We have lived in the Bay Area for three years now and there is always something new to discover. There are also the favorite San Francisco “tourist” spots to rediscover. My 16 year old daughter and I did both while we stayed at The Fairmont – San Francisco.
Even though we spent the last 450 days under the same roof, I felt that it was important to connect with my daughter doing some of the things that she loves the most. So after months of social distancing and virtual learning, we packed an overnight bag and headed to San Francisco.
In order to make this trip memorable and in line with what my daughter loves most, one of our stops was a trip to Kit Tea. We aren’t able to have a cat at home (allergies) so this was a purr-fect way to spend time with some kitties and my girl.
TIP: Try and schedule your visit right when they open. The kitties will be more curious and ready to play – at least as much as cats are able to. If you will need lunch, the bakery next door has amazing offerings including a pizza slice of the day.
Next up was a walk through Chinatown and a stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. This is a little off the beaten path (literally, it’s down a side alley) but so worth it. They pass out samples while you are waiting to make your purchases.
TIP: Don’t forget to bring cash to tip the bakers while you take photos of them.
We spent time walking around Japantown (my daughter loves all things manga and anime) and the Castro as well (and not just because it is Pride Month). Doing things that she is interested in was really important for me this time around and I think I hit it out of the ballpark.
If you are looking to plan a special mom – daughter getaway yourself, The Fairmont has a special offer (check to see if it is still available) for an American Girl® adventure. My daughter is a little too old for it now, but when she was younger – she would have loved it. While at The Fairmont, be sure to check out their rooftop gardens and stop by to see and read about the honey bees.
TIP: Be sure to check out what stores, restaurants, and services are open at The Fairmont. You can easily get to some of the other San Francisco top tourist spots right as you walk out the door.
TIP: As always, because of COVID-19 restrictions and as the sleepy city awakens, be sure to know what is open and closed, not only at the hotel but in the city, too. We had to pivot a bit when we couldn’t get room service or late-night snacks – so know before you go and plan accordingly. You won’t be disappointed.
