Where is your favourite destination and why?
San Francisco. I love America in general, as it has so much to offer. There is something for everyone. Whether you want to soak up the sun on a beach holiday, enjoy an activity-packed holiday, or go on a long city break, there is always a place in the US where you can make the most of your stay. Food options are really important to me when picking a holiday destination
since I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2024. I have to eat a strict gluten-free diet, which is the only treatment for the condition, so I must be sure that I can access the food I need. In the major US cities, they cater for people with coeliac disease very well. San Francisco was the first place I visited on holiday following my diagnosis, and I thought it was great — both as a destination and as a place to find amazing gluten-free food.
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
We went on a cruise from Miami to San Francisco in January with the Cunard Line, and we found it to be a really unique route. I went with my family – my husband, Andy; daughter, Summer; and son, Albie.
Where do you like to stay there?
When we docked in San Francisco, we stayed in Fisherman’s Wharf, which I loved. We spent time exploring Pier 39 and its shops, attractions, and, of course, the famous California sea lions. It is also offers a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Where did you enjoy your favourite meal?
We ate at a Mexican restaurant called Barrio. California borders Mexico and we definitely noticed this influence in the food scene. What I enjoyed most about Barrio specifically was that the menu was almost entirely gluten-free, so I felt relaxed and at ease knowing that my dietary requirements were well catered for.
What are your top three restaurants?
We loved Barrio, but the Ferry Building Marketplace was also a big food highlight. The building itself is very impressive and an interesting place to visit, but the food options are the best part. There is so much variety, and we could all try different restaurants depending on what we wanted at the time. I would also recommend travelling over to Sausalito to try the ice cream.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I would cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito (stopping for ice cream!) and then take the ferry back to San Francisco. From there, I’d visit Fisherman’s Wharf and walk down to the Ferry Building. I’d also recommend trying to fit in a cable-car ride if you have time, even if you just do a loop and don’t get off. It’s such a great way to see the city.
What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
Definitely visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. We cycled below the bridge near to the water, taking lots of photos. You really appreciate the scale of the bridge from this perspective. And then actually going across the bridge was a brilliant experience — the views of San Francisco Bay are unbeatable. It was definitely the highlight of my trip.
Where do you like to let your hair loose?
My hair was certainly loose on the open-top bus we took around the city — it was very windy! On this occasion we were on a family holiday with two young children, so going out and partying wasn’t part of the trip.
The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
We get a fridge magnet from every location we visit on holiday; it has become a tradition for us as a family. We brought a couple home from San Francisco featuring our favourite landmarks.
Your favourite beauty spot?
San Francisco is filled with iconic landmarks, so finding a beauty spot is pretty easy. We loved the marina and walking down Crissy Field South Beach, all the way to under the Golden Gate Bridge. There are some amazing photo spots.
Your packing essential?
A raincoat… when it rained, it really rained! And a good pair of trainers are essential as you’ll end up doing a lot of walking.
Your dress code for the destination?
We went in January, and it was 14 to 15C — if you are travelling there in winter, you’ll need a coat. It’s a trendy place but not super dressy, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I opted for casual clothing such as jeans, trainers and a jacket.
Building you would like to live in?
I would want to live in Sausalito, which is just outside of San Francisco on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is so beautiful and completely different from San Francisco. It is a good excursion if you want to take a step back from the busyness of the city. Another reason I’d find it easy to live in Sausalito is the community feel there — it has a small-town vibe, which is very welcoming and comforting. It’s good for an active lifestyle, too, with plenty of cycling opportunities, but we also saw lots of people hiking and sailing.
Do you exercise when travelling?
In San Francisco, we were doing about 15,000 steps a day and also cycled lots. My husband did a couple of runs in the mornings and loved it — running is another great way to see the city, especially in the morning when it is a bit quieter.
How do you stay healthy while travelling?
For me, diet is the biggest factor for staying healthy while travelling, following my diagnosis of coeliac disease. Being healthy involves making sure I don’t have any cross-contamination or gluten-containing foods, otherwise I get really poorly. There was a good selection of gluten-free food in the supermarkets in San Francisco, which was fantastic. Everything was easy when we ate in restaurants, too; the staff were helpful and understanding of the fact that I have coeliac disease. They were happy to accommodate my needs.
