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San Francisco is far more than just tech bros and fleece. The city’s fashion profile has been steadily gaining steam, with a high-profile couture exhibit and world-class independent boutiques—not to mention a restaurant and bar scene that will give you ample opportunities to show off your new looks. Here, all our picks for what to see, shop, eat, and do while you’re there, besides building your startup empire.
What to See
“Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy” at the Legion of Honor
Through Sept. 5, the Legion of Honor museum plays host to the breathtaking work of Chinese couturier Guo Pei, best known stateside for designing Rihanna’s omelet-like Met Gala dress in 2015. Over 80 stunning pieces are on display (and deserve close-up viewing).
McMullen
Knits by Aisling Camps and jewelry by Khiry are just some of the treasures you’ll find at Sherri McMullen’s perfectly curated boutique, which just so happens to be celebrating 15 years in business.
City Lights Bookstore
Channel your inner Beat at this North Beach staple that’s been around since the 1950s, and has drawn in everyone from Jack Kerouac to Allen Ginsberg. Don’t miss the poetry room upstairs.
Agolde Pieced 90’s High-Rise Pinch-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
Proenza Schouler Calfskin Shearling Hiking Booties
Where to Eat
La Bande
You’ll be transported to Barcelona at the Proper Hotel’s sleek restaurant, which serves an inventive array of tapas and apéritifs. (The salt cod croquettes are a standout.) The Kelly Wearstler-designed interior, with its witty play on stripe motifs, is eminently Instagram-worthy, too.
Flour + Water
This Mission District standby is known for its inventive pizzas and pastas, and the space recently got a chic new re-design, too. The pasta tasting menu is a worthwhile splurge (trust us).
Empress by Boon
In the former Empress of China banquet hall, Hakkasan alum Chef Ho Chee Boon offers a modern Cantonese menu with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients.
Where to Drink
Fisher Loft
Ensconced in the Palihotel, this charming bar and restaurant will be re-opening soon, according to its Instagram. Expect caviar-embellished burgers, cocktails, and afternoon tea in a bright, convivial atmosphere.
The Beehive
Don Draper would have fit right in at this midcentury-inspired cocktail bar—though he might have been taken aback by the elaborate feats of mixology, including an Elvis-inspired mix of peanut-flavored bourbon and caramelized bananas. The Beehive also serves the ultimate savory ’60s treat: fondue.
Red Window
Spritzes and other low-proof cocktails from co-owner and mixologist Elmer Mejicanos are the order of the day at North Beach’s charming Spanish restaurant and bar.
Christopher Esber Silk Cropped Wraparound Tie Shirt
Christopher Esber Silk Bias-Cut Loophole Tie Skirt
Cult Gaia Mini Bara Rhinestone Mesh Shoulder Bag
Where to Stay
Palihotel San Francisco
Housed in a historic building, this Union Square gem comes complete with retro touches like old-fashioned elevators and vintage land-line phones, plus some modern upgrades (Diptyque products and a themed Spotify playlist). Noir fans can check out the alley behind the hotel, which boasts a plaque in tribute to one of Dashiell Hammett’s famous characters.
San Francisco Proper Hotel
A circa-1909 building in the Mid-Market district now houses a branch of the popular Proper Hotel, with maximalist interior design by Kelly Wearstler and that rare San Francisco amenity—a rooftop bar with sweeping city views.
The Line
San Francisco’s latest addition is an outpost of the beloved The Line franchise, which already has locations in L.A., Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas. The Handel Architects-designed stunner is set to open Sept. 1, and will include a restaurant and bar (naturally).
Ugg x Tschabalala Self Self Coquette Shearling Slippers
Beauty Picks
Chanel Le Tonique Anti-Pollution Invigorating Toner
Between hiking, kayaking, and marathon city walks, you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside. Shield skin from pollutants with Chanel’s gentle toner.
If climbing those famous hills doesn’t have you flushing, this multipurpose lip and cheek color from Ariana Grande’s beauty line is all you need to fake the look.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Word to the wise: San Francisco’s unpredictable climate comes with a lot of humidity. This leave-in spray will shield your tresses from the worst of it.
Help fade Mission Dolores Park picnic-induced sun spots with this vitamin C treatment from the “glass skin” geniuses behind Peach & Lily.
Véronique Hyland is ELLE’s Fashion Features Director and the author of the book Dress Code, which was selected as one of The New Yorker's Best Books of the Year. Her writing has previously appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, W, New York magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Condé Nast Traveler.
