San Francisco is a place of many diverse cultures and identities. This bay city has everything from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to one of the largest Chinatowns in America. With something new at every corner, you will never be bored. I got the opportunity to visit this incredible city in the summer and I’m going to share with you some of my favorite things to do in the bay area.
The Golden Gate Bridge
This wouldn’t be a post about San Francisco if I didn’t mention the most photographed bridge in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge is a mile long bridge that has been around for decades. It is a must-see if you ever go to the bay area. My favorite spot of the bridge is at Battery Spencer!
Tip: Bring a jacket, it gets quite windy!
Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39
This tourist attraction was one of my favorites because it had food and shops in one area. I ate clam chowder at one of the vendors and it was delicious! If you need souvenirs, this is the place to be. I love collecting postcards and magnets so I spent a lot of time here. The sea lions and carousel at Pier 39 are definitely worth the look too!
Fun Fact: San Francisco is the last place to have manually-operated cable cars. Go online to view routes! Some of which are near the Wharf!
Ghirardelli Square
If you love chocolate, you will literally melt when you see this place! There’s even a place where you can see how Ghirardelli makes it chocolate! I got the classic hot fudge sundae and it was to die for!
Union Square
Shops at every corner, this is the place for you shop-a-holics! There are also many hotels and restaurants in this area as well!
Tip: Cheesecake Factory is on the top floor of Macy’s in Union Square!
Lombard Street
Known as the world’s crookedest street, this road includes eight hairpin turns going downhill that makes you question how a street like this even exists. It was very cool to see cars drive down this twisty road along with the passengers sticking their heads out, recording the whole experience.
Warning: Walking up this street is difficult! (Walking to this street is hard too!)
City Lights Bookstore
Calling all bookworms! If you like books, this is your dream. Similar to the Strand in NYC, this bookstore is an independent book chain that anyone could spend all day reading at.
Chinatown
Dim sum and/or Asian food lovers will not be disappointed at the the nation’s oldest Chinatown. I ate dim sum at the Great Eastern Restaurant and it was delicious! Another yummy place to eat is the House of Nanking.
Although I saw many of the places I wanted to see in SF, there were a few other spots I didn’t get the chance to check out.
The Painted Ladies
Full House fans should have these homes at the top of their list. I didn’t get the chance to check out these colorful houses, but I definitely will next time!
Tip: Alamo Square is right across from these pastel homes so it would be a great spot for a picnic!
Alcatraz
Make sure to purchase tickets in advance to check out this remarkable spot!
San Francisco was an amazing place to spend with my family. I would definitely recommend coming here for a fun getaway. My favorite spot has to be the iconic Golden Gate Bridge because it’s very representative of San Francisco’s history. Fisherman’s Wharf was also one of my favorite places because the people and the environment were so lively and upbeat. I thought it was interesting how San Francisco is one of the richest cities in the nation and how different it is from other cities in California such as Los Angeles. Overall, I felt that San Francisco is a great place to visit because the people are very friendly and you always find something to do in this never-ending city of possibilities.
I hope this post was useful for those traveling to San Francisco or those who were curious about this amazing city!
Pictures: Taken by me
Editing Software: VSCO
Collage Software: Pic Collage