Let’s talk about San Francisco, ladies. The city of hills, fog, sourdough, and stunning photo ops that make your friends say, “Where are you now?” If you’re a woman of a certain fabulous age who likes her walking with a side of chocolate and vintage arcade games, then buckle that crossbody bag—because this is your 10K step day.
👟 But before we start walking… we carb and caffeinate.
🥐 First Stop: La Boulangerie de San Francisco
📍Locations:
• 1909 Fillmore St
• 500 Hayes St
• 2325 Pine St
Pick the location nearest you and enjoy. This isn't just a coffee stop—it’s a croissant-fueled love affair. Once part of a popular chain called La Boulange, it was scooped up by Starbucks in 2012 who sold their pastries with La Boulange name. However, the concept didn’t pan out for Starbucks, so the original owner reclaimed the name and reopened select locations under La Boulangerie de San Francisco. The result? Three fantastic, friendly, and totally decadent locations with the same irresistible flaky magic.
I highly recommend the caramel latte, and yes that coffee is pouring directly into that delicious caramel that they make in-house — it’s the rich, velvety kind that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. Pair it with a buttery almond croissant, a flaky pain au chocolat, or a warm ham and cheese croissant if you're craving savory. Trust me, you’ll want to indulge in every bite.
🚘 To get around post sipping and crunching, download the MuniMobile app to hop a streetcar or bus. This app will definitely come in handy during your travels. Or if you're feeling extra bold, download the Waymo app, Google’s autonomous car service, and call for a quiet, futuristic ride across town. No parking stress, no tipping, and no awkward small talk. Just sit back, choose your music vibe, and pretend you’re in an episode of The Jetsons. It’s a hoot!
Wander your way to the Ferry Building Marketplace.
Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
This beautifully restored 1898 terminal is now a food-lover’s paradise. With views of the Bay Bridge out front and a sunny promenade behind, the Ferry Building is lined with artisan food stalls, gourmet grocers, and locally made treasures. Think: craft coffee, cheese shops, and fresh-baked pastries that wink at you. But don’t let the food steal all your steps. One shop you must pop into is:
✨ Fog City Flea Trading Post
A curated storefront that feels like an upscale flea market married a West Coast boho boutique. Handmade jewelry, clever home goods, retro San Francisco prints… basically, it’s the store you wish existed back home. Treat yourself. You earned it—and we’ve barely started. Enjoy your time and then head towards Fisherman’s Wharf along the Embarcadero – more fun stops along the way.
🚶♀️Embarcadero Stroll
Flat. Scenic. Full of salt air and sunshine (or, you know… fog). Keep the water on your right, and head toward the piers. When you pass Alora (200 Folsom St), take a right. You’ll find a sweet little walkway with hanging flower baskets and a hidden pier.
Walk out to the edge, breathe deep, and enjoy your “I’m on a glamorous health kick” moment. Then continue along the Embarcadero till you see the blue flags of Pier 39.
📍Pier 39
Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a little loud. And yes—you’ll love it anyway. This waterfront hub is bustling, colorful, and downright fun. Full of carnival vibes, shops, snack stands, and street performers, Pier 39 is best known for its resident sea lions, who sunbathe, bark, and flop around like they own the place. After grabbing a quick selfie with the sea lions, head to the very back and up the stairs on the right side for a special stop to rest your feet and enjoy a treat.🔥 Fire & Ice Grill + Bar
Address: 39 Pier #231, San Francisco, CA 94133
It’s like Mongolian BBQ’s cooler cousin. They have a full bar, so you can just have a sip and enjoy the amazing views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Unless it’s foggy… in which case, enjoy your “sip in the mist.” Feeling peckish? Fire is also a solid lunch stop. Pick your own ingredients, hand it off to the grill master, and watch while your lunch sizzles. It’s casual, tasty, and perfect for a mid-walk fuel.
Feel free to roam the pier afterward. Shops range from kitsch to cute, and definitely worth a shop if you need to bring some fun souvenirs home. Then back to the strolling the Embarcadero towards Fisherman’s Wharf.
