Haven’t tried a cutty bang yet? Here’s your chance to tick it off your SF bucket list.
With Frisco recently admitted as the #5 most fun city in the country and #7 in the world, we thought about rounding up a list of experiences to add to your San Francisco bucket list. After all, there are so many thrilling things to do here, from going to awesome eateries and fascinating concerts to exploring the city’s bustling neighborhoods. Now, there’s no excuse but to unlock the city’s full potential.
1. Explore SF neighborhoods by foot
San Franciscans are known for their active lifestyle – the city was recently ranked as the healthiest in the U.S., no wonder! Exploring the city by foot perfectly embodies this energetic spirit. Ditch the cable car and wander through San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods. From the iconic rainbow flags of the Castro to the Victorian grandeur of Lower Pacific Heights (complete with the famous “Full House” house), each area offers a glimpse into the unique character of San Francisco. Plus, you’re much more likely to stumble upon hidden gems and secret alleys when you’re exploring on foot.
2. How Weird Street Faire
Get weird at SF’s iconic How Weird Street Faire. This year, the longest-running dance festival on the West Coast returns on May 4 to celebrate all things strange and wonderful. 9 stages of world-class electronic music, an art alley, and dozens of eclectic food trucks will take over Howard and 2nd Streets from noon to 8pm in what promises to be the weirdest event in SF. So, come as you are!
3. Experience a Candlelight concert at an iconic SF venue
Imagine the soaring melodies of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons echoing through the grandeur of St. Ignatius Church or Queen’s anthems blasting through the International Art Museum of America while bathed in the warm glow of flickering candles. Candlelight concerts offer an intimate and unforgettable way to experience classical music in some of San Fran’s iconic city venues. Ready to experience music in a new light?
4. Try a cutty bang
Have you ever wandered into a Bay Area liquor store and spotted those Ziploc bags brimming with airplane-sized liquor bottles and mixers? Chances are you’ve just encountered a legendary cutty bang, San Francisco’s unique liquor store cocktail creation. Though sightings are becoming less frequent, cutty bangs have left a lasting mark on the city’s drinking culture for decades.
These concoctions ranged from familiar favorites like Margaritas to signature blends like the namesake Cutty Bang, made of Seagram’s, Tanqueray, Bacardi Limón, and pineapple juice. For a true taste of SF history in a (possibly potent) cup, add cutty bang to your San Francisco bucket list!
5. Get rollin’ at Church of 8 Wheels
Built-in the 1800s, The Sacred Heart Catholic Church has seen its fair share of earthquakes, protests, and even free breakfast programs. Today, the church brings a different kind of service – roller skating! Reborn as the Church of 8 Wheels, this vibrant roller rink welcomes skaters of all ages on Tuesdays and weekends starting at $20 entry+skate rental. Glide past stained glass saints under disco balls and neon lights with a live DJ spinning funky tunes from a former altar.
6. Challenge your senses at Dinning in the Dark
Have you ever wondered what does food taste like when you can see it? Challenge your preconceptions about taste, touch and smell with a meal at Dining in the Dark. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal completely blindfolded, forcing your other senses to take center stage. Add this to your San Francisco bucket list if you want to truly experience your food favorites in a whole new way.
7. Take a wine tour around Napa Valley and Sonoma
Nestled between rolling hills and the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean, San Francisco boasts a prime location. Not only does it offer stunning cityscapes and vibrant culture, but it also serves as the perfect gateway to world-class wine regions. Embark on a guided tour to Napa Valley and Sonoma, sampling exquisite wines amidst rolling vineyards and picturesque scenery. Learn about the winemaking process, savor delectable pairings, and soak in the beauty of California wine country.
8. View the city from a seaplane
NYC might have helicopters, but San Francisco has seaplanes, so who’s the real winner here. Experience the city from a whole new perspective with a seaplane tour. Take to the skies and get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island, before landing at Sausalito’s Richardson Bay.
9. Feel the force at Yoda fountain
Feeling a bit out of luck, or maybe your year hasn’t been great so far? Then, let the Force be with you and get a blessing from the wisest Jedi in the galaxy! Located outside the Letterman Digital Art Center, atop a fountain sits Master Jedi Yoda.The iconic sculpture, part of the Lucasfilm headquarters, sees many visitors year-round. Fans flock there seeking good luck by throwing spare change into the fountain or hoping for a blessing from the Force.
10. Stuff your face with dim sums at Hang Ah Tea Room
Treat yourself to a delicious dim sum feast at the historic Hang Ah Tea Room. This iconic Chinatown restaurant, established in 1920, claims the title of the first-ever dim sum restaurant in America. They offer a seemingly endless variety of dumplings, crispy potstickers, scallion pancakes, and other delectable treats like their bear-shaped red paste buns, all prepared according to time-tested recipes. Arrive early to avoid the lines – the wait to experience this piece of San Francisco history is definitely worth it!
