Things to Do During Super Bowl 50
It's Super Bowl 50 and I'm preparing myself for the influx of Denver Broncos & Carolina Panthers fans here in San Francisco. I've heard lots of people here in SF complain about all the craziness (crowds, tourists, traffic, etc) and festivities (concerts, NFL Experience) and controversies that come along with the way the event has panned out. I have mixed feelings about the Super Bowl for all the reasons I just mentioned above. However, it's here and happening, so I decided to put together a quick list off things to do with some advice here and there on how to enjoy yourself while you are here.
I've lived a somewhat nomadic life but I have spent enough time here in the City by the Bay that I know a thing or two about giving recommendations on places to visit, what to eat and things to do in this beautiful city. I know a lot of Panthers and Broncos fans will be making their rounds to the typical tourists spots, so here are a few tips for all of them:
If you've never visited San Francisco, then yes you should go do the typical tourist things first
Golden Gate Bridge
Bike or walk across the bridge and take a break in beautiful Sausalito
Baker Beach
Nudists welcome :)
Golden Gate Park
California Academy of Sciences
If you go on Thursday, go to NightLife
Fisherman's Wharf
You need to try the baby donuts from Trish's
San Francisco Symphony
Listen to a world-class orchestra in the Civic Center area of San Francisco
Lombard Street
If you decide to go and want to take pictures, please be courteous of the residents there. I get it, the view is breath taking and you want to take the perfect picture, but please don't block traffic and be rude.
San Francisco Ballet
Check out one of the best ballet companies in the world!
Coit Tower
360 View of San Francisco & the Bay Area
Dolores Park
Get some ice cream from Bi-Rite and take a nice walk around the park
Palace of Fine Arts
This is one of the most iconic spots in San Francisco and it s located in the beautiful Marina district. I know, you'll hear people either say they love or hate the Marina (could be more along the lines of the crowd that rolls over there - whatever haters I love the Marina and I'm not sorry about it :P) but everyone can agree that this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city.
If you're feeling adventurous, check out some of my favorite local spots:
Hayes Valley
If the weather permits, check out the Biergarten and have some pink deviled eggs
Bill Goat Hill
Because you'll want to take an awesome photo like this if the swing is still there
The Embarcadero
Grab some drinks by the Ferry Building at Sens, if you can by pass the crowds at Super Bowl City :P
Tapas and drinks at Coqueta
- This restaurant has some of the prettiest and tastiest cocktails I've ever had before.
Relax & Chill
Make an appointment at Fairyland for a 70 minute reflexology massage and grab a coffee across the street at Saint Frank's.
Explore the Dogpatch
This is an up-and-coming area of San Francisco and not too bad of walk from the chaos of all the activities for the Super Bowl. Check out some of my favorite restaurants below:
18th Street & Connecticut (Potrero Hill)
This area is home to a strip of amazing local restaurants and is truly a place where locals hang out.
Oh yeah, and that view ;)
You too can also find the same spot where Josh Hartnett walks across the street with the view of the San Francisco city skyline as his backdrop. Our friend David found the exact spot near by and took our engagement photos here back in 2013.
Apps for Life
As for food, I know this city can be a little overwhelming, I can keep on going on and on, but unfortunately I don't have the time to put it all in one post. We're really lucky here in San Francisco when it comes to good food. Every corner is packed with restaurants, cafes and markets and it can be daunting. If you're determined to consume as many dishes as you can, I recommend that you download one of SF's favorite foodie lists from 7x7: Big Eat 2015: 100 Things To Eat In SF Before You Die .
The app is available for both the iPhone and Android. The list is pretty diverse and can accommodate to a wide range of taste palettes.
Be Good & Help Others
You're here to party, root for your team and explore this beautiful city. I get it and I'm there with you. However, behind all the fun parties, games and events, the pink elephant in the room is our displaced homeless population here in San Francisco. I'm not going to try to preach about what should be done, but I am going to share how you can help out and support those in most need while also enjoying yourself! If you were not able to get a ticket to the game in Santa Clara and want to change up your activity for the day, head over to one of my favorite street food parks, Soma StrEAT Food Park for their Super Bowl Sunday celebration where they have partnered with the Saint Francis Homelessness Challenge to provide services and necessities for those in need.
Learn more about how you can participate in Alex Mak's post on Broke-Ass Stuart.
Transportation Options
MUNI & BART: Please buy a Clipper Card, it's worth it! Also, you can use your Google Maps app or Routesy (MUNI only) to determine your travel schedule.
UBER & Lyft: If you decide to use either shared driving service, please be mindful of where you are asked to be picked up. Be sure that you are in an area that is easy for a car to pull-over and communicate with your driver on the best place for him/her to pick you up. Be flexible!
Taxi: Hailing a cab in San Francisco is tough, but if you're able to get one, yay for you!
Feet: Walking is the best way to explore this city! Put your walking shoes on and make your own adventure!
Etiquette
Be nice and kind to the locals here and they'll reciprocate it right back.
Party Update
Thank you to Von Miller for hosting a fabulous event at Christian Louboutin here in San Francisco!
Best of luck! But...I won't lie, rooting for the Panthers for the win! (Shoutout to my cousin Myra #TCAlum
Have an amazing time! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!