My Perfect Day in San Francisco: From the Early Tram to Dinner overlooking the Bay

An Accidental Early Riser

Jet lag did me a weird favor today. I found myself wide awake while San Francisco was still snuggled in its iconic fog blanket. Deciding to seize the day, I left my hotel just before 7 a.m. and hopped on a tram. It was blissfully empty, just me and the clanging bells echoing in the quiet morning.

Coffee and Sea Lions at Pier 39

I got off at Pier 39 and the scene was surreal. Even the sea lions seemed a bit groggy, like they weren't ready for visitors yet. I grabbed a strong coffee, sat down on a bench, and let the morning wash over me. Without the usual crowd, Pier 39 felt like a different place—more peaceful and even a little introspective.

The Hidden World of Arion Press

After a couple of leisurely hours by the sea, I shifted gears and headed to the Arion Press, one of the last operational type foundries in the U.S. The vibe was industrial but artisanal, every press and plate seemed like an artifact from another era. There was something exhilarating about seeing a world so meticulously crafted, where each letter in a sentence has a tactile history.

Dinner with a View at La Mar

As the sun began to bow out for the day, I met up with friends at La Mar. Located right by the water, this place was a Peruvian delight. We clinked our pisco sours together just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Between the incredible food and the stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, I couldn't have asked for a better way to wind down the day.

A Farewell, But Not Goodbye

As we shared dessert and the city lights began to sparkle, I couldn’t help but think: today was an extraordinary day. Sure, it wasn't the standard tourist's checklist, but it felt uniquely mine. It’s these unexpected, unscripted moments that make a place truly memorable. San Francisco, you’ve earned a special spot in my travel tales, and I’m already looking forward to the next chapter.

"One cannot live at all, unless one lives fully now."

Alan Watts