The Civil War-era Fort Point stands at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. — At the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point dates to the Civil War.

Five Signature San Francisco Settings for Cannabis-Friendly Visitors

By Brian Applegarth

Elevate your experience at these local landmarks, each within walking distance of one of our top-notch dispensaries.

When consumed with intention, cannabis can facilitate a heightened sense of place, making you incredibly present. It can draw out the unique nuances of an experience by magnifying your feelings and highlighting the little details of your environment, place, or setting.

The phrase “Mindset and Setting” has been part of San Francisco’s local cannabis lingo for decades. It tracks back to psychedelic research in the 1950s and explores the notion of pairing one’s state of mind with the perfect environment. Today, mindfully pairing specific cannabis products with a specific setting is an experience art form for visitors and locals alike.

Lucky for you, San Francisco is chock-full of iconic signature settings that bode well for a cannabis-enhanced point of view. Whether you want a CBD-inspired enjoy-the-moment presence or a slightly altered state with a side of spontaneous laughter, San Francisco’s got you covered.

Pop into one of our many world-class cannabis shops or lounges. Share your itinerary and experience level with your budtender and ask for recommendations.

Always “go slow and start low” when consuming cannabis. Edibles and beverages may take hours to generate effects, so be patient and plan accordingly. Know the cannabis do’s and don’ts before you imbibe and set out on your adventure.

Here are five signature San Francisco settings that pair perfectly with a cannabis-enhanced point of view.

Golden Gate Bridge

As the most recognizable landmark in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see in any state of mind. An engineering marvel, the suspension bridge has supported more than 2 billion cars across its 1.7-mile span that connects the San Francisco Peninsula and Marin County since it opened nearly 90 years ago.

Before heading to the bridge to contemplate its magnitude with the wind in your hair, spend time at Urbana on Geary, where you are invited to enjoy your cannabis in a bright and airy lounge with the help of an on-site cannabis concierge. Beverages, chocolates, and pre-rolls are all at your fingertips, as are rolling papers, grinders, and lighter services.

After your lounge session, make your way to the Presidio and take your pick of several incredible vistas. For a secluded and tranquil vantage point, follow the Batteries to Bluffs Trail toward Marshall's Beach. Take your time walking down the 400 feet of cliff-to-sand stairs and wait for a golden sunset to reflect the bridge in the sparkling waters. For another swoon-worthy perspective, post up on one of the many benches dotting the Promenade Trail alongside Chrissy Field. Embrace the ocean breeze, crashing waves, and the beauty of the fog that rolls under the bridge towards Alcatraz Island.

Recommended Cannabis Shop and Lounge: Urbana on Geary

Cable Cars

Cable car rides are a one-of-a-kind San Francisco treat not to be missed. It’s a sensory experience of sights, sounds, and views that are distinctly San Francisco, well suited for a cannabis enhanced adventure.

Hop on the California cable car at the corner of California and Market streets. Just a short ride later, you will come upon the corner of California and Hyde streets, where California Street Cannabis Co. is located. Look for the green awning and the beautifully designed blue and white sign with the cable car image. Hop off and enjoy this cannabis shop experience. California Street Cannabis Co. is an equity owned award-winning shop that offers a wide-selection of products to learn about and choose from including CBD-rich options.

When ready, hop back on and settle into your cable car adventure! Forget about time and forget about the next destination. There are three cable car lines. The California cable car runs east-west from downtown to Van Ness Avenue, climbing the steep hills of historic Nob Hill. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable cars run north-south, connecting Union Square with Fisherman’s Wharf. If you take any one to its end, just turn around and head back to where you started. Eventually, make your way to the intersection of California and Powell streets where all the cable car lines intersect, and you can roll off in a different direction if you so choose. Enjoy the ride.

Recommended Cannabis Shop: California Street Cannabis Company

The Ferry Building

Consider a cannabis-infused morning at Barbary Coast cannabis shop and lounge, just a short walk from the Ferry Building. The doors open at 8 a.m. Sit back and watch the world wake up from a cannabis lounge, a one-of-a-kind experience in itself. When inspiration strikes, head to the Ferry Building, where the city’s pride in craftsmanship is always on display. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, an open-air farmers market brings energy to the plaza out front.

Step inside to browse the Ferry Building Marketplace for artisanal foodie finds and elegant home goods. Makers of chocolate, ice cream, bread, olive oil, cheese, cured meats, mushrooms, and more offer a variety of snackable servings that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Beyond the food hall, check out the Fog City Flea Trading Post for effortlessly cool souvenirs from local merchants, including clothing, jewelry, vintage wares, and original art.

Once you’ve had your fill of the interior, step out back for a stunning view of the Bay Bridge, grab a table at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or catch that ferry to Sausalito, Tiburon, or Larkspur.

Recommended Cannabis Shop and Lounge: Barbary Coast

Fisherman's Wharf

Looking to tap into your childlike sense of wonder? Fisherman’s Wharf packs in the old-school fun alongside restaurants where freshly caught seafood is always on the menu.

Before you embark on the bustling water-front walkabout, pop into the nearby Seaweed cannabis shop. Make your cannabis enhancement selection, then follow the salty air two blocks to the water’s edge. Expect to be dazzled by at least one street performance and stay on the lookout for performers who aim to surprise tourists with clever theatrics. If you engage with these performances, tipping is a common courtesy.

Immerse yourself in the sea—without getting wet—by visiting the Aquarium of the Bay. Walking through the exhibits and tunnels will leave you with a greater appreciation for the creatures that call the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters home. The jelly fish are especially meditative and trippy. Take your time and enjoy these living works of art. If you’re up for a nostalgic trip, head over to Pier 45 for vintage coin-operated arcade games at Musée Mécanique, where brain teasers and fortune teller machines are sure to bring amusement to an uplifting afternoon.

Recommended Cannabis Shop: Seaweed

Painted Ladies

After shopping for cannabis delights at The Apothecarium in the Castro, plan for a few hours of soaking in the views at Alamo Square Park. Bring a picnic lunch, kick off your shoes, and plant your feet in the grass for a restful relaxation session. Slow down and enjoy the stunning beauty of San Francisco, which extends beyond the natural wonders and shines in the architecture and colors of man-made beauty.

Take in the meticulous details of the famed Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses that line Steiner Street across from the park’s grassy field. These pastel beauties have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and make for the perfect postcard photo with the city skyline as the backdrop. On a nice day, you’re likely to encounter creatives capturing the scene with a camera or a paintbrush in hand. If you are feeling inspired, snap some photos or take out a sketchbook, and preserve the moment for yourself.

Recommended Cannabis Shop: The Apothecarium

Brian Applegarth

Brian is the Founder of Cannabis Travel Association International (CTAI), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable evolution of cannabis and hemp travel globally. He is a seasoned world traveler, who seeks authentic and off-the-beaten track cultural experiences combined with cannabis and hemp-infused adventures. Brian is a trusted advisor and consultant for award-winning travel destinations. He is passionate about cultural preservation, sustainable development, and transformative travel experiences that promote inclusion, equity, and well-being. Brian is creating The Cannabis Trail, a nine-county cultural journey that celebrates the story of the cannabis legalization movement.