I love the Bay Area and one of the biggest draws is San Francisco. San Francisco was built on top of fill that was pushed or moved into the Bay to create more livable space. The entire area was hit really hard by the 1906 earthquake. Much of the areas that have been filled in took rubble and earth from several of the earthquakes that hit the city in order to create more “flat” land. Since then, the city has worked to maintain the original structures that still stand as well as keep up with the growth in the area. There are also several environmental restoration projects going on to return some of the original marshland to the area.
This city boasts both the hustle and bustle of a big city with small spaces that move at a very different pace. You can be on the move all day, or you can take the time to look for the small things that bring you happiness. Figure out which pace you are looking for before you go so you can make tentative plans before you go.
If you get the chance to visit, here are just a few of the things I highly recommend.
1. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
It is going to be breezy, but walking it truly is a great feeling. It’s just over 1.5 miles long, so I would recommend good walking shoes. If you are able to get there on a semi-clear day, the views both inland and out to sea are stunning. There is a small park on the other side from San Francisc
2. Have lunch in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a very large park that houses the De Young Museum (also recommend if they have something you’re interested in). It spans from Ocean Beach to the Pan Handle with tons of smaller attractions like fountains, San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and playgrounds sprinkled in. I highly recommend looking into it before hand so you have time to see the parts you want.
3. Walk Pier 39/ Fisherman’s Warf
Pier 39 is famed for its many shops and restaurants on the pier. It started as a functional pier where fishermen brought in their catch each day, and slowly turned into a huge attraction with interactive museums, shops, restaurants, and more. There is fun for all ages no matter what you are looking for. If you are going to be in SF for more than one day, I highly recommend taking a few hours to walk around and see what there is. There is often live music, and local artists out with their wares. There is also an aquarium/museum right next door, the Exploratorium. This is an interactive area that relates to the natural area around it as well as incorporating new technology and interactive activities for all ages.
4. Haight Ashbury
This street is known for its interesting collection of shops, stores, and restaurants. This is a great place to go thrift shopping, if that is something you are into. There are quite a few vintage stores along the street that have clothes dating back to the 1800s. There are also other fun newer styled boutique stores. The street is decorated with the lives of the people who live there, and it has an incredibly welcoming vibe.
5. Cable car to Chinatown
There are not many cities that still have or use cable cars. San Francisco has a network of cable car rails going through the city and they have been maintained. Locals use the cars to get to and from work, tourists ride for the thrill of doing something new and not having to try to navigate the chaos that is the streets of the city. I recommend taking the cable car to Chinatown for several reasons. One, it seems to be about the right time for people to enjoy the ride but not get bored. Two, because of the railroads and the world at the time, China town has a long and rich history that goes back to the beginnings of the city. There are great shops, delicious authentic food, and plenty of little gems to be found.
6. Get lost
Planning a trip is always advised. There are going to be things that you/your party wants to see, and it is nice to have an idea of what you will be doing for the day. That being said, some of my favorite memories of traveling are letting myself get lost in the city. By lost, I mean just wander around and see what you find. But keep a map or your phone handy so you can get back. You might find a glass shop that will let you blow your own memento. You might come across a store that has been open since 1910 that has interesting features you can’t find anymore. You might go down a set of stairs, into a basement on a residential block and find the best sushi you have ever had (I did). Whatever you find, you might see more by not having a specific destination in mind.
Other well-known attractions include Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, and the Painted Ladies. Slightly less well-known than New York’s Top of the Rock is SF’s Top of the Mark. The Mark Hopkins Hotel has a long and involved history in San Francisco that is on display in the lobby. On the top floor they have a 360 degree view of San Francisco. The bar is open to the public without a reservation at the hotel. It is absolutely stunning, and the drinks (non-alcoholic and with) are well made in front of you. There are appetizers available at the bar with the full menu being reserved for the tables.
Traveling is something that most people do differently and find their own groove. If you take the time to visit the famed “City by the Bay”, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. There are millions of things to do, but it is worth every second of the planning to take the time to visit. Just remember to bring good walking shoes as you will need them.