Good morning, fellow WanderLyns! Ready for a climb? Today we’re trading treadmills for actual hills — and in San Francisco, that means up, up, and UP! This isn’t a stroll for the faint of quads, but oh, the views, the treats, and the pure Bay-City magic along the way make every step worth it.
Let's Do This!
We started our day by hopping on BART — that’s the Bay Area Rapid Transit, a sleek little subway system that zips under the bay and drops you right into downtown San Francisco. Easy, clean, and no parking drama (hallelujah!). Hop off at Montgomery Street Station, and voilà — you’re just steps from Union Square, our starting line.
Fancy Start at Union Square
If you’re looking to go posh, check into The Westin St. Francis (335 Powell Street). It’s that grand dame of San Francisco hotels — crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and cable cars clanging out front like a movie set. Even if you’re not staying, pop into the lobby and soak up the old-school glamour.
Union Square itself is a shoppers’ playground — Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany’s, and more windows to drool over than your credit card can handle. It’s festive, fabulous, and oh-so-fun to window-shop your way around the plaza.
Caffeine & Sugar, Please
Before tackling those hills, a little fuel!
☕ Bella Café – 12 Tillman Place
Tucked just off Union Square, Bella Café is the kind of cozy little hideaway where the coffee’s dreamy and the lemon tart might just make you giggle with delight. Small, friendly, and full of charm, it’s everything a café should be.
The magic comes from founders Carlo Salvatore, a Sicilian native with an eye for design and espresso perfection, and Nila Norero, a South American hospitality pro who brings warmth to every detail.
Together, they’ve created a spot that blends Italian café culture—style, flavor, and community—all in one chic corner of San Francisco.
🍫 Teuscher Chocolates – 307 Sutter Street
Just around the corner from Bella Café (because one sweet stop is never enough), you’ll find Teuscher Chocolates, a little piece of Swiss heaven in the heart of the city. Founded in 1932 by Dolf Teuscher Sr. in Zürich, this legendary chocolatier has been crafting truffles and confections from the finest cocoa, marzipan, fruits, and nuts for nearly a century.
The San Francisco boutique carries on that decadent legacy, wrapping every bite in a bit of old-world elegance—because honestly, you deserve fancy chocolate before hiking up a hill.
Onward to Chinatown
Next, it’s time to pass through the iconic Dragon Gate at Bush and Grant Avenue and dive into a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and charm. Built in 1970 as a gift from Taiwan, this ornate green-tiled gate marks the official entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown — the oldest and one of the most vibrant in the U.S. From the moment you step beneath the dragons, you’re transported into another world.
The streets here are a feast for the senses — red lanterns strung across the sky and murals splashed with color and joy. Chinatown’s architecture is an eclectic mix of pagoda rooftops and old brick buildings that tell the tale of generations who made this neighborhood their proud home.
As you wander up Grant Avenue, every block tempts you to linger — herbal shops with mysterious jars, bakeries wafting sweet sesame scents, and souvenir stands bursting with lucky cats and paper fans. But two shops in particular caught my wanderer’s eye:
🛍️ Old Shanghai – 645 Grant Avenue
If you love textures, color, and a touch of drama, you’ll be in heaven here. Racks of silk robes, colorfully painted bowls, and hand-painted fans fill every corner, alongside carved figurines, jade jewelry, and home décor that begs to come home with you. The piece that stopped me in my tracks? A shimmering dancing toy dragon—so adorable, yes, I now own it! 😆
💡 Asian Trends – 742 Grant Avenue
Just a little ways up, Asian Trends glows like a lantern itself — warm, inviting, and full of sparkle. Inside you’ll find intricate paper lanterns, and multicolored glass lamps that blend modern whimsy with traditional Asian design. It’s the kind of place where you start imagining how to redecorate your living room. If twinkle were a store, this would be it.
Lunch Like a Legend
Famous, bustling, and oh-so-delicious. Locals line up for a reason. House of Nanking was opened in 1988 by husband-and-wife team Peter Fang and Lily Fang, who immigrated from Shanghai to San Francisco and built the restaurant from the ground up.
Try the dumplings in chili oil (spicy heaven) and the wonton soup (comfort in a bowl). Matrix movie scenes were filmed here — you can totally see yourself dining with Neo while slurping noodles. So delicious!
The Climb (Cue Dramatic Music)
Alright, WanderLyns — time to earn those dumplings and chocolates. From here, it’s all uphill to Coit Tower. Take it slow, stop for photos, and remind yourself you’re basically in a live-action postcard.
At the top? Oh, those views. Golden Gate Bridge in one direction, Bay Bridge in the other, and the city shimmering below. Totally worth every huff and puff.
The Secret Descent: Greenwich Steps
What goes up must come down — and lucky for us, San Francisco does downhill in style. The Greenwich Steps wind through secret gardens, ivy-covered fences, and tucked-away homes with peek-a-boo bay views.
It’s like walking through a secret world that only locals know about — magical and oh-so-cool.
Choose Your Own Finale
At the bottom, you are just a few blocks from the water. Turn right and head toward the Ferry Building - this is where we started our first San Francisco walk.
Or, turn left toward Pier 35 and catch a ferry to Alcatraz — if you’re feeling adventurous — or hop a vintage streetcar back to Union Square and toast your day with something bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This was one of my favorite San Francisco wanders — equal parts workout, window-shopping, and wow-moments. Great food, fun finds, and the kind of city charm that makes your heart skip (and your calves burn).
Until next time, my fellow wanderers —
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
💛 Lyn, WanderLynTravel
Check us out on social media for more thorough video walkthroughs @wanderlyntravel
No comments:
Post a Comment