San Francisco is in my backyard. If my backyard was in the middle of nowhere.  I try to get up the courage to brave the traffic into the city as much as I can, but usually end up sticking closer to home. So when I get visitors, we do what any other visitor would do: We hit up the tourist spots in San Francisco.

For Memorial Day weekend, my little sisters drove up from Los Angeles. We work perfectly together, because I love taking pictures, and they love getting their pictures taken. Seriously though, I’ve gotten much better than when they were little. I was known to force them into making home “movies” whenever I was bored. I think they were a little frightened of me, but I guess that means I did something right.

Besides being absolutely gorgeous, my favorite twins have such good souls. If you are interested in learning a little more about them, they have their own blog, Twinspiration. Check it out!

Eight Must-See Tourist Stops in San Francisco

1. Ferry Building 1 (on Saturdays).  An amazing Farmer’s Market, complete with food trucks and the most expensive vegetables you’ve ever seen, takes over the ferry building. I think they take the cake on Whole Foods prices, but the atmosphere alone is worth the trip, and some of the best food in the city is inside the Ferry Building. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Saturday for the market, Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie has a booth that is city-known. All the locals stop in for their favorite Porchetta Sandwich.

2. The more obvious, Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, you can see (or visit) Alcatraz, see the sea lions sunbathing, and also get a good view of The Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also walk through lots of fun touristy shops, while sipping on a Biscoff coffee (or is that just us?). They also have the freshest fruit selection on Saturdays that I’ve ever seen. Strawberry’s as big as your hand. The Shnozberries taste like Shnozberries!

3. Ghirardelli Square. If you don’t love chocolate, then just stop reading. But seriously. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Venture your way down the block from Fisherman’s Wharf to visit Ghirardelli Square. You’ll have a great view of the bridge while you walk up into the Ghirardelli store to sample some delicious chocolate, or treat yo-self to an amazing hot fudge sundae. You can also hitch a ride in the famous San Francisco Trolley’s from this center. Or, just hop on board for a photo-op like me.

4. Crissy Field. Every tourist wants an amazing photo with the bridge. And by “the bridge,” I clearly mean the big Gate. So drive down to Crissy Field, find a parking spot (and then if you find one, buy a lottery ticket, because today is clearly your lucky day), and snap a few photos with the bridge. 

5. Chinatown. I don’t think that can be any more obvious. San Francisco is raving with Asian culture, and Chinatown does not disappoint. Just walking down Grant Ave. will give you the best experience of Chinatown. Venture into some shops, buy some Chinese souvenirs, and then stop at one of the unique grocers to take photos of disgusting looking food. I’m sure it’s real tasty….I just don’t have the courage to try it! Stop at Hunan Home’s restaurant (622 Jackson St.) for some delicious Chinese food!

6. Union Square. Want to be at the center of the San Franciscan universe? Visit Union Square to see the flurry of locals coming and going in a hustle. You’ll have great views, just take a seat and people watch.

7. The Painted Ladies (Steiner St.). Otherwise known as The Full House houses. This is a must-see for anyone that grew up in the 90’s and loved Full House. You’ll get to the park and see people everywhere taking photos of the beautiful Victorian houses. It’s a quick stop, but if you love Full House, it’s a must stop.

8. Lombard Street. There is no street as unique as Lombard Street. I haven’t been around the whole world, but Lombard wins in my book. One suggestion: Walk Lombard Street, don’t drive it. As cool as it is to look at, it would be a nightmare to navigate. Plus, you’ll get better photos from the bottom. (Side note: I didn’t take the twins here, so I had to improvise)

So what do you think? Am I missing anything major? I will save the best food stops for another time, that will take some serious thought. There is just TOO MUCH good food in San Fran.