A Self-Care Guide to San Francisco

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!

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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.