Living the city life in San Francisco means embracing the hustle and bustle of public transport, walking through eclectic neighborhoods, running errands, sightseeing, and maybe even sneaking in a short hike. Navigating the city’s vibrant streets requires a well-prepared bag filled with essentials to tackle whatever the day throws your way. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have items for every city girl’s bag and why you shouldn’t leave home without them:
1. **Wipes**: From cleaning up spills to refreshing your hands after a busy day, wipes are a versatile essential for staying clean and tidy on the go.
2. **Sunscreen**: San Francisco’s microclimates can surprise you with sudden bursts of sunshine, making sunscreen a must to protect your skin from UV rays, even on overcast days.
3. **Face Tissue**: Whether it’s blotting away excess oil or wiping off makeup smudges, face tissues are handy for keeping your face fresh throughout the day.
4. **Hair Clips**: Tame unruly locks and keep your hair out of your face with hair clips, especially useful on windy days by the Bay.
5. **Scrunchie**: For a quick and effortless hair fix, a scrunchie is a city girl’s best friend, providing style and practicality on the move.
6. **Claw Clip**: Perfect for securing your hair in a chic updo when you’re on the move or need to transition from day to night effortlessly.
7. **Sunglasses**: Shield your eyes from the bright California sun while adding a touch of glamour to your look with a stylish pair of shades.
8. **Lip Balm**: Keep your lips moisturized and protected from the city’s elements with a nourishing lip balm.
9. **Lipstick and Full Coverage Foundation**: Touch up your makeup on the go for a fresh and polished look throughout the day.
10. **Eyeliner and Mascara**: Enhance your eyes with a quick application of eyeliner and mascara to make them pop, perfect for day-to-night transitions.
11. **Snacks**: Satisfy your hunger pangs and keep your energy levels up with healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit.
12. **Water**: Stay hydrated throughout the day by carrying a reusable water bottle to quench your thirst, especially important during long walks or hikes.
13. **Scarf**: A lightweight scarf can double as a fashion accessory and a practical layering piece to keep you warm on chilly San Francisco evenings.
14. **Lemon Candy or Something for Motion Sickness**: Combat motion sickness with soothing lemon candies or other remedies to keep nausea at bay during rides on public transport or winding roads.
15. **Fennel Seeds for Digestion**: Ease digestion and soothe an upset stomach with the natural remedy of fennel seeds, perfect for post-meal discomfort.
16. **Crystals for Protection and Self-Love**: Carry crystals like rose quartz or black tourmaline for their protective and grounding properties, promoting self-love and positive energy throughout your day.
17. **Perfume**: Spritz on your favorite scent to feel refreshed and confident, leaving a trail of fragrance wherever you go.
18. **Wallet/Cards**: Essential for carrying cash, cards, and identification, ensuring you’re prepared for any purchases or emergencies that may arise.
19. **Driver’s License/ID**: Always carry a form of identification with you, especially when exploring new areas or participating in age-restricted activities.
20. **Hand Sanitizer**: Maintain good hygiene on the go by keeping hand sanitizer handy for quick disinfection when soap and water aren’t available.
With these essential items in your bag, you’ll be ready to conquer the streets of San Francisco with confidence, style, and preparedness for whatever the city throws your way. So grab your bag, hit the streets, and enjoy all that the City by the Bay has to offer!
The unmistakable aroma of sourdough bread wafting through the air is one of the first things that hits you as you approach San Francisco’s famous Pier 39. This bustling waterfront hub instantly transports you into the unique spirit that defines the City by the Bay.
Pier 39 is an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling to San Francisco. Located along the edge of the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, it juts out into the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay, offering incredible views of the cityscape, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
But Pier 39 is more than just a picturesque backdrop. It’s a vibrant celebration of San Francisco’s small business culture and entrepreneurial spirit. As you wander along the pier’s waterfront esplanade, you’ll find a diverse array of shops, restaurants, street performers, and other attractions – nearly all of which are small, locally-owned businesses.
One of the undeniable highlights is taking in the raucous barking performance put on by the resident sea lions who have made Pier 39 their home. It’s an unmistakable and quintessentially San Franciscan experience. Nearby, Wipeout Bar & Grill offers the ideal vantage point to watch the sea lions’ antics while enjoying some of the city’s renowned seafood and craft beers.
As you continue your stroll, you can pick up unique souvenirs from small artisan vendors, sample decadent treats from mom-and-pop bakeries and confectioners, or sit down for a delicious meal at one of the many family-owned restaurants showcasing San Francisco’s incredible culinary diversity.
What’s so special about Pier 39 is how it brings the local flavor and spirit of the city to life through its independently-owned small businesses. You can definitely find some touristy tchotchkes if you’d like. But you’ll also encounter plenty of off-the-beaten-path gems that allow you to experience this world-class city through an authentic lens.
Ultimately, a visit to San Francisco’s iconic Pier 39 celebrates the unique culture of a city known for infusing progress and innovation with an unwavering commitment to economic and social diversity. It’s the perfect embodiment of why San Francisco is such a enduring bucket list destination.
