When the thermometer begins to hover near triple digits in the Coachella Valley, it’s only natural to daydream about a place where fog rolls in like clockwork and you may even need a sweater in July. Enter: San Francisco — a breezy, beautiful escape that’s just a short flight from Palm Springs but feels like a world away. As a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve spent years exploring the city’s neighborhoods, restaurants, and hidden gems, and these are my personal recommendations on how to make the most of your getaway during our hottest months.
Getting There Is a Breeze
Hop on a quick, one-hour direct flight from Palm Springs to San Francisco via Alaska Airlines or United. Round-trip fares average around $250, and you’ll land at SFO, a clean, efficient airport with easy Uber access right outside the terminal. If you plan to explore beyond city limits (perhaps a jaunt to Sausalito or wine country), renting a car is simple. But if your trip is city-focused, skip the hassle and rely on rideshares — it’ll make getting around much easier, especially in this famously hilly city.
Where to Stay in Style
For those seeking top-tier luxury, The St. Regis or the Four Seasons near Union Square offer impeccable service and sleek sophistication. Or check into The Fairmont atop Nob Hill, the grand dame of San Francisco hotels, made famous in the classic TV series Hotel. Just keep in mind, Nob Hill’s namesake incline isn’t for the faint of heart — Uber might be your best friend if you stay there.
Another iconic and convenient choice? The Westin St. Francis, right on Union Square. From this elegant, historic hotel, you’re mere steps from world-class shopping — from local boutiques to brand-name luxury — and it offers the best access to downtown strolls and nearby museums.
Prefer to stay by the water? 1 Hotel San Francisco or Hyatt Regency at the Embarcadero put you right on the Bay, with sweeping views and quick access to ferry rides, waterfront dining, and the weekend farmers market at the Ferry Building — a foodie paradise.
Making the Most of Your SF Days
Start with a ride on the cable cars, especially the line that climbs Nob Hill and drops you down near Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 — yes, it’s touristy, but it’s pure San Francisco charm. Try Scoma’s for some of the best seafood in town. Bundle up in that fog and stop for a legendary Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Café, best enjoyed on a gray afternoon.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in SoMa or the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, where you can take in contemporary art, visit a sculpture garden, and enjoy panoramic city views from the museum’s tower.
Golden Gate Park itself is a leafy wonderland — think Central Park, but with fewer pretensions and more wild beauty. Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden, see the bison paddock, or simply rent a bike and coast under towering eucalyptus.
Down by the water, the Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural gem — perfect for a midday walk — and nearby, the Presidio and Marina offers unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge views, wooded trails, and even the Walt Disney Family Museum. On y our way back stop on Chestnut Street for a coffee or early dinner at A16, Causwells or Popi’s Oysterette.
For baseball fans — or just fans of great food with a view — catch a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park, where the Bay breeze pairs perfectly with fresh poke and garlic fries.
And for the best panoramic view of the city, drive up to Twin Peaks on a clear day, where you can see across the Bay to the East Bay hills and Mt. Tamalpais.
Neighborhoods to Explore
San Francisco’s neighborhoods each have a distinct personality, making it fun to wander and discover.
- The Mission District buzzes with indie boutiques, vintage shops, and its famous Taqueria’s like local legends, El Farolito, La Taqueria, and Papalote. Don’t miss strolling down Valencia Street for coffee shops, bookstores, and murals.
- Pacific Heights offers some of the city’s most glamorous mansions and sweeping views of the Bay. Take a walk down the Lyon Street Steps, where you’ll get your steps in with a side of stunning vistas and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Alamo Square
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a stroll through Alamo Square, home to the city’s most famous row of Victorian houses known as the “Painted Ladies.” With the downtown skyline rising behind these pastel-hued beauties, it’s one of the city’s most photographed views for good reason.
- Cow Hollow and Union Street are perfect for boutique shopping and casual dining in a charming neighborhood setting. Pop into Perry’s for a classic San Francisco brunch or lunch (the Cobb salad is a local favorite) or the Balboa Café, both institutions that have anchored the neighborhood for decades.
- North Beach brings you classic Italian bakeries, cafes, and historic bars, while the Castro offers LGBTQ history, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming, colorful vibe.
