Things to Do in San Francisco, California: Sunset’s Insider Travel Guide

Sundown’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret journey ideas from native consultants. Observe alongside as we study the place to eat, drink, keep, and store.

Meet the insider: Meenal Patel, proprietor of Meenal Patel Studio

Meenal Patel is an artist, illustrator, designer, and kids’s guide writer who loves spending time mountaineering and doodling. Her most up-to-date guide, Priya Dreams of Marigolds and Masala, was printed in 2019 and acquired a 2020 South Asia E book Award. Patel beforehand collaborated with Cloud9 Fabrics to create whimsical garden-inspired patterns that present how individuals are intertwined with nature. Right here’s the place she hangs out within the Bay Space.

WHERE TO EAT:

For a foggy-day meal, head to Mandalay to expertise a vivid yellow façade and nice meals. “That is such a comfy restaurant with the warmest workers. I really like Mandalay’s samusa soup and tea leaf salad.” Patel additionally loves visiting Twirl and Dip, an ice cream truck parked within the museum concourse of Golden Gate Park on the weekend. “My favourite is their signature: Strauss creamery vanilla bean mushy serve, dipped in TCHO darkish chocolate, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, in a waffle cone.”

WHAT TO DO:

© Saxon Holt/PhotoBotanic

You’ll be able to’t go to San Francisco and not using a journey to Golden Gate Park. “Spend a day getting misplaced on the numerous trails,” Patel advises. “I particularly love the limitless plant inspiration from the large redwood timber to all of the tiny buds blossoming within the [San Francisco] Botanical Garden.” Don’t neglect to cease by Stow Lake for a paddle boat journey and picnic. For sweeping views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, hike the paths at Lands End within the metropolis’s northwest nook.

WHERE TO DRINK:

Kelly Puleio

“I haven’t been out for a drink in a very long time due to the pandemic however an previous goodie is The Alembic,” says Patel. The bar shares a wall with The Booksmith, making it an awesome place to drink craft cocktails whereas studying your new favourite guide.

WHERE TO SHOP:

Lauren Hanussak

Rare Device store and artwork gallery options many objects produced by artists and small enterprise makers—lots of whom are native. “The gallery throughout the store has month-to-month artwork exhibits and neighborhood occasions,” Patel says. She additionally loves visiting TANTRUM, a present store for the littles in your life. “I’m a child at coronary heart!” Patel says. Or, go to Case for Making, which gives its personal handmade watercolors together with a considerate number of artwork provides, and Black Bird Bookstore, a well-stocked, kid-friendly bookstore. “Plus they’ve a phenomenal backyard tucked within the again for readings!”