All About SAN FRANCISCO,
my favourite city in California
If you didn't know, I lived in San Francisco for 7 years when I was growing up. Although I was quite young when I was there, SF will always hold a place in my heart and will always be one of my favourite places to visit. I visit often and will update my guide accordingly!
PLACES TO VISIT
- Take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge
- You can't pass up visiting one of the iconic bridges on the West Coast.
- I would suggest driving/walking/biking across the bridge to Sausalito's Vista Point to take your picture. It is about a 5 to 6 mile walk across, so be prepared!
- Ride around SF in an iconic cable car
- Although I'm sure you'll want to hang off the side of the cable car as it goes up a steep hill, for safety reasons, you aren't allowed. So don't be disappointed when the conductor yells at you!
- Brave the crowds at Pier 39 to see the sea lions
- Also known as Fisherman's Wharf, it is a nice afternoon spot by the Bay
- Walk through a number of diverse neighbourhoods SF has to offer
- Mission District, Chinatown, Pacific Heights, Union Square, Japantown - to name a few
- Drive down Lombard Street, one of the steepest streets in the downtown area
- Watch the SF Giants play at one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums, AT&T Park
- Dress warmly! As AT&T Park is located right by the water, the breeze is quite strong and it gets chilly as the sun sets.
- Visit Twin Peaks to get a nice view of the city.
- See above photo!
- See the Painted Ladies from Alamo Square Park
- For the Full House fans
- Actual houses located at Hayes and Steiner Streets
- Take a ferry and visit The Rock, aka Alcatraz Island
- Go shipping in Union Square
- Drive up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower for a nice view of the bridges and the Bay
- There is a $3 fee to go up the elevator for the view
- Walk through one of SF's famous farmer's markets at the San Francisco Ferry Building
- The farmer's market is open on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm
PLACES TO EAT
- Sushirrito: yes, it is exactly what it sounds like...sushi burritos
- Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: go for their cruffins!
- Fog Harbor Fish House: a bit on the pricier side, but the food is delicious and it has a great view of the water
- Kincaids
- Be sure to Google their secret menu when dining at In-N-Out
- Bi-Rite Creamery is most famous for their salted caramel ice cream
- Clam Chowder in sourdough bowls from Boudin's
- Tartine Bakery: delicious bread pudding and their salted chocolate brownies are delicious
- Pizzeria Delfina
- Mama's on Washington Square for their famous brunch
- Philz Coffee: get the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee
- Brunch at Brenda's French Soul Food
THINGS TO NOTE
- There are So. Many. Hills.
- You will find yourself walking up and down many steep streets, so make sure you bring proper footwear! This video depicts it perfectly.
- Plan for Road Trips, as there are many spots that I would suggest visiting while you're in the SF area, such as:
- Sausalito
- As mentioned above, I like the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito.
- You can also see the cityscape and bay view from Cavallo Point.
- Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Carmel-By-The-Sea
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Big Sur
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz
- Wineries
- Napa Valley
- Sanoma County
- Yosemite National Park
- When in doubt, dress warm
- The breeze from the Bay is definitely a lot more prominent than you'd imagine.
- If your main mode of transportation is a car (which I would highly recommend due to the crazy hills as mentioned), beware of all the one-way streets.
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