In October, I flew across the country to San Francisco to visit one of my closest friends, Isabelle. While I was only in town for 48 hours, it was such a fun trip! Below are some of the highlights. 

FRIDAY

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse – 1042 Larkin Street

Go for the Instagram moments, but stay for the donuts. While they are known for their ‘cruffin’ I thought their simple donut was the real winner. Stop into Mr. Holmes to start your morning and then head around the corner to Hero Shop. 

Hero Shop – 982 Post Street

A chic and well curated boutique with everything from clothing by Rossie Assoulin to accessories from Mansur Gavrielle and Edie Parker. The founder, Emily Holt, was formerly a news editor at Vogue. 

Next up — Fillmore Street in Lower Pacific Heights

Credo Beauty – 2136 Fillmore Street

A one stop shop for all your natural skincare and makeup; they also give facials at this flagship location. The wellness brand now is sold online and in a few other locations throughout the US (including New York) but it is well worth it to stop in to their Fillmore Street location as it is their original storefront. 

Nest – 2300 Fillmore Street

An eclectic home store with items ranging from furniture to jewelry and gifts. A great spot for picking up birthday cards or small stocking stuffers.

Freda Salvador – 2416 Fillmore Street

A little ways up Fillmore Street the flagship location of Freda Salvador, a small shoe brand. 

Jane – 2123 Fillmore Street

A coffee shop, bakery and lunch spot right on Fillmore Street. (Thank you Helen for the suggestion!) The perfect spot to grab a salad for lunch. 

Fillmore Street continued.. 

There are countless stores to pop into on Fillmore. Most are larger brands that you could find throughout the country; Joie, Intermix, Rag & Bone etc. But certainly a great street for shopping!

Alta Plaza Park – Pacific Heights 

While I was on Fillmore Street, I wanted to get a feel for the Pacific Heights neighborhood so I walked around some of the beautiful residential blocks and through Alta Plaza Park. 

Stanford University 

Next up was the computer train to Palo Alto to meet Isabelle after she finished work. Of course, I made her give me a tour of Stanford as I had never seen it before. Lets just say, I totally understand why if you get into Stanford you would not even consider going anywhere else!  Beautiful. 

SATURDAY

Tartine – 600 Guerrero Street

Every single person who heard I was headed to San Francisco said I had to go to Tartine for pasties/breakfast; Isabelle already had it all worked into our plan! We stopped in early on Saturday morning, there was a bit of a line but it moved quickly. Well worth it! 

Lands End Park – 680 Point Lobos Avenue

I did not want to miss the iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge (#tourist) and we also wanted to get some exercise.  After Tartine, we drove out to Lands End to walk around the coastal trail.

Next Stop Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights 

Countless shops on my list were home and interior design shops, all of which were on Sacramento Street where we headed to next. 

March  – 3075 Sacramento Street

From the Schumacher Bulletin to various clients at Blitzer & Company, everyone raves about March SF. The shop specializes in kitchens, from pantry and tabletop items to kitchen counters and kitchen design services. If only I had a real kitchen….one day! 

Hudson | Grace –   3350 Sacramento Street

To stick with the kitchen theme we then popped into Hudson | Grace just a few storefronts down the street from March. The San Francisco based brand now how outposts throughout California offering everything you need for your tabletop and kitchen – from dinnerware and flatware to candles and entertaining items. 

As Quoted – 3613 Sacramento Street

It was time for lunch so our next stop on Sacramento Street was As Quoted – a farm inspired and locally sourced breakfast and lunch restaurant. 

St. Frank –  3665 Sacramento Street

For the past year or so, St. Frank has been one of my favorite home brands to follow. With a home base in San Francisco and pop ups throughout the country – East Hampton, New York City and now Palm Beach – I love the eclectic and beautiful pieces, all with a wonderful story behind the products. I treated myself to one of their Baby Alpaca Throws as a keepsake from my SF trip. (I love that is a great blanket for your home, but it can also be a chic winter scarf!) 

The Ribbonerie – 3695 Sacramento Street

For our last stop on Sacramento Street, we went to ribbon heaven!  The Ribbonerie might have every ribbon that you could ever imagine, from velvet to gingham. Isabelle and I walked away with a few velvet and silk ribbons for belts and hair bows. 

Dolores Park – Mission District

After a morning full of shopping we headed back to Isabelle’s neighborhood and spent part of the afternoon in Dolores Park. The warm weather, palm trees and parks throughout SF made a strong case for living on the west coast. 

Of course the trip flew by too fast, if only I could have stayed for a few more days! There are one hundred more shops and spots I would have loved to see — just reason to visit again! 

all images by Nan for Simply Elegant Blog.