San Francisco inaugurates its Martini Trail

The San Francisco Tourism Office has just unveiled the San Francisco Martini Trail, a unique route showcasing 23 iconic martinis and the establishments that elevate them throughout the famous City by the Bay.

A timeless symbol of elegance and simplicity, the martini is as divisive as it is fascinating. While its exact origins are still debated, San Francisco played a pivotal role in its global rise to fame.

Born in the region during the Gold Rush and later perfected in the city’s saloons, the martini perfectly embodies the spirit of San Francisco: refined without being ostentatious, constantly reinvented, and impossible to forget.

“The Martini Trail is both a tribute to San Francisco’s history and a celebration of its future. It’s where the martini found its style, and where it continues to be reinvented,” says Anna Marie Presutti, CEO of San Francisco Travel.

“San Francisco has always pushed boundaries. Together, we celebrate the culinary creativity and cocktail art that the city is famous for.”

The Martini Trail winds through San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods, from the Embarcadero to The Richmond, passing through downtown and its legendary bars.

Each stop highlights a unique location where tradition and creativity blend in true San Francisco spirit.

This selection was curated by Omar Mamoon, a San Francisco-based food and travel journalist.

His writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Esquire (“Best Bars,” “Best New Restaurants”).

His 23 favorite martinis reflect the full diversity and expertise of the local mixology scene.