I’m a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP. I know a lot of people don’t really like her but I’ve never understood why and besides, her site gives some really good tips about travel and healthy living.

In this week’s newsletter, she writes about some of the top destinations in San Francisco for visitors and in particular for foodies. She mentions some of the top places to eat as well as where you can buy your own supplies if you have the chance to prepare a few meals for yourself.

Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building
+415 861 8032

I haven’t been since the restaurant moved from Valencia street to the Ferry Building, but, with its windows toward the water, this is THE place for Vietnamese. The emphasis is on fresh and organic ingredients. If you’re wanting a quick fix, you can also pick up food to-go at their counter in the Ferry Building marketplace. Slanted Door also has a few sister restaurants including Out The Door on Bush St, which is where the crowds are flocking these days.

Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
+415 983 8000

This gorgeous building right on the Embarcadero houses some of San Francisco’s most notable food merchants including Hog Island Oyster Company, Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese Shop, Bluebottle coffee, etc.

Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th Street
+415 241 9760
www.biritemarket.com

Bi-Rite Market in the Mission is the place to go for snacks and groceries. They somehow manage to carry everything you would need in one smallish grocery store. Bi-Rite specializes in local, organic and sustainable food. The produce here is always fresh and to test it yourself, there are ample amounts of samples offered. They cater and have a seasonal deli with a changing menu.  For a special treat, visit Bi-Rite’s creamery across the street serving local, organic ice cream.  The service and atmosphere are very neighborhood and community oriented.

If you have time to explore the city check out these less visited San Franciscan sites:

Seward Street Mini Park

When I was a little girl, my dad used to take me to The Seward Street Mini Park.  Seward is a short street in The Castro that runs at a rough diagonal between 19th St. and Douglass St. I used to feel like it was my private secret park. The park has these slides made of cement that are said to have been designed by a young 14 year old girl who won a park design contest.  When we were done sliding we would walk up the Douglass Hill steps which lead you to Kite Hill which is a small open space with grass and views overlooking the city.

Art and Science:

Mural Tours in San Francisco are a really fantastic way to see outdoor, authentic local art. There are numerous worthy murals to be seen all around the city.

One of my favorite places to go is The Exploratorium.  It is located next to the Palace of Fine Arts, the Grecian looking dome that sits near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Inside the Exploratorium you will find a Science Museum great for both children and adults. It features the Tactile Dome, which is a maze of tunnels and slides that you go through completely in the dark using your sense of touch to get you through.

For more great things to do in San Francisco, check out the full newsletter.