San Francisco CA historic,low-rise architecture and its walkable,intimate neighborhoods are well known. San Francisco is known for its lively improv scene,and many of the original shows that start here go on to Broadway in New York.
It is a cultural hub for people of all nationalities,ethnicities and sexual orientations. Most residents are immigrants,making it easy to start a conversation.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
At 1.7 miles long,the famous Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. The deep-orange Art Deco suspension bridge crosses a namesake strait between San Francisco and Marin County.
City officials wanted to accelerate growth,despite the fact that ferry service was the main method of transportation across the Strait. Engineer Michael O’Shaughnessy proposed a bridge. He hired Joseph Strauss as the designer.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s famous tourist destination featuring a long coastal row of seafood restaurants,clam chowder stands and quirky attractions. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite,photos and souvenirs.
Locals love watching the sea lions lounge on floating wooden barges,flop around and fight with hordes of tourists watching. The classic two-story carousel is another attraction!
3. Alamo Square
This verdant hilltop offers breathtaking views. The dual-level play area and tennis court are popular with kids,while dogs love to run around in the grassy expanse.
The neighborhood’s food renaissance also makes it a top dining destination. Enjoy a thick bread toast with a cup of coffee at Four Barrel,or try the signature pastas from Che Fico.
4. Chinatown
This historic area is one of the largest outside of Asia. It’s awash with culture,food and heritage. Discover the Street of Painted Balconies where you will find family-run temples and restaurants.
Once upon a time,prostitution was rampant in the alleys (see Bartlett Alley). Visit St. Mary’s Church at California and Grant,which survived the 1906 earthquake. This Catholic church welcomes diversity and offers daily masses.
5. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park offers an outdoor getaway with miles of lawns,bridle trails and lakes. From top museums and botanical gardens to Dutch windmills and a bison paddock,there are plenty of things to do.
The entire park is free,though some of its attractions charge admission (de Young Museum,California Academy of Sciences). Spreckels Lake is dotted with mature Monterey Cypress trees. You can ride a bicycle or take a stroll around the