Best From Expats

      Imagine stunning beaches, huge forests, a ski mountain over a gorgeous alpine lake, great wineries… This is California! One of my favorite places in the world!
  In this post I'll share my impressions and tips about a recent trip I've made. Unfortunately I didn't go to famous parks as Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Death Valley… You should rent a car and drive south along the Pacific Coast (Highway 1). I'll start in San Francisco, as it has the biggest airport in the northern California.

Reserve one night to explore the French district, the area between Belden Place and Claude Lane, and have dinner at Gitane, an amazing Spanish restaurant (order the jamón iberico de bellota, La Serena cheese and the duck, you won't regret!).
Have breakfast at Mama's- in North Beach, the Italian district. It is known as the best breakfast in town. But it is really crowded, no reservations, so arrive before 9am if you don't wanna spend 2 hours in line…
In another day have brunch at Brenda's French Soul Food (Harry's tip)
Cable car (Powell- Hyde) to Fisherman's Wharf, passing by the iconic Lombard Street (originally constructed in 1922 to reduce the hill's natural grade). Carolina Grinberg rented bikes at the wharf and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito (it's all downhill to go, so she advises to take the ferry back). Take a look at the picture of Alcatraz and the cable car going up the hill. It was taken in the corner of Hyde x Lombard!
Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. A famous sightseeing point, with lots of tourists, chocolate shops, nice restaurants, always crowded.
Alcatraz- Civil War fortress, infamous federal prison, bird sanctuary, first lighthouse on the West Coast, and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement are a few of the stories of the Rock.
Coit Tower- the 210-foot tower was completed in 1933 to honor San Francisco's volunteer firemen, offers spectacular panoramic views of the city.
SOMA (South of Market St)- is a new district. Harry recommends walking from Pier 40 to Ferry Building. You can rent bikes at Pier 40 as well. His favorite restaurant is The Slanter Door, a Vietnamese and French Fusion cuisine.
Hayes Valley - fashionable district with cute shops between Gough and Laguna Streets. Close to San Francisco Opera.
Haight Ashbury - counterculture home
Mission District - a picturesque neighborhood, filled with murals (Precita Eyes Muralists offers a walking tour) and the best bakery in town, Tartine Bakery. Valencia Street is the heart of San Francisco nightlife.
Conservatory of Flowers - at the Golden Gate Park (a nice park to go on Sundays), it is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. Don't miss it if you enjoy gardening. But be prepared to ruin your hair inside it!
Crissy Field - the northwestern tip is home to the national park Fort Point and the most fantastic view of Golden Gate Bridge.
Chinatown - Sorry, I didn't go…. every big city has one and it is always a mess! Not a big fan!

Half-Day trip to Sausalito - a charming waterside village. Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge pull over on the right at Vista Point, a scenic viewpoint. Then head to Marin Headlands to be amazed by the views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy Rodeo Beach. Have lunch at the phenomenal Japanese Sushi Ran (the best glazed black cod followed by the best green tea / ginger ice cream I've ever had) or a sangria at Bocce, a lovely restaurant with a fireplace with water view (Harry's tip).

Half-Day trip to Berkeley - the city of the University of California is also famous for its "Gourmet Ghetto" in Shattuck Avenue (Chez Panisse initiated the California cuisine 40 years ago).

Harry's favorite spots in San Francisco: SPQR restaurant, Gitane, Flower & Water, L folie bar, Limon Rotisserie, Tadichd grill & Bar Tartines (Mission)