San Francisco Day Trips

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You have a great long weekend ahead of you for the Fourth of July. Do you have a vacation planned? If not, there are some great day trips that you can take in San Francisco. These trips will provide a little escape from your every day routine. The best part about these trips is that they are a short drive from The Wilson. Keep reading to start planning your perfect weekend!

Day Trip 1

Head to Fenton, CA on State 9 to have a nice relaxing day away. Just an hour drive south of San Francisco will land you in this quaint town that has an amazing cafe and an adventurous way to explore the outdoors. Your first stop before you hit the beautiful trails is Rocky’s Cafe. You must try their delicious blueberry pancakes. Then, head to the Felton Redwoods to zip-line through nature with Redwood Canopy Tours. This quaint little town has just enough adventure for a perfect day away from home.


Day Trip 2

Ocean Beach is the biggest beach in all of San Francisco. This beach stretches three miles along the San Francisco coast, giving you plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun. This is also one of the most popular beaches in San Francisco so be careful about when you go. Surfing, swimming, and even walking your dog are all allowed in certain areas throughout the coastline. This is a perfect weekend trip, 30 minutes away from your home at Berkeley Central.

Day Trip 3

If you feel like traveling a little, make sure to cross the Bay Bridge to Stinson Beach. You can venture to Marin Country and take the long winding drive to Muir Woods. It has easy access to hiking, picnicking, and swimming all along the coast.

These are three great day trips that you can take with friends or family. Since you have a long weekend, you can do one trip per day to enjoy your Independence Day. What is your favorite day trip from San Francisco? Comment on this post with your day trip on our Facebook Page. 

San Francisco Area Boardwalks

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Rides, food, and entertainment all await you this summer at beaches up and down the California coast. If you think about vacations you took as a child, you probably have fond  memories of strolling up and down the boardwalk with your family. Did you know you can ride coasters, eat cotton candy or have a drink at a beach bar all within a short drive of your apartment home at The Wilson? Here are just a couple of the best boardwalks in California to plan a trip to one summer weekend.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

If you want to feel like a kid for a day, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the place for you! Visitors can scream as loud as they want on-board the roller coasters or go grab a bite at the many food establishments along the boardwalk. There are also great events all summer including concerts, giveaways, and parties. Sports fanatics will also enjoy spending the day in Santa Cruz. Soccer, volleyball, and surfing are just some of the sports you can play at your trip to the beach. Take a short two hour drive up to Santa Cruz, and you can be a kid for the day at this boardwalk. This park is open 7 days a week, though hours vary. For an updated list of park hours, please check the boardwalk website.

Fisherman’s Wharf

If a beach is not what you are looking for, then Fisherman’s Wharf right in San Francisco is the place for you. Restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment attract many visitors to this San Francisco tradition. You can find food of all types, including Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and more. Bring some friends or your significant other along with you and visit the Ripley’s Museum or The Aquarium of the Bay after a long day’s work. This easy commute is the perfect way to enjoy the nightlife of San Francisco while taking in views of the gorgeous coastline as the sun sets on the bay.

These are just two of the many boardwalks up and down the California coast. If you want to make a long weekend, you can check out many of the beaches and boardwalks up and down California. What is your favorite boardwalk? Comment on The Wilson's Facebook and Twitter pages to share your favorites with your neighbors. 

Music at The Warfield

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Just down the street from Venn is the historic Warfield concert venue. The Warfield was founded in 1922 and has been holding concerts ever since. This theater holds 2,250 people for most shows. The Warfield used to be a vaudeville and movie theater, but in 1979 that all changed. Bill Graham booked a two week run of shows with Bob Dylan and the theater has been playing music ever since. Here are a few shows you can check out this summer at The Warfield.

Steven Wilson

Sunday June 14th make sure to get your tickets to see Steven Wilson. This all ages show starts at 8pm at The Warfield. This artist has been writing, recording and producing music since he was ten years old. Originally from England, Wilson was first exposed to music with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album. This along with Donna Summer was pivotal in how he started to create music. His music touches all genres from a ballads to industrial noise. You can get tickets here. 

Brit Floyd

Friday June 19th at 8pm will be the Brit Floyd show at The Warfield. This all ages show is not one to miss. They are known as the world's greatest Pink Floyd show. This show starts at the beginning and guides you through the five decades of Pink Floyd music. This band prides itself on giving you the ultimate Pink Floyd concert experience. This unique concert is here for one night only. You can purchase tickets here.

American Idol Season 14

If you are looking for something a little more current, the American Idol Live show is just what you are looking for. This all ages show is August 23rd at 7pm. This show features the top five performers from American Idol Season 14. You will see them up close and personal, and you get to experience them individually as artists. This show will sell out so make sure to get tickets ahead of time here. 

These are just three of the many shows that The Warfield has coming this summer. What band would you love to see at The Warfield.  Comment on our Facebook page with your band!

Best Beaches in San Francisco

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We are so ready to lay out and get a tan on the beautiful coastline of San Francisco.  Beaches, surfing, and relaxing are some of the best parts of summer.  San Francisco is home to some of the best beaches in California.  There is a beach for every summer activity you want to try.  The best part is that they are all close to your home at The Wilson on Market. 

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is the biggest beach in all of San Francisco. This beach stretches three miles along the San Francisco coast, giving you plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun.  This is also one of the most popular beaches in San Francisco so be careful about when you go.  Surfing, swimming, and even walking your dog are all allowed in certain areas throughout the coastline. This is a perfect weekend trip, 20 minutes away from your home at The Wilson.

