A vibrant neighborhood, bustling with activity and home to a variety of shops, restaurants and hidden gems- Hayes Valley is the perfect place to explore if you have one day in San Francisco. Maybe you’ve been to San Francisco before and seen all the usual tourist spots and you want to explore a neighborhood that locals frequent. Hayes Valley is one of my favorite areas of the city- centrally located, brimming with good food and interesting shops.
I’ve spent many afternoons strolling through Hayes Valley, window shopping and enjoying the sunshine. Live jazz, author talks, the symphony, wine tasting, brunch, relaxing spa days, happy hour with friends- Hayes Valley has a little something for everyone. Here are some ideas of how to spend one day in San Francisco getting acquainted with this awesome neighborhood in the heart of the city.
Breakfast at The Grove
The Grove is a local favorite, pretty much any time of day. Take in the cozy and laid-back vibe, and have a great breakfast to start your tour of Hayes Valley.
Window Shopping
After breakfast, take a stroll down Hayes Street and wander through the numerous boutiques, everything from clothes and shoes to furniture and home accessories. Things tend to be pricey in this neighborhood, so I rarely do more than window shop. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll catch a sample sale!
Lunch at Arlequin Cafe
One of my favorite places for lunch in the neighborhood, Arlequin Cafe is perfect for a hot sandwich or salad. If the weather cooperates, enjoy your lunch on the outdoor patio.
For all you wine enthusiasts, you can grab a glass (or a bottle) from Arlequin Wine Merchant; the shop is connected to the café. If you happen to be visiting on a Thursday, stop back by in the evening for their weekly wine tasting event. They offer different flights each week, often with the winemaker present. Not there on Thursday? No worries, browse their extensive collection of wines from all over the world any day of the week.
Macarons at Chantal Guillon
My favorite food tour in Paris included a brief stop for perfectly delicious macarons. I felt like I’d been ruined after that, avoiding them at home- knowing they wouldn’t be as good. Then I wandered into Chantal Guillon and my life changed.
That first bite of a red velvet macaron walking down Hayes Street almost sent me right back into the shop to buy a box of them. I restrained myself… but just barely. Blown away by how much these tasted like the ones in Paris, I made a quick visit to the website. Turns out Miss Chantal is French and brought this amazing Parisian treat to San Francisco with her about ten years ago. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to discover her shop. I have to make up for lost time. Consider yourself warned, you won’t eat just one. Chantal Guillon Macaron’s is a guilty pleasure you need in your life.
Massage at Earthbody
Housed in an old Victorian on Laguna Street, Earthbody is the epitome of a Zen experience from the moment you enter. Greeted with a lovely presentation of hibiscus elixir, warm towel and affirmation, you’ll feel the stress begin to melt away.
Try the Ground massage as the perfect break from the noise and energy of the city. Or if you’re looking for something a little more unique, try one of their new Cannabis-infused spa rituals. Welcome to Cali! I would definitely add this to my growing list of favorite spas in California.
Happy Hour at Noir Lounge
Grab a drink (or two) in the dark piano bar; the decor and vibe of Noir lend to the ambiance and old school vibe of the space.
Dinner at A Mano or Absinthe
Here you can choose between two area favorites, A Mano a bit more casual (and less expensive) Italian or Absinthe, extremely well known for their French cuisine. A Mano is consistently busy, with couples and friends sharing pizzas, house-made pasta and cocktails at outdoor tables. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a fancier dinner experience, opt for Absinthe. Either way, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Catch a Show
To round out this largely food-centric itinerary, take a look at the event calendars for SF Jazz Center, Nourse Theater and Davies Symphony Hall. You may catch a live show or author talk as another highlight to your day in San Francisco. I’ve seen Robert Glasper at SF Jazz Center (awesome), been to great author talks at SF Jazz and Nourse Theater and experienced world class concerts, including an epic show by the Roots at Davies Symphony Hall.
Drinks at Sugar Lounge
After a day of exploring the gems Hayes Valley has to offer, cap the evening off with creative cocktails and music at Sugar Lounge.
When You Comin’ Back??
If you’re feeling ambitious and start early, you could possibly do all of these things in Hayes Valley in a day. The bad news- you may not be able to fit it all in. The good news- only making it halfway through this itinerary gives you a reason to come back to the neighborhood another day! If you’re moving slower and in vacay mode, you may only want to select a few things from this itinerary. Choose your own adventure! But seriously, you need those macarons 😉