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PROPER After much anticipation, this 1904 Beaux-arts building has nally reopened. It’s been reimagined by Kelly Wearstler, who took inspiration from the history of the building and the essence of SF. Rooms range from, yes, bunkroom to suite, with a good offering of restaurants. Visit the fabulous rooftop bar and lounge, Charmaine’s. properhotel.com
HOTEL VITALE The best location in town. With views of the Bay, it’s across the road from the Ferry Terminal, which has such good food outlets, and the weekly (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) Farmer’s Market is my favourite (see Explore). jdvhotels.com
THE BATTERY A new private club, although you can also stay as a non-member. This is a fun option by SF designer Ken Fulk. Reimagined in an old warehouse, it has 14 rooms with all the amenities, plus Ken’s air and sense of humour. He designed Leo’s Oyster Bar, which has had its time in the social media limelight. thebatterysf.com
AIRBNB As the Airbnb HQ is in SF, it is worth taking a look at what’s on offer, especially around Berkeley and Oakland, my new favourite places in the area. Try its new venture, Airbnb Experiences, to really get to know the city with a local. airbnb.com
THE KIMPTON BUCHANAN San-francisco based designer Nicole Hollis has put her stamp on this hotel in Japantown, taking inspiration from the local communities. Its perfect mix of vintage and new furniture and local art lets you know where you are in the world. thebuchananhotel.com HEATH CERAMICS Although you can buy Heath Ceramics at its city stores, I recommend a tour of its 1950s factory in Sausalito. It is inspirational, not only in design but also in philosophy, with a near-zero waste policy. The shop is open daily, with a seconds section. Tours weekends only. heathceramics.com
YONDER I have coveted owner Linda Fahey’s ceramics since her ‘Ship’ and ‘Wave’ series. Her shop stocks her own beautiful ceramics, as well as other handcrafted objects from local and global makers. yondershop.com
PAXTON GATE I have bought so many great things at this store: a ne bone necklace, a scallop-shell lamp, Tillandsia plants in all shapes and sizes, insects, owl pellets and books. Be sure to check out its Curiosities for Kids store a few doors down. paxtongate.com
MARCH Hands down, the most beautiful kitchen shop I have ever been to. Not just gorgeous styling, but also thoughtful design, sourcing and curation, where nothing is less than divine. marchsf.com
BELL’OCCHIO A special shop that I have been visiting for 20 years. It sells curiosities, ephemera, haberdashery and rari ed merchandise from historic ateliers.
Slip away from the day into this magical world, where the walls are faux bois and the mast is at full sail. bellocchio.com
TAIL OF THE YAK Another nevermiss shop, where I have bought so many favourite things over many years of styling. A make-believe land of paper festivities, vintage nds, jewellery, treasure and loot. Be enticed by the double shop window display and by the fantastical installations inside. Distracting in all the best ways.
ATOMIC GARDEN Housed in a lovely old shop, this features a little bit of everything that you want to take home or maybe just perfectly curated for style! I bought a felt hat, but I also wanted to take home kitchenwares, a daybed, perfume, clothes and more. atomicgardenoakland.com
ESQUELETO Dedicate an hour or so to wander around this corner of 49th St and Telegraph Ave in Oakland, as there are many stores to explore. In a light- lled studio, Esqueleto is like a cool modern-day medicine woman’s haven, full of beautiful ceramics, objets d’art, stone specimens and my favourite jewellery designers. Also visit Book/shop, Homestead Apothecary and Marisa Mason. shopesqueleto.com; bookshop.com; marisamason.com
OHMEGA SALVAGE I love salvage yards and this one is great. It is spread out over a scattering of buildings, some made using salvaged window frames, and has a range of furniture, bathroom and kitchen salvage and amazing hardware. ohmegasalvage.com from the city to an idyllic beachside town. Meander down the windy road to the ocean or just enjoy the view and head in for a hike into the redwood forests of Muir Woods.
DE YOUNG MUSEUM The perfect way to discover Golden Gate Park and see some fabulous art, as well. An impressive copper structure, it always has something great on display and an Andy Goldsworthy sculpture out front to greet you. deyoungfamsf.org
ALAMEDA POINT ANTIQUES FAIRE This is one of my favourite vintage markets. It is a big fair, with a great array of vintage wares, but, be warned, it can be very chilly in the early morn. It is an open-air market held on the rst Sunday of every month and can be cancelled if the weather is horrid. alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
FERRY PLAZA FARMERS MARKET This makes me feel instantly healthy and organic. Visit on a market day, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, and peruse the fruit and vegetables, and marvel at the varieties. The Ferry Building houses fabulous food artisans: Cowgirl Creamery Sidekick, Acme Bread Company, Miette cakes and The Slanted Door, among others. Go hungry! cuesa.org
THE HANGED MAN Book a tea leaves or tarot card reading with Matthew Drewry Baker, among tendrils, blossoms, branches and magical beings. A perfect way to nish the day. thehangedmanco.bigcartel.com
SFMOMA An ambitious structure in size and shape, designed by Snøhetta that, after three years of renovation, triumphed in its opening, with seven oors of amazing modern and American art. Get lost among this outstanding collection and be sure not to miss the Alexander Calder sculpture terrace with the vertical green forest of Californian native plants. sfmoma.org