San Francisco, CA - Fall 2025
San Francisco greeted me with exactly what everyone warned me about: fog thick enough to have a personality. I checked into the San Remo Hotel - a historic (and mildly haunted) little spot tucked near Fisherman’s Wharf area- and immediately threw myself into exploring the neighborhood. Classic pier behavior was in full effect: carousels spinning, kids darting between souvenir stalls, the ferris wheel turning against the misty-blueish, gray sky. It’s chaotic in the most nostalgic, waterfront-boardwalk way.
I hopped a ferry to Sausalito where the coastal charm is almost suspiciously adorable. I grabbed lunch at the iconic 1965 Scoma’s, enjoying a wine and some oysters oceanfront, wandered the bayfront shops, and kept staring at the Golden Gate Bridge attempting to play peekaboo through the fog. It didn’t fully reveal itself until around 3:30pm on my return ferry - dramatic, but iconic behavior for the city.
Back at San Remo, I refreshed and took myself to Luisa for a classic Italian dinner (the neighborhood demanded it). But of course, one dinner wasn’t enough, so I ended up at Petite Lil’s by Lillie Coit for the Oyster Jubilee, a cocktail, and some good old-fashioned chatting with locals. Solo traveler energy: undefeated.
Day two was for hitting the hits. The Painted Ladies, the iconic hills, the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people move here despite the rent. I eventually landed in Japantown at Hotel Kabuki - which felt like stepping straight into another country. Calm, intentional, beautifully designed. A full sensory reset.
I chased the day to its in the Sunset District with, of course, a sunset. Golden hour on the beach felt like the city softening its edges for a moment. I wandered a few parks, took photos, and later warmed up over a bowl of ramen back near Hotel Kabuki.
My work day was mellow in the best way. We snapped the property, explored the Japantown mall (the forest-themed bookshop was a gem), strolled Fillmore Street for some photos (and unintentional window shopping), and ended the night tucked into my room overlooking those signature San Francisco rolling hills. The full moon in Taurus - my sign - felt like a little cosmic wink before bed.
Before heading to the airport on my last day, I made one last stop at Boulangerie near Fillmore St. for a freshly-made french pastry and coffee. I wandered a bit more, soaking it all in before preparing myself for the airport chaos.
Four days, endless hills, one haunted hotel, one adorable hotel, and a whole lot of fog that somehow made every moment feel more cinematic. San Francisco really does have its own rhythm - and it’s one I’d happily fall back into.