📍Fisherman’s Wharf
Jefferson & Taylor Streets
It’s everything you imagine about San Francisco: crab stands, clam chowder in bread bowls, a GIANT Boudin restaurant, souvenir shops, old-timey signs, and maybe even a sailor statue or two. Great place to people-watch and feel the “I’m on vacation” energy. And it has a less known hidden gem …
🎮 Musée Mécanique
Pier 45, Shed A
Tucked in the back like a secret treasure, free to enter, and full of vintage arcade games, carnival machines, and mechanical oddities from the 1900s through the ‘80s, Musee is a fun surprise waiting to be discovered. Seriously—grab some quarters and let loose. It's silly, nostalgic delightfulness.
🧢 Onward Along Jefferson
From here, keep walking West along Jefferson Street (your quads are doing great, btw). Pop into shops as you please, but don’t miss:
🐌 Only in California
2810 Taylor St
This place is delightfully ridiculous and filled with California themed merchandise you won’t find anywhere else. Think: banana slug plushies (the mascot of UC Santa Cruz), beachy sweatshirts, retro state maps, and Cali-themed wine glasses. Come for the slug, stay for the state pride. We bought two! What can I say? My son is starting at UC Santa Cruz in the fall. I am a proud mama wanderer. As you continue on, you’ll find …
🧱 The Cannery
2801 Leavenworth St
Once home to the Del Monte peach-canning operation, this red-brick complex is now a sweet maze of shops, patios, and quiet cafes. Wander around the courtyards, pop into a boutique or two, and imagine life when canned peaches were big business. It’s quieter here, with ivy-draped balconies and little wine bars tucked into corners. Once you come to the end of the Cannery, turn left and head up the small hill to …
☕ Buena Vista Café
2765 Hyde St
Two words: Irish Coffee. Famous. Frothy. Strong. Legend says this is where Irish Coffee was introduced to the U.S.— the café has been serving them since 1952, and it’s like stepping into San Francisco’s vintage soul. Grab a seat at the bar, sip slowly, and toast to your brilliant decision to wander. Once you feel perked up, head next door to …
🍫 Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St
Enjoy the views … maybe ... cause fog, and then take your happy belly down the hill a bit to the Cable Car station – this is where that Muni App comes in handy!
🚋 Time to Ride: The Cable Car
After all that walking, it’s time for some iconic public transit with vintage charm. These babies aren’t just cute—they’re a mechanical marvel. The cable car operators grip an underground wire to pull you up and over San Francisco’s legendary hills. Want to know more about how this all works?
🏛️ Optional stop: Cable Car Museum
Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hop off the car here and enjoy this free museum that has gears, engines, and real-time pulley systems. A great pit stop if you're fascinated by how stuff works.
**Bonus Steps: Chinatown
If your step count needs a little more juice, you can hop off the car a little further on [the driver will call it out] and wander through Chinatown—a sensory feast of red lanterns, herbal shops, dim sum spots, and silk boutiques. Grant Avenue is your main thoroughfare, but feel free to turn down any alley that looks interesting. I’ll cover this in more detail in a future blog, so stay tuned!
If you have already hit your step count for the day, continue on to Union Square and hop off at Geary for a filling and fulfilling meal at …
🍜 Hinodeya: Delicious Ramen and More
219 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Ramen never tasted so good. Hinodeya’s secret is its rich, umami-packed dashi broth, silky noodles, and soft-boiled eggs that might bring a tear to your eye. It’s warm, filling, and the perfect “you did it!” meal. Celebrate with a little saki and lot of pride.
💬 Final Thoughts from WanderLyn
You came, you walked, you conquered. San Francisco isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. It’s a rewarding mix of sea breezes, cheeky stops, and chocolate sundaes. And the best part? Your step count proves you earned every bite, sip, and view. I hope you enjoy this wander as much as I did!
Until next time,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
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