City Guide series, San Francisco edition.
San Francisco City Guide Series
Our community of more than 50,000 preferred influencers stretches across the world and includes all of you - some of the coolest, most adventurous tastemakers out there. Every month, we interview an Obviously influencer about how to explore their home city like an influential local, covering all the top spots and favorite things to do.
For our third installation in this series, we explore San Francisco with Tola Orendain, who was born in the Bay but spent years in Manila, Philippines before moving back to San Francisco three years ago.
Tola Orendain, @tolaaa
Age: 26
Hometown: San Francisco
In San Francisco for: 3 years
Background: Tola was born in San Francisco, but grew up in Manila in the Philippines. After she finished college, the San Francisco work scene piqued Tola’s interest. She’d also always wanted to experience living on her own abroad, so three years ago she booked a one-way ticket back to San Francisco.
@TOLAAA’S GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO
WHERE TO STAY..
I personally suggest staying in Union Square, Nob Hill, or the Embarcadero area. Yes, it can be crowded with tourists, but you’re right in the center of the city. Getting around to other places is a breeze because they’re so close to all the transportation hubs. Every neighborhood has its own personality (which is pretty cool) so it really depends on what vibe you are looking for!
SHOP
Downtown is great for some serious shopping errands. I stay Downtown because it has the most shopping options in the city.
The Marina: Chestnut/Union Street is great for some casual window shopping and cute brunch spots.
The Fillmore for some nifty and cute boutiques.
EAT
I don’t have a favorite restaurant in particular, but these are my favorite neighborhoods to eat in:
Chinatown for authentic dim sum and egg tarts.
The Mission for Mexican food and happy hour.
North Beach for those Italian cravings and wine nights.
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH IN SAN FRANCISCO…
The Ferry Building, especially during the weekend market.
#1 INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Fort Point, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. People can call it cliche or overrated all they want, but every photo I’ve taken there always feels surreal.
SAN FRANCISCO IN SIX…
Hours: See the bridge if you haven’t! (I mean, it’s what this city is known for.)
Days: Still the Golden Gate Bridge, obviously. Twin Peaks is also one for the books, especially if you’re able to drop by before sunset. Nothing beats seeing Karl the fog roll in. (And yes, the fog has a name.)
Months: Lands End, Baker Beach, and the Presidio. I never thought there would be a park I could hike without having to leave the city, I also never imagined freezing at the beach after growing up in a tropical country! If you want to delve deeper, another way to understand the city is by riding the Muni (in general, I think the best way to see a city is through their public transportation). I got lost countless times during my first few months here, and because of that, I feel like I’ve discovered more places and seen more things that articles never really talk about. (Some good, some bad, but hey, that’s what makes it an adventure.)
What makes San Francisco a great place for a professional + influencer like yourself?
It’s a mix of everything; it’s a blend of different cultures, work environments, lifestyles and fashion choices. You’ll never be out of place here because everyone here is unique. It’s also very accessible and easy to get around.
Q & A
Q: What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do in your city but you never have?
A: To ride a hop on, hop off city tour bus! I keep telling myself that I should learn to live a bit like a tourist because there are days I have a hard time seeing the beauty of this city and fail to appreciate the scene around me. Emulating a tourist’s mindset has a way of refreshing your perception of the city.
Q: What is one experience you’ve had that you could ONLY have in San Francisco?
A: I remember in my first month here, I caught a glimpse of the Pride Parade. They had beautiful drag queens and rainbow flags everywhere. It was amazing. Then a few months later, I accidentally took the wrong bus and found myself near the Folsom Street Fair. Well, that blew my mind. The events here are pretty surreal, and experiencing them live gives you that “So this is San Francisco” feeling.
The thing I love most about SAN FRANCISCO is..
San Francisco is thrilling and moody. It’s a beautiful experience.
Q: One misconception about your city is:
A: Living near Silicon Valley isn’t as glamorous as you think it is.
Q: One stereotype about your city that is 100% accurate:
A: It’s a ridiculously dirty, competitive, and expensive tech hub.
Q: Answer in one word:
A:
San Francisco tastes like: a fusion of Asian and Mexican food.
San Francisco sounds like: conference talks.
San Francisco feels like: art.
San Francisco’s vibe is: a mood.
Thanks to @tolaaa for gearing us up for our next visit to San Francisco! Keep a look out for our next city guide!