Taking care of you in the City by the Bay
Taking good care of yourself is a year-round thing to-do. But self-care is especially important as the holidays start rolling in and the stress starts ratcheting up. Unwinding and doing things you enjoy can keep you sane, and San Francisco has no shortage of self-care options. For your rest and relaxation, we’ve planned out four self-care days you can – and should! – take around the City by the Bay. With this guide, wellness is in your future!
A solo inspiration day
With plenty of spots to hide, San Francisco is fit for a solo day to reconnect with yourself. From a bohemian gallery to the perfect journaling spot, here’s where to seek solace alone:
Goop vibe: The Center SF
For a day of introspection, there’s no better start than guided meditation. At the welcoming Center, a variety of sound bath, meditation and breathwork classes are offered daily. Or, stay home and take an online class with the San Francisco-based Anchor Meditation, which recently closed its brick-and-mortar location.
Bohemian vibe: Saint Joseph’s Art Society
An exclusive event venue by night, by day Saint Joseph’s – Ken Fulk’s multifaceted project inside a vamped-up church – is an art gallery perfect for solo wandering. Currently exhibiting the works of pop-art diva Ashley Longshore, this spot is a must.
Literary vibe: The Mill
One of the coziest cafes in the city, The Mill is second to none when it comes to solo book reading and journaling. Bring your thoughts here, and, between scribbling and people-watching, enjoy a great piece of artisan toast.
Lush vibe: The Mellow
A plant shop and a music venue? What a day to end a day of reflection and inspiration. The Mellow, freshly operating in the Haight, is indeed both of these things, offering a variety of plants and a series of concerts (more info available here). Friendly crowds and a flexibly BYOB policy make this the perfect place to go solo.
The Center SF
A magical tea house, yoga studio, event space, and conscious community in the heart of San Francisco. Join them to connect, discover, grow, and explore.
- dance
- oasis
- rejuvenating
- calm
Saint Joseph’s Arts Society
- inspired
- art
- artsy
- wander
The Mill
Bakery and hangout
- busy
- hearty
- cute
- happy
The Mellow Haight
The Mellow SF specializes in indoor plants that thrive in all types of home environments. We offer our community strong, low-maintenance options that are unique. Perfect for busy people and plant lovers alike!
Each plant is hand-picked from our local nurseries to your homes. Our partner greenhouses are located in Half Moon Bay, Richmond, Watsonville, and Santa Cruz. It is very important for us to source locally.
- explore
- playful
- simple
- fun
A total beauty day
Say what you will about makeovers, but investing a whole day in your own gorgeous face and nails is as indulgent as self-care gets. In San Francisco, salon appointments happen to go hand in hand with cute interiors and natural ingredients. Win-win.
Wes Anderson vibe: High Five Nails
Get ready for the cutest mani-pedi experience. The brightly hued, welcoming High Five Nails prides itself on ethical employee treatment and great atmosphere, and the results are perfect every time.
Natural vibe: Ayla Beauty
For a relaxing, high-quality facial, look no further than the tucked-away Ayla, where natural ingredients rule the scene. The intimate space dedicated to facials is instantly relaxing, and the neck massage will have you booking another appointment ASAP.
Precise vibe: Michele Holmes Studio
Lashes and eyebrows have all the spotlight these days, due to pandemic mask-wearing. Give yours the royal treatment at this Bay Area favorite – despite the drive, Michele Holmes Studio is where many San Francisco leading ladies head for lash lifts and expert brow shaping.
Tropical vibe: Palmetto Superfoods
Back in the city, indulge your skin from within by heading to Palmetto. This adorable cafe specializes in acai and pitaya bowls, as well as glow-boosting smoothies and remedies.
High Five Nails
High Five is a reimagined nail salon that makes it a joy to take care of ourselves and each other. This adorable spot is the best place to get the most colorful, amazing nails you can find.
- rejuvenating
- social
- colorful
- beautiful
Ayla Beauty
This petite boutique features a curated selection of nontoxic, hypoallergenic beauty products perfect for all and curated from the finest ingredients to perfectly match what you are looking for.
- activist
- special
- unique
- organic
Michele Holmes Studio
At Michele Holmes Studio, they believe that eyebrows should look soft, natural, and be low-maintenance. They don’t use stencils, gimmicks or tricks. They are the best experience for the best brows.
- creative
- rejuvenating
- beautiful
- mindful
Palmetto Superfoods
Palmetto Superfoods provides the best build-your-own Brazilian acai combos with healthy and delicious toppings dished up in pint-sized and adorable space.
