A few tips I picked up along the way

1. Be Ready for Hills (They’re No Joke)

You hear about the hills—but you don’t fully understand them until you’re in it.

Comfortable shoes are essential, and pacing yourself will make a big difference. Get ready to burn some calories!

2. Take Your Time in Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most historic outside of Asia—and there’s so much more to it than the main street. Take time to explore beyond the busiest areas. That’s where it really comes to life.

3. Napa Is What You Make It

Napa can be a full trip—or just a quick escape. We spent about a day and a half there, which was perfect for us since we like a little more variety than just wine tasting.

But if that’s your thing, you could easily spend days exploring wineries.

4. Ubers Help More Than You Think

Walking is great—but sometimes it’s just not practical here. A quick Uber can save time and energy, especially when you’re dealing with hills or tight schedules.

5. Views Aren’t Guaranteed

San Francisco is known for its views—but they depend a lot on timing and weather.

If something is important to you (like the Golden Gate Bridge), it’s worth planning

around the conditions.

6. Layers Are Non-Negotiable

SF weather has a mind of its own. You can go from warm to chilly fast—especially near

the water—so layers make everything easier.

7. The City Looks Different Everywhere You Go

No two parts of San Francisco feel the same. One street might be lined with colorful houses, while the next opens up to sweeping views of the water or skyline. Pay attention to those shifts—they’re part of what makes the city so memorable.

8. One of the Best Views Isn’t Where You Expect

The Walt Disney Family Museum was already worth the visit—but the biggest surprise was the view outside. The park outside it has one of the most incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was honestly one of those moments that just felt… wanderful.

9. A Hidden Calm in the Middle of Everything

The Lucasfilm campus is such a cool stop—but it’s more than just the Yoda statue and the Skywalker Ranch store. The grounds are quiet, beautifully maintained, and feel completely removed from the energy of the city. It’s a peaceful, beautiful space that’s worth slowing down and enjoying.

10. Taste Your Way Through the City

There’s so much good food in San Francisco—it’s almost overwhelming in the best way.

A food tour makes it easy to try a variety of spots without overthinking it. We did it, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!