We here at 7x7 want to bring a touch of joy into your lives. It's time you put down the phone, shut down your laptop, and step outside to one of these San Francisco happy places.
1. Claes Oldenburg's 'Cupid's Span'
Depending on how you look at it, Claes Oldenburg's homage to the "port of Eros" is either absolutely dreamy or terribly hideous. It's polarizing. And cheeky. We love it.
2. AT&T Park
Nothing beats hanging out at the home of our three-time World Series champs. Craft beer, garlic fries, killer views, and Hunter Pence's #afropuff. Go Giants!
3. Ferry Building Farmers Market
There's no better way to spend a Saturday than eating your way through the world's fanciest farmer's market. Nom nom nom.
Concrete slides in the city. Enough said.
5. Crissy Field
Thomas Kinkaid couldn't have painted ti better: sailboats dot the bay with a backdrop of the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Alcatraz—oh, and the Golden Gate Bridge. So magical it's almost too much for any visitor to bear. For locals worn out by the burdens of exorbitant rents and the mishaps of MUNI, a breather here is the fastest reminder of why we live here.
6. Mt. Sutro
A 45-minute hike in this forest-in-a-city, where the supermodel tall-and-skinny eucalyptus trees audibly creak in the breeze, feels like a whole a weekend away.
As sweet as can be.
The only acceptable reason to blow $80 bucks on a picnic lunch to pack for Dolores Park.
Contemporary art and architecture + grassy lawn + proximity to Super Duper Burger right in the heart of SoMa = respite from the workday.
10. Zuni Cafe
Champagne and oysters on the sidewalk forever.
11. Tout Sweet
We are kids in a candy store at the colorful workshop of the most handsome pastry chef around.
Get high watching the best view the city has to offer.
13. Marlowe
Mmmmm, burgers....
14. Hayes Valley
As neighborhoods go, Hayes Valley is just happy. Happy people, shiny shops, sunny weather. Happy, happy.
15. Flax Art
Heaven for artists, writers, crafters, and kids of all ages who geek out over things like pretty paper, puzzles, paintbrushes, and the perfect pen.
16. Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
A toy store truly full of wonder.
17. Dandelion Chocolate
Willy Wonka called....he wants his factory back.
Enough said.
Mmmmm.
20. Conservatory of Flowers
Take a whiff!
21. California Academy of Science
Where the reindeer mow the lawn.
22. The Exploratorium
Brain. Overload. Just. Wow.
23. Castro Theatre
Rainbows, drag queens, singalongs, and the Wurlitzer player...this Art Deco gem is the Castro's crown jewel.
24. Miette
Lick, lick, licorice!
25. Fort Funston
Doggie heaven.
26. Henry Street
Charming abodes provide a respite from the chaos of Castro Street.
27. Baker Beach
Nudist heaven.
Charming garden in the middle of one of the city's lesser-known neighorhoods.
29. Marianne's
The unpretentious hidden back barroom where everybody knows your name...if you're on the list, that is.
30. Spruce
The ooey gooey cookies, always and forever.
31. Public private park at 1 Kearny
High serenity in the middle of the FiDi.
32. The view of SF from the J Church at the southwest corner of Dolores Park
Unless of course you're crossing over on a bicycle. In which case, watch the road!
33. 24th Street
A slice of San Francisco's entirety from the top (starting in Noe Valley) to the bottom (ending Potrero Hill).
34. Folsom Ladies
The Mission's very own "Painted Ladies"
35. Mandalay
Order the Mandalay Special Noodle. Trust us.
A feast for the nostrils.
37. The elevators at St. Westin Francis Hotel
Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
38. Japanese Tea Garden
CHERRY BLOSSOMS, hello!
39. Ocean Beach
Primary stomping ground of Karl of the Fog, this portal to the Pacific is a free sand exfoliation for your face.
40. Macondray Lane
Russian Hill spot that sparked Tales of the City.
41. Lobby at St. Regis Hotel San Francisco
The chicest place in town. Order a glass of bubbly and keep an eye out for Willie Brown.
42. Guy Clark's flower stand at the corner of Noe and 15th
The best place in the city to buy flowers sold to you by one of the city's friendliest guys.
43. Presidio
America's next top neighborhood / national park.
44. Donut Saturday at Pinkie's Bakery
Saturday on Folsom just wouldn't be the same without it.
45. Lafayette Park
Those steps are magical.
For anyone who's been living under a rock, the International Orange span of metal that connects San Francisco to Marin is pretty, well, golden. Walking the length is a rite of passage.
47. Dolores Park
What the Haight was to the hippies, everyday here is the summer of love.
48. Pantied Ladies
Iconic SF Victorians on LSD.
49. Coit Tower
Noted tower which the city will light yellow in honor of Intetnational Happiness Day.
50. ...And, of course, the Cable Cars
Ding, ding, ding!
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