- creative
- vegan
- healthy
- mindful
An active wellness day
Sometimes, wellness looks like kicking butt. For an action-packed day guaranteed to spike your endorphins, try a cool workout fueled by healthy foods. Add a hike, and reward yourself with a stretch sesh.
Red-hot vibe: Rumble
The name says it all – at this bustling Marina studio, kicking and resistance training is the plan. If 45 minutes doesn’t sound like a lot, just try a class – this is one of the most grueling, fat-burning workouts in town.
Vibrant vibe: Wildseed
After an energizing sweat sesh, a healthy lunch is in order. Luckily, Wildseed is just a few steps away. Gorgeously designed and brimming with earthy goodness, this vegan spot is a lunchtime favorite. Order a macrobiotic bowl (or a burger!) and kick back in style.
Ocean vibe: Crissy Field
Few things are more energizing than a fresh oceanside breeze. For a modest hike with beautiful views, look no further than Crissy Field–a stretch of sand and green–with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop.
Flex vibe: StretchLab
After a day full of moving, it’s time to stretch! StretchLab has two locations in San Francisco, with a premise as simple as it is delightful. – nothing but stretching! Join a group stretch or splurge on a one-on-one session to soothe your deserving muscles.
Rumble
Building upon the sweat and swag established by Rumble Boxing, Rumble Training takes aim at a workout with universal appeal tailored to give you the best workout.
- healthy
- mindful
- buzzing
- sporty
Wildseed
Wildseed serves up delicious and vibrant vegan dishes alongside amazing vegan cocktails curated with warmth in their wonderful neighbourhood with botanical murals and social atmospheres.
- vegan
- fresh
- wild
- trendy
Crissy Field Overlook
- beautiful
- scenic
- popular
- tourist
StretchLab
StretchLab at 275 Main Street in San Francisco, CA 94105, is known as StretchLab Embarcadero. It’s one of several StretchLab locations in the Bay Area, focusing on assisted stretching services. Sessions are customized to fit individual needs, focusing on problem areas and targeting specific muscle groups. They offer 25-minute and 50-minute one-on-one stretch sessions. Some studios, including this one, also offer Normatec™ Compression Therapy, which uses pneumatic compression to improve circulation, flexibility, and muscle recovery.
- healthy
- mindful
- together
- peaceful
Pampering slow day
A natural awakening, a slow breakfast, and a day committed to lazy, regenerative pampering? You deserve it. The following spots will have you wrapped in care (and enzymes) from morning to evening.
Japan vibe: Kabuki Springs and Spa
In the heart of San Francisco, a Japanese oasis awaits – a spa offering soaking tubs, with a hot and cold plunge pool, sauna and other treats for the mind and soul. Start your day here, to clear your thoughts and set the mood.
Nature vibe: The Garden
Hidden in the Presidio, The Garden is a small, welcome acupuncture and wellness studio. Let owner and expert Anne Miller treat you to a custom service, combining herbal medicine, acupuncture and Miller’s signature holistic approach.
Minimal vibe: The Pilates Workshop
Not too far from the Presidio, The Pilates Workshop is a perfect pit stop for a slow day – tone your muscles quietly and mindfully, while birds chirp outside. The studio specializes in classic Pilates, with the latest, smartest equipment.
Deluxe vibe: Chisai Sushi Club
Bring the day full circle with a dreamy, multi-course omakase meal at San Francisco’s latest obsession – Chisai Sushi Club, the new compact restaurant from chef Erik Aplin. Sip on bubbles while creative dishes like mackerel-and-mustard nigiri and uni carbonara arrive tableside. To truly have a transformative experience, go alone. You got this.
Kabuki Springs & Spa
A Japantown institution dedicated to balance, wellness, and inner-calm
for more than 50 years. From the healing waters of our Japanese-inspired
bathhouse to our holistic rituals, we invite you to discover.
In the great tradition of Japanese public baths, Kabuki Springs & Spa is a peaceful sanctuary devoted to nurturing harmony and relaxation through the healing po… See More
- zen
- favorite
- mindful
- peaceful
The Garden
They are proud to offer holistic wellness and organic skincare services in San Francisco, California. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, organic facials, body work, and friendly service are just some of their unique specialties.
- healthy
- mindful
- peaceful
- together
The Pilates Workshop
Looking for Pilates in the city? The Pilates Workshop is a premier Classical Pilates studio located in the Outer Sunset District of San Francisco and is a perfect boost to your overall health in a friendly, fun setting.
- authentic
- dynamic
- elegant
- photo
Chisai Sushi Club
The Chisai Sushi Club is a premier, authentic sushi tasing experience offered by chef and owner Erik Aplin in a warm, amazing, modern atmosphere.
- amazing
- friendly
- authentic
- modern
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