
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