Where to Eat (Prepare to Indulge)
San Francisco is a city that takes its food very seriously — and you should too. Start with dinner at Zuni Café on Market Street for its legendary roast chicken for two and dreamy polenta.
For Mediterranean flavors, Kokkari Estiatorio delivers refined Greek dishes in a warm, wood-beamed setting, while Tadich Grill and Sam’s Grill keep classic seafood traditions alive downtown. Another favorite eatery downtown is Wayfare Tavern, Tyler Florence’s beloved spot for upscale comfort food in a handsome, old-school setting. The fried chicken here is legendary, but you’ll also find a cozy bar scene and exceptional service.
Vegetarians will love Greens Restaurant for its farm-fresh dishes with Golden Gate views, and sushi lovers shouldn’t miss Ryoko’s near Union Square, offering late-night sushi with a DJ and a fun, underground vibe. For breakfast near Union Square, Sears Fine Food has been dishing out Swedish pancakes since 1938.
In Chinatown, book a table at Mister Jiu’s for Michelin-starred Chinese-American cuisine, or try Z&Y Peking Duck for a tableside carving experience you won’t forget.
For a classic San Francisco splurge, book a table at House of Prime Rib, the city’s legendary spot for perfectly carved prime rib and warm Yorkshire pudding
LGBTQ Culture and Castro Cool
No visit is complete without experiencing the Castro District. Walk the Rainbow Honor Walk, see the rainbow crosswalks, and pop into Anchor Oyster Bar for the city’s best cioppino in a cozy, bustling setting. Just up the hill, Dolores Park is perfect for a sunny picnic with downtown skyline views.
Across the Bridge: Sausalito Charm
Just across the Golden Gate, Sausalito offers a postcard-perfect day trip with waterfront seafood spots and galleries, plus stunning views back toward the city skyline.
For a Night Out
Catch live jazz at Yoshi’s or see a touring Broadway show at the Golden Gate Theatre. For a casual night, head to North Beach for Italian classics at Original Joe’s, followed by a slice at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana — often ranked as the best pizza in America.
Why It’s the Perfect Escape
You can pack a lot into just three or four days in San Francisco: art, neighborhood explorations, walks in lush parks, unforgettable meals, and a welcome blast of ocean air. It’s the perfect antidote to the blazing sun back home in the desert.
As Mark Twain famously quipped, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” When you’re escaping a 115-degree afternoon in Palm Springs for cool Bay breezes and Irish coffee on a foggy day, that sounds just about perfect.
References
Airlines
Alaska Airlines: alaskaair.com
United Airlines: united.com
Hotels
The St. Regis San Francisco: marriott.com
Four Seasons San Francisco: fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
The Fairmont San Francisco: fairmont.com/san-francisco
Westin St. Francis: marriott.com
1 Hotel San Francisco: 1hotels.com/san-francisco
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero: hyatt.com
Attractions
San Francisco Cable Cars: sfcablecar.com
Buena Vista Cafe: thebuenavista.com
SFMOMA: sfmoma.org
de Young Museum: deyoung.famsf.org
Japanese Tea Garden: japaneseteagardensf.com
Palace of Fine Arts: palaceoffinearts.com
Walt Disney Family Museum: waltdisney.org
Oracle Park (SF Giants): mlb.com/giants/ballpark
Restaurants
A16: a16sf.com
Causwells: causwells.com
Popi’s Oysterette: popisoysterette.com
Zuni Café: zunicafe.com
Kokkari Estiatorio: kokkari.com
Tadich Grill: tadichgrill.com
Sam’s Grill: samsgrill.com
Greens Restaurant: greensrestaurant.com
Ryoko’s: ryokos.com
Sears Fine Food: searsfinefood.com
Mister Jiu’s: misterjius.com
Z&Y Restaurant: zandyrestaurant.com
Anchor Oyster Bar: anchoroysterbar.com
Perry’s: perryssf.com
Balboa Café: balboacafe.com
Original Joe’s: originaljoessf.com
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana: tonyspizzanapoletana.com
Neighborhood Guides
Mission District: missiondistrictsf.org
Castro District: castrostreet.com
North Beach: northbeach.org
Sausalito: sausalito.org
Nightlife & Music
Yoshi’s: yoshis.com
