TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

 

Promising to be "one of the best food cities there is", San Francisco balances quiet charm – best savored on a leisurely stroll – with breathtaking landmarks and cinematic views, according to California-based interior designer Heidi Caillier. She shares with Cabana her personal guide to the Golden City.

 

BY HEIDI CAILLIER | CABANA TRAVEL | 21 MARCH 2025

 

My Favorite Place to Stay: Hotel Drisco 

A hidden gem nestled amongst historic homes in the beautiful Pacific Heights neighborhood. The service and location are really special - a quick walk to some of the city’s best shopping and dining spots on Union, Fillmore, and Sacramento Streets.

My Favorite Restaurant: Cotogna

Cotogna, in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco, serves incredible, refined Italian food - the freshest, most delicious handmade pastas and a fantastic wine list. The menu changes daily, but their hand rolled gnocchi is my go-to. It’s the perfect place to tuck in for a long lunch.

My Favorite Coffee Shop: B Patisserie

There are a plethora of great coffee shops in the city. I really prefer my coffee with a nice pastry and B Patisserie, located right near Alta Plaza Park, has some of the best of both. The owners combine their love of modern French pastry with American and local influences. Their almond croissant is a must.

 

 

My Favorite Museum or Gallery: The Legion of Honor

Architecturally beautiful in a really picturesque location overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, The Legion of Honor is a must-visit museum. Their collection is a wonderfully diverse mix of ancient and European paintings, sculpture, textiles, and ceramics.

My Favorite Place of Architectural Interest: Golden Gate Bridge

This may sound cliché, but there is nothing like driving over the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day. It takes my breath away every single time. The views are incredible.

My Favorite Park or Green Space: Golden Gate Park

With over 1,000 acres to explore, the Golden Gate Park is a wonderful spot for a long bike ride with my family. If you’re in the city over Summer or early Fall, make sure to stop at the dahlia garden near the Conservatory of Flowers - it’s absolutely stunning.


 

My Favorite Shops: MARCH and Hudson Grace

I love a leisurely stroll down Sacramento Street. It has a plethora of great antique and home shops, including the impeccably curated MARCH and Hudson Grace.

My Favorite Antique Shops: T. Reggiardo & Antique + Art Exchange

I love visiting T. Reggiardo, which has been around since the 1970s on Sacramento Street, and specializes in 18th and 19th century art and furniture. Antique + Art Exchange on Vermont is another local shop I love. It has a wonderful curation of art, objects, and furniture that I frequently source for my projects and personal home.

My Favorite Thing to do in San Francisco: Eat! 

San Francisco is one of the best food cities there is. My other favorite thing to do is walk - on the weekends you can really discover the different neighborhoods, restaurants, and shops as you go. I love that you can get “lost” in SF and stumble upon so many incredible places and things along the way - the city is made for exploring.

 

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Heidi Caillier is a San Francisco-based interior designer | Follow Heidi on Instagram @heidicaillierdesign

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