San Francisco's Waiting for You. Here's What It Has to Offer

According to estimates, there are roughly half a million Filipino-Americans living in California’s Bay Area. In San Francisco alone, nearly five percent of the city’s population of around 800,000 claim Filipino heritage. 

It made sense, therefore, for United Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in America, to launch direct flights from San Francisco to Manila and vice versa. The inaugural flight last October 30 was the first nonstop for a US-based airline in over 30 years. It’s a significant move, especially for Filipinos who have extremely limited options when they need to travel between the two cities.

The Yoda fountain fronting the Lettermen Digital Arts Center at the Presidio

Photo by PJ Cana.

Many of the travelers on this route are, of course, Filipinos in the Bay Area and elsewhere in the U.S. looking to visit family back in the Philippines, but the direct service also presents an opportunity for those coming from Manila to fly more conveniently to the West Coast and then onwards to other cities in the continental U.S. It’s also a way for travelers to rediscover the sights and sounds of arguably one of the most dynamic cities in America and fall in love once again with its unique charms.

Although the city has been in the news in recent months for supposed increased crime and perceived safety and security risks, most locals argue that the reports are exaggerated and that there is still plenty to love about San Francisco. One proof is that San Francisco was named the third-best city to live in by business news outlet Forbes, just behind Sacramento and San Diego (first and second), and ahead of Los Angeles and San Jose (fourth and fifth). 

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco anytime soon, here’s a quick guide of things to do, places to visit, and food to eat in The Golden City:

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1| Take a love tour in a hippie van

Tara is one of the tour guides of the San Francisco Love Tour

Photo by PJ Cana.

San Francisco was, of course, ground zero for the hippie culture in the 1960s that culminated in the so-called Summer of Love in 1967. Today, arguably the best way to see the city, especially if you’re a first timer, is onboard a hippie bus driven by a fast-talking, joke-spewing local. You’ll get to visit the most important sights—Lombard Street, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury and many more—all from a groovy VW kombi van. Bonus points for classic rock anthems from the '60s and the '70s blaring from the speakers as you make your way around town, which really takes the experience up a notch. At times, you become the attraction as people on the street point their cameras at you and the van. 

2| Eat at Chotto Matte

Sushi at Chotto Matte

Photo by PJ Cana.

If Japanese-Peruvian (or what they call Nikkei cuisine) is your thing, Chotto Matte is a must-stop. The rooftop restaurant and bar just opened in mid-October and offers amazing views of the San Francisco skyline. The view of your plate isn’t bad, too. Start with their signature cocktails (the kakigori is a winner), order spicy tuna sushi, or torched aburi, the black cod aji miso, salt and pepper crispy squid, ceviche, and wagyu beef. Finish with the passionfruit crème brulee.

3| Go on a sunset catamaran cruise on San Francisco Bay

Pray for good weather when you book a sunset cruise on San Francisco Bay

Photo by PJ Cana.

San Francisco has arguably one of the most beautiful bays not just in the U.S. but in the world. The best way to see it is aboard a catamaran at sunset. Head to Pier 39, look for the sunset cruise service, walk past the seals sunning themselves on the pier, and jump onboard the catamaran for a truly memorable way to spend the afternoon. You’ll sail past Alcatraz island, head to the Golden Gate Bridge and sail underneath it, all while enjoying the wind in your hair and slight salt sea spray on your face. The city is famous for its fog, but if you’re lucky and you’re blessed with a clear day, you’ll get to see the bridge and the bay bathed in golden afternoon light. The boat crew is extra friendly and may even let you take a photo sitting on the captain’s chair wearing the captain’s hat if you ask nicely. 

4| Eat at Abaca

Wagyu Skirt Steak Salpicao at Abaca

Photo by PJ Cana.

You might not exactly be craving Filipino food if you’ve just come from Manila, but if you are, make a beeline for one of the absolute best restaurants serving Filipino cuisine not just in the city, but possibly in the U.S. Abaca is the brainchild of Chef Francis Ang, who was born in San Francisco but grew up in Manila. Order the unbelievably crispy squash fritter okoy served with spicy vinegar, lobster noodles (like pansit but with lobster), wagyu skirt steak salpicao, a whole fried rock fish, and the restaurant’s specialty: sisig fried rice. It’s a slightly elevated taste of home that’ll have you filled up and asking for seconds or thirds.

5| Stay at the Beacon Grand (the old Sir Francis Drake Hotel)

The lobby of the Bracon Grand

Photo by PJ Cana.

There are tons of hotels at different price points in the city, but if you want to get the full San Francisco experience, check into the Beacon Grand. Located just off Union Square, the hotel has been there since the 1920s and has a long and proud history parallel to the city itself. The hotel closed for major renovation work during the pandemic and reopened under a new name in mid-2022. Today it still retains a majestic old-world charm, with a stunning marble staircase and lobby, high-ceilinged function rooms, and quick access to many of the city’s best areas for shopping and sightseeing. You can even see the famous San Francisco cable car rumbling past the hotel entrance along Powell Street.

6| Have lunch and check out the sights at the Presidio

View area of the Tunnel Tops at Presidio

Photo by PJ Cana.

Originally a Spanish fort and then turned into a military base, the Presidio is now a mixed-use commercial and residential area with lots of parks and green spaces. Get a light meal at Sessions, a modern gastropub that serves comfort food and craft beers, and then walk over to the Yoda fountain fronting the Lettermen Digital Arts Center for a quick snapshot of the Jedi legend. Then, you can make your way to one of the newest features of the Presidio, the so-called Tunnel Tops, which is a park built on top of a freeway and with panoramic vides of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a great place to have a picnic, take a stroll or just sit in one of the comfortable red chairs just gazing out into the cityscapes and the water further beyond.  

7| Eat at House of Nanking

The wall at House of Nanking features photos of the owners with celebrities like Keanu Reeves

Photo by PJ Cana.

A visit to Chinatown is a must in San Francisco, and if you happen to be there during mealtime, stop by House of Nanking for some Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine. Founded by Chef Peter Fang and his wife Lily, House of Nanking is now also run by their daughter Kathy. Amid simple interiors and walls covered with photos of the owners with Keanu Reeves (he shot a scene here for The Matrix 4), you can sample the fried calamari, shrimp cake, won ton soup, broccoli with beef and shrimp, and many others. If Chef Peter is there, you won’t even need a menu as he might just decide to serve you what he think you’ll like. 

8| Visit Alcatraz Island

The prison cells at Alcatraz

Photo by PJ Cana.

Ferries depart the port at the Embarcadero for Alcatraz Island every 30 minutes or so, and you’d do well to hop on one if it’s your first time in San Francisco. The Rock (as it was called) has a long and fascinating history as one of the most infamous prisons for notorious criminals back in the day. Today you can tour almost the entire island, much of which has been perfectly preserved. Walk around the prison cells with an audio guide narrated by actual prisoners and wardens and imagine what life would have been like if you’d been incarcerated here. There are also gorgeous views of the bay and interesting wildlife that now call Alcatraz Island home.

9| Go on a food tour of the Mission District

The Women's Center is one of the eye-catching buildings you'll pass on a food tour of the Mission District

Photo by PJ Cana.

Catholic missionaries traveled widely back in the 1700s in this part of California, and one of the areas in which they settled ended up being called the Mission District, or simply The Mission. Today it’s a hub for many different types of peoples, cuisines, and cultures. There are groups that offer walking food tours of the neighborhood so you can get a feel and appreciation of one of the most culturally diverse areas of San Francisco. In addition to the food and drinks stops, guides can tell you stories about the Mission District and offer suggestions on stops you can revisit after the tour is done.