Visiting San Francisco

Last week was a whirlwind! Keeping two teenage boys entertained and fed in San Francisco is a full-time job. Isaac loves mini golf and I was surprised to find that a new indoor course opened up in the city when Rob and I were away traveling. First step at Urban Putt is picking your color…

Rob is off in Helsinki on business and I’ve got two teenage nephews with me in San Francisco this week before I have to dash to Vancouver for the day – whew! We’re about to head out on the train to explore Chinatown. It’s a beautiful and surprisingly warm summer day in San Francisco!

San Francisco has so many fun free things to do! Here are the top six free activities recommended by the Ladies Activity Club: 1. Dolores Park Movie Night – Take advantage of San Francisco’s late summer with a free movies in the park. 2. Conservatory of Flowers – Visit the beautiful victorian greenhouse gardens for…

For our third edition of the San Francisco LAC, let’s get dolled up for some fanciest fun things to do in the city. 1. Chez Spencer – My personal favorite little French hideaway in the city. If you were throwing a courthouse wedding followed by a dinner in a private dining room, this would be…

Next on our Ladies Activity Club guide to the city: something dear to the hearts of San Franciscans…food! Here are six of our top restaurant recommendations. 1. Front Porch – Bernal Heights – $$ – I haven’t tried this place, but I’ve heard it get rave reviews. Southern soul food…mmm, chicken and waffles. 2. Burma…

Here’s my dream recipe for an all out splurge in my favorite city: Have dinner on the patio at Chez Spencer complete with live pianist and French waiters Spend a night at the opera with Irish coffee at intermission Have the dungeness crab salad with green goddess dressing for lunch at The Palace Hotel’s Garden…

You can have a ton of fun visiting San Francisco on a dime. Here are a few free and nearly free things to do: Eat at a taco wagon and a crepe wagon Visit the free Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate park Look up inexpensive activities on Broke Ass Stuart Sip free wine at an…

Forget nature! You love the night life, the honking taxis the glamour of a big city. San Francisco has plenty for urbanites: Spend Friday night at the de Young with art, music, drinks and themed activities Eat your fill of exotic cuisine at Burma Superstar, Axum Cafe, Cha Cha Cha, dim sum in Chinatown, sushi…

Outdoorsy visitors have plenty of fun options in San Francisco between our shady parks and miles of coastline: Kayak in Sausalito Rent a bike for exploring the city or pedaling around Angel Island Hike Marin Headlands Take a rowboat around Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park See the redwoods at Muir Woods Get a view…

When you have parents with you, you’ll probably also have both a car and a slightly bigger budget. Here are a few suggestions for exploring San Francisco with your parents: Go to North Beach for an italian dinner followed by Beach Blanket Babylon Spend the day at the Legion of Honor viewing fine art, Rodin…