By Rosie Lu
The summer of 2026 has been the summer of many things—teal, digicams, love… but you know what it’s also been for me? The summer of side quests.
I’ve embarked on a few San Francisco trips with my friends over the past few months, and by coincidence ended up with the roughly same itinerary. Here is what I’ve put together from my travels if you’re planning a perfectly spontaneous, mostly walkable SF trip like me!
- Transport: If you want to avoid the insanely blocked roads on the way to SF, take the Caltrain bright and early to maximize your time (9-10am!). The Waymo may be ideal for in-city transport, though prices differ drastically by area and time of day. I can’t lie though, nothing beats a good car ride of Waymo karaoke!
- Sightseeing + photo ops: Visit an outdoorsy place with lots of green for those sleepy eyes—Conservatory of Flowers or the Botanical Gardens. Stroll through the fields of flowers, admire the bright blue skies, admire the beautiful friends you have next to you. Take some photos for the gram or for the memories.
- Lunch: Walk to Sunset District for some FIRE Asian food—my personal favorite is San Tung, but 9th Avenue and Irving Street are lined with all cuisines of delicious restaurants.
- Thrifting + Shopping at Haight Street: Browse Buffalo Exchange, Wasteland, 2nd Street, and Goodwill for one-of-a-kind pieces only found in bustling cities like SF. If you’re into music, Amoeba Music carries records and CDs from multiple genres.
- Vintage Photobooth: Hit up Club Photomatica (also on Haight Street) for those viral black-and-white photo strips you’ve seen everywhere online. Plan out your poses before paying, since the photobooth begins snapping pics with zero warning, and make sure you’re far enough from the camera!
- Drink stop: Drop by one of the chic cafes on Haight Street for some sustenance. With polished and chic interiors, new beverage combinations, and unique brews of coffee, you’re sure to find a new favorite spot.
- Alamo Square: See the famed Painted Ladies, and if you’ve timed your visit correctly, it should be prime time for golden hour. Snap a few photos once again, and enjoy the sunset with your companions on the grass. If you’re extra, bring a picnic blanket and some afternoon snacks.
- Go home: After a long, fulfilling day, take the Caltrain back to your home station, and look back on the beautiful memories you’ve just made.
There you have it, the ideal SF side quest for the ones who love balance: spending, sipping, and sightseeing, all in one package.