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San Francisco Travel
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spectacular views and scenery, historic buildings, world-class shops and restaurants, and a quirky neighbourhood vibe all draw visitors in their millions every year. A comfy pair of walking shoes is a must for your visit because you'll be doing a lot of walking. San Francisco has loads of clearly defined, local districts that are best explored on foot. So get out there and discover!
Take a deep breath as you climb the famous Filbert Street Steps up to Coit Tower. Built by Lillie Hitchcock Coit in 1933 as a dedication to the city's beauty, the tower looks out over Telegraph Hill and North Beach, providing spectacular views across the city and out to Alcatraz.
Chinatown sits proudly in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Settled in the 1850s during the California gold rush, it has teased and tantalised visitors ever since. The imposing Dragon Gate at the corner of Bush and Grant streets marks the entrance to more than 24 blocks of bustling life. If you don't feast on dim sum while you're here, you'll be denying yourself one of life's great pleasures. Wind your way through food markets full of ancient potions and herbs and pick up a set of Chinese iron balls in one of the many emporiums. San Francisco claims to have invented the fortune cookie. The kids will love seeing them being made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley.
North Beach sits at the foot of Telegraph Hill. Settled before the 1906 earthquake that levelled most of the city, it's now mainly known as an Italian neighbourhood, but was also home to the famous bohemian beat generation of the '50s. Beat poet Jack Kerouac has a small alleyway named after him.
After relaxing in Washington Square Park, treat yourself to a traditional Italian sausage pizza at North Beach Pizza on Grant St.
The Haight district is hippie central. Though nowadays its Victorian buildings house somewhat more upmarket shops, it still oozes a '60s Summer of Love, vibe. One of the world's most famous intersections, Haight-Ashbury is just up the road from the Grateful Dead's infamous Ashbury St home.
While you're there, pick up a tie-dyed psychedelic T-shirt or visit Amoeba Music at the very end of Haight St. Also visit Alamo Square's famous postcard row of houses. These 'painted ladies' frame the spectacular city skyline.
It's time to hang up your walking boots for a while and hop on a San Francisco icon - a cable car. First running in the 1870s, they are a classic way to ride round town as they rattle up and down the amazingly hilly streets, clanging their bells as a warning to any lazy pedestrians to hustle it along.
I couldn't get over how they didn't go racing back down the tracks and crash at the bottom of the hills. They must have very good drivers!! Hop off at Fisherman's Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco Exciting sights and sounds await you at Fisherman’s Wharf. The fresh sea air invigorates as you move thorough the wharf, which is lined with a fun and eclectic array of shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Catch a ferry out to Alcatraz. Founded as a federal jail in 1934, ‘the Rock' is set in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Over the years, it's been home to some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert 'Birdman' Stroud. Take an audio tour of the imposing cell blocks and lock yourself in one of the cells - if you dare! The view of the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge is wonderful. On the cable car trip back in to town, hop off at legendary Lombard St, the crookedest street in the world. With its eight tight hairpin turns, it's become a much-photographed tourist spot.
Take a walk round the steep streets of San Francisco. The Victorian Home Walk tour takes you through the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighbourhoods. You'll learn the difference between Queen Anne and Italianate architecture and see Victorian houses from Mrs Doubtfire.
Go to the top of the hilly Twin Peaks for the greatest view San Francisco has to offer. The 360 degree vista is best appreciated late in the afternoon so you can see the town by day and as the lights come on when it truly starts to sparkle. Hire a bicycle at Fisherman's Wharf and cycle over the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge to nearby Sausalito. Trawl through the galleries and old-time shops, have a gelato by the bay and travel home on the ferry as you soak in the sensational city skyline view.
San Francisco's Golden Gate Park San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a lovely place to spend a day, a place for stimulating diversions, or serene contemplation. You can explore the De Young Museum, with one of the world’s finest collections of Mesoamerican art, or marvel at the splendor of the San Francisco Botanical Garden, with its wide array of unique plants and flowers.
While in San Francisco, make sure you go under and on The Golden Gate Bridge. It is an amazing structure.
Also I highly recommend having chocolate chip cookies from the shop at Pier 39. I'm sorry but I can't remember the name of it. Their cookies are heavenly and huge.
I had never seen any so big before. If anyone knows the name of the shop, let me know and I will add it here, so everyone can enjoy them.
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