San Francisco wasn't a place I've visited often but fond childhood memories have always stuck out. Returning as an adult with adult money made this trip a game-changer. Today, San Francisco is now one of favorite California cities, but this trip felt extra special.
The reason for the journey? A little bit of punk rock and a little bit of family. My brothers and I headed north to celebrate their birthdays while also checking a major item off the Disarray Magazine bucket list: moderating a NOFX documentary Q&A at the Roxie Theater following a screening of 40 Years of Fuckin' Up.
From coastal hikes and historic landmarks to live music, ramen, clam chowder, and one of the most scenic Airbnbs I've ever stayed in, here's everything we packed into five unforgettable days in San Francisco and Pacifica. Not to mention, this was the first trip in over 12-years, where a significant other shared a trip with us.
Where We Stayed: Pacifica, California
Instead of staying in downtown San Francisco, we booked an Airbnb in Pacifica, and honestly, it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip.
Our Airbnb was within walking distance of:
- Pacifica State Beach
- The Pacifica Pier
- Local cafes
- Coastal walking trails
- Bluff overlooks with ocean views
Every morning started with cool ocean air, crashing waves, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget about emails and deadlines.
Pacifica gave us the perfect mix of relaxation while still being close enough to easily explore San Francisco.
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Day 1: Exploring Pacifica's Coastal Trails
One of the first things we did was hike the trails above Pacifica.
The trail climbed up toward the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, rewarding us with incredible panoramic views of the coastline below.
The combination of cliffs, rolling hills, ocean mist, and crashing waves made it feel like something straight out of a California postcard.
If you're staying in Pacifica, don't skip the coastal trails. They're free, uncrowded, and offer some of the best views in the Bay Area.
Day 2: Sutro Baths and Palace of Fine Arts
Sutro Baths
Sutro Baths quickly became one of my favorite stops of the entire trip.
Originally built in the late 1800s as a massive public swimming complex, the site is now a collection of dramatic ruins perched along the Pacific coastline.
We explored:
- The historic ruins
- Sea caves
- Rocky shoreline paths
- Cliffside viewpoints
The views were absolutely stunning.
Standing on the cliffs while watching waves crash against the rocks below felt like something straight out of a fantasy movie.
Palace of Fine Arts
Next up was the Palace of Fine Arts.
Photos don't do this place justice.
The massive rotunda, reflecting lagoon, and Roman-inspired architecture make it one of the most beautiful locations in San Francisco.
Walking around the grounds felt like stepping into another era.
Whether you're into photography, architecture, history, or simply pretty places, the Palace of Fine Arts deserves a spot on every San Francisco itinerary.
Day 3: Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, and Lombard Street
Driving Across the Golden Gate Bridge
You can't visit San Francisco without crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
Even after seeing it countless times in photos, there's still something surreal about driving across one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Fog drifted around the towers while sailboats moved through the bay below.
Classic San Francisco.
Painted Ladies
We also stopped by the Painted Ladies.
These colorful Victorian homes overlooking Alamo Square Park are instantly recognizable from television and postcards.
It's one of those places that somehow feels even more iconic in person.
Lombard Street
Next came the famous zig-zag section of Lombard Street.
Driving down the steep switchbacks surrounded by flowers and perfectly manicured landscaping was equal parts fun and slightly terrifying.
It's touristy for a reason.
Day 4: Food Adventures
One thing San Francisco consistently gets right is food.
Crab House at Pier 39
My favorite meal of the trip was at Crab House on Pier 39.
I ordered clam chowder topped with fresh crab.
Let me repeat that.
Clam chowder. Topped. With. Crab.
As if chowder wasn't already perfect.
Between the waterfront views, sea lions nearby, and rich seafood flavors, it became one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
Marufuku Ramen
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| Marafuku Ramen |
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| Still craving this Tonkatsu Ramen |
For ramen lovers, Marufuku was another standout.
Rich broth. Perfect noodles. Comfort food at its finest. After a long day of exploring the city, it hit the spot. Luckily, there's a location in Southern California at the Irvine Spectrum in Orange County. I need to try it to compare.
Taco Bell Cantina on the Beach
And because every great itinerary needs a little chaos...
We also stopped at the Taco Bell Cantina located directly on the beach in Pacifica.
Yes, literally on the beach.
Eating tacos while staring out at the Pacific Ocean might be the most California thing I've ever done.
Day 5: The Fillmore, St. Dominic's, and NOFX
The Fillmore
As music fans, visiting the Fillmore was a must.
The venue's history is legendary, and seeing a show there felt like experiencing a small piece of music history.
From the posters lining the walls to the intimate atmosphere, it's easy to understand why so many iconic artists have performed there.
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| Fillmore photos |
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| No apples on site during my visit |
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| Dining room upstairs |
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| Inside the iconic Fillmore |
St. Dominic's Catholic Church
One of the most unexpectedly beautiful stops was St. Dominic's Catholic Church.
Its gothic architecture, soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere made it feel completely removed from the busy city outside.
Even if you're not religious, the craftsmanship and history are worth experiencing.
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| St Dominics Catholic Church |
The Main Event: NOFX at the Roxie Theater
The entire trip ultimately revolved around one unforgettable evening.
Disarray Magazine was invited to moderate the post-screening Q&A for NOFX's documentary, 40 Years of Fuckin' Up, at the historic Roxie Theater.
After flight cancellations prevented the band from appearing in person, the Q&A shifted to Zoom.
What could have become a disaster somehow transformed into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
The audience was engaged, the conversation was lively, and despite technical challenges and an abrupt ending due to venue closing times, the event came together in true punk rock fashion.
It was chaotic. It was unpredictable. It all worked out in the end. There's no point in stressing over things you can't control. I always loved the motto, "Worrying is like praying for what you don't want to happen."
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| SF Indie Doc Fest attendees at the NOFX screening |
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| SF Indie Doc Fest crew + Karina Denike of DHC/NOFX and C² of Disarray Magazine |
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| Roxie Theater post NOFX Q&A in SF's Mission District |
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why I found a new love of San Francisco. Sure, I've seen stories on the news about how dirty the city is, how fentanyl zombies are leaning everywhere while standing up stationary, but if you're from L.A. and used to Skid Row, it's something you get used to. The version of SF that I saw on this trip didn't change my perspective one bit. I loved it and want to go back.
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| Fort Point National Historic Site at Golden Gate |
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| Sutro Baths |
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| Pier 39 seals lounging around the docks |
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| Pier 39 |
Where else can you:
- Explore ocean caves in the morning
- Eat crab chowder at Pier 39
- Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Visit historic landmarks
- Watch a show at the Fillmore
- Moderate a NOFX Q&A
- Finish the day watching the sunset from a beachside Airbnb?
Combining San Francisco with a stay in Pacifica gives you the perfect mix of city adventure and coastal relaxation.
And if you're lucky enough to celebrate family birthdays, punk rock, and California scenery all in the same trip? Even better.
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Hey, I'm Christy Buena, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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