The Gutsy Traveler

San Francisco

Gutsy Traveler: A cozy room in a San Francisco bookstore, lined with bookshelves brimming with poetry volumes, features a central table stacked high with more literary treasures and a sign proudly announcing "Poetry Room." Near the window, two people are engrossed in their reading.

San Francisco’s literary oasis: City Lights Bookstore and the Beat Museum

In the heart of San Francisco, where echoes of the “Summer of Love” and the enduring hippie spirit still resonate, …
Marin county. nestled between San Francisco and napa.

Marin county. nestled between San Francisco and napa.

Where is Marin County and why go? When the frigid fog rolls into San Francisco, locals head across the Golden …
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San franciscobest things to do recommended by locals

Click here IMG_4779 to listen to the seals at Pier 39 in San Francisco. As a San Francisco local, we …
If you walk across the bridge, be sure to wear a warm jacket. Wind or fog may be your companion.

Best walks in San Francisco. secrets from the locals.

The best walks in San Francisco are free.  As local residents, here are our secrets. Golden Gate Bridge Walk The …
Mendocino has a variety of dog-friendly accommodations, including the Little River Inn (pictured here).

Mellow mendocino – a favorite San Francisco getaway

There are many reasons San Franciscans drive north along the rugged, dramatic coast to Mendocino. With so may San Francisco-based …
Fort Point

Five easy hikes in San Francisco

With over 40 hilltops (and 70 by some accounts), San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. While …
Fort Point

Five easy hikes in San Francisco

With over 40 hilltops (and 70 by some accounts), San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. While …
Hyatt Regency SF

Why i rappelled 23 stories down the hyatt regency for outward bound

My friends all thought I was crazy. “Climbers fall you know. Splat — on the pavement. That could be you,” …
Hyatt Regency SF

Why i rappelled 23 stories down the hyatt regency for outward bound

My friends all thought I was crazy. “Climbers fall you know. Splat — on the pavement. That could be you,” …
SF_NorthBeach

My favorite walks in San Francisco

Despite its reputation for dizzying hills, San Francisco is a town for walking. Every weekend for seven years when I lived …
Photo from blog.travefy.com

The 10 cities with the most pride

From Miami to Honolulu and every town in between, people are generally very proud of the place they are from …
Marin Farmers Market Grilled Oysters

Foodie friday: grilled oysters, marin farmers market

One of the best ways to shop and eat in the Bay Area is at a farmers market. One of …
Romantic Places in San Francisco. Above the Golden Gate Bridge with a view of the city.

Best romantic spots in San Francisco to steal a kiss

From sunsets on the beach to expansive views of the city by the bay, here’s some local expertise  on great …
Romantic Places in San Francisco. Above the Golden Gate Bridge with a view of the city.

Best romantic spots in San Francisco to steal a kiss

From sunsets on the beach to expansive views of the city by the bay, here’s some local expertise  on great …
Best places to view the golden gate bridge

Best places to view the golden gate bridge

I drive across the bridge several times a week and never tire of its moods, magnificence and changing faces. Here …
The america’s cup races in San Francisco bay. explore its maritime past and kayak, sail, rocket boat, or cruise in the bay.

The america’s cup races in San Francisco bay. explore its maritime past and kayak, sail, rocket boat, or cruise in the bay.

Ever since majestic clipper ships transported hordes of gold-seeking “49ers” to her shores, San Francisco has been a legendary port-of-call.  …
Crissy Field

Golf in San Francisco and ideas for off the course

You may know San Francisco for its famous Golden Gate Bridge, world class performing arts and museums, and cuisine, but …
sf heart

Top 10 romantic things to do in San Francisco

From our local friends at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf: 1.    Walk, bike, run or skip across the Golden Gate …
Where's the largest irish event west of the mississippi?

Where’s the largest irish event west of the mississippi?

Irish Eyes Are Smiling in San Francisco San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is the largest Irish event …