I moved out here to San Francisco over six years ago from the East Coast with the intention of "checking out" what California had to offer. Six plus years later, I’ve found myself with still so much to explore, while also refining my list of favorite things to do and places to eat in this amazing city!
It’s really hard to explain what make San Francisco so special, but if you spend enough time here, you’ll get it.
I’ve had the privilege and opportunity to explore every corner of my current home. San Francisco has far more to offer than being arguably one of the best places to work as a nurse (especially as a travel nurse). From diverse cuisines, cultures, residents, and visitors to weather, terrain, neighborhoods, activities, and views, San Francisco has something for everyone.
Whether you’re here to visit, for a contract or two, or relocating for the foreseeable future, we’re giving you the scoop on our favorite spots!
What To Check Out in San Francisco as a Travel Nurse
Restaurants
The date-night/parents-in-town go-to's:
- The Progress: Okay, so State Bird Provisions might the more popular sister of these two but The Progress is unfairly underrated. Don’t believe the hype – skip the State Bird line for what The Progress has to offer.
- Marlowe
- Liholiho
- Nomica
- House of Prime Rib
- 54 Mint
The dependables:
These ones are faves mostly because they’re completely dependable for food, availability, and service. Authentic mexican, mediterranean, or vietnamese cuisines with locations throughout the entire city. They’re all fairly quick and can be eaten there or taken to go (especially if you’re headed to one of the parks below).
The favorites:
- Burmese Kitchen: My favorite restaurant here in SF that I’ve thought more than twice about including in here because part of me selfishly doesn’t want to let the cat out of the bag. My personal faves? The coconut noodle soup, ginger salad, coconut rice, chicken biryani, and curry chicken. Oh! And of course a side of roti.
Cafés and Coffee Shops
Breakfast, Brunch, Etc.undefined
Bars, Happy Hours, and Social Events
Parks
SF parks can be more hopping than a Jersey Shore beach in the middle of July. You can find pretty much anything you’re looking for here whether it’s a tan, beverage, snack, puppies, a game of pick-up basketball, tennis, or spike ball, or some of the most intriguing people watching on the west coast.
- Mission Dolores Park
- Lafayette Park
- Duboce Park
- Alamo Square
- Salesforce Transbay Transit Center (rooftop garden)
Touristy To-Do's
- Alcatraz
- Bike the Bridge
- Sausalito
- Painted Ladies (also see Alamo Square above)
Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
Wineries
Other Nearby Top Travel Destinations
Planning on driving up or down the coast? Check out our Trusted Guide to Highway 101!