Aquatic Park

This Urban Beach is located right in the heart of the city. This beach is close to the popular spots of Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. This is a bay beach which means the water is softer and the sand is easier to walk on.  It is the perfect beach to take a walk or relax in the surf without worrying about rocks or rough waters.  Aquatic Park is only ten minutes away from home, so it is the perfect getaway with your friends and family for a day out.

Stinson Beach

If you feel like traveling a little, make sure to cross the Bay Bridge to Stinson Beach. You can venture to Marin Country and take the long winding drive to Muir Woods. It has easy access to hiking, picnicking, and swimming all along the coast. 

There are many more beaches that you can check out in San Francisco. Comment below with some of your favorite beaches.

Explore San Francisco

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Are you a life-long San Francisco resident? We love this city and think it is the best place to live.  You may have found the perfect home at The Wilson Apartments, but that does not mean you really have explored your home of San Francisco. Many times as a resident of the city, you miss the historic landmarks that you see as a tourist.  Here are a few areas to check out when you have an afternoon free.

Alcatraz

Maybe you have seen Alcatraz in movies or in the famous Mytbusters episode where they tried to break out.  However, have you ever seen Alcatraz up close. Take the ferry over to this famous penitentiary for their day and night tours throughout the year. In 1934, this military prison was taken over by Federal Bureau of Prisons as a maximum security prison.  At one point, this prison held most of America’s most wanted list. The prison was abandoned in 1963, but it still has history and intrigue as thousands of visitors flock to the rock island every week. 

Golden Gate Bridge

You may cross this bridge to get to work, but did you ever stop and appreciate the history behind the bridge. This bridge has a two mile span that can be walked or hiked as your appreciate the views of the city and the nature around San Francisco. Make sure to start at the visitor center if you really want to appreciate this bridge. There are cutaways to expose the massive suspension cables and thousands of tiny woven wire that support the structure for over 75 years.

Embarcadero waterfront

If food is more your thing, make your way to the Embarcadero waterfront. This building was built in 1898 but is now converted into an expansive market with showcasing artisanal foods from local producers. Make sure to walk over midday to experience all of the vendors and foods.

There is plenty of historic San Francisco for you to explore on days off. You have the luxury of being in this great city everyday so you can avoid the crowds and busy seasons. Take a break from the everyday and see something up close in your gorgeous home.

Memorial Day Events

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We are so excited for the long weekend for Memorial Day!  Cookouts, parties, and events will be everywhere as people celebrate the unofficial first day of summer.  There are plenty of great events happening around Wilson Apartments and San Francisco.  We have found a few great events for you to attend this weekend.  

Memorial Day Parade

The annual Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration will be on Monday starting at 10:30am.  The festivities will be held at the Presidio Main Post and National Cemetery.  The event will include speakers, a parade and a 21 gun salute.  The 21 gun salute will start at noon and will be provided by the U.S. Army’s 75th Pacific Division. These events will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World war II and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

California Roots

Start your weekend off with a music festival.  The California Roots Festival starts on Friday at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.  This annual music festival includes over 30 bands performing throughout the weekend.  The festival also includes yoga sessions, arts vendors, and various types of food.  You can find festival schedules and ticket information at their website California Roots Festival.

Carnaval Celebration

A little closer to home is the Carnaval Celebration in San Francisco. This 35th annual Carnaval Celebration will be held in Mission District.  The festival is free and occurs along Market Street.  You can try various foods, vendors, and performances throughout the two day day street fair. You can learn more here.

However you celebrate your Memorial Day, we hope you have a great time with family and friends.  Do you have any Memorial Day events? Share them on our Facebook page this weekend with your fellow residents at The Wilson Apartments.

Farmers' Market in San Francisco

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Do you like to cook with fresh produce? We love the rich tastes you can have when using fresh produce from a farm. If you are craving that fresh food for your kitchen at The Wilson, San Francisco is the place to be. The Bay Area has many farmers’ markets for you to pick from every day of the week. Check out these markets on your preferred shopping day! 

Tuesday

Tuesday you can go to Embarcadero for the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ market.  This year-around market is open Tuesdays from 10am-2pm. It is held at 1 Ferry Plaza.  You can find out more information about this farmers’ market by calling 415-291-3276.

Wednesday

Do you need an afterwork farmers’ market?  The Castro Farmers’ Market may be perfect for you.  This Wednesday market is held from 4pm-8pm March 12th-December 17th.  This market is held at Noe Street at Market Street. 

Thursday

Do you work over in the Financial District?  The Crocker Galleria Farmers’ Market is held in Union Square from 11am-3pm. This market is perfect to grab some items on your lunch break. Make sure to go to the Crocker Galleria this Thursday to get your fresh fruits and vegetables.

Saturday

Saturday you have all day to make your way to the Alemany Farmers’ Market. This was the first farmers’ market in the state. It is held from 6am-3pm every Saturday.  You can visit this market at 100 Alemany Blvd. For more information, please call 415-647-9423.

Sunday

Finally, Sunday in Alamo Square is the Divisadero Farmers’ Market.  This market is at Grove Street at Dvidsadero.  It is held from 10am-2pm, which gives you just enough time to shop and make Sunday dinner.

There are many options to shop for your fresh produce all around San Francisco.  For a complete list of farmers’ markets please see together in food.

There are many options to shop for your fresh produce all around San Francisco.  For a complete list of farmers’ markets please see together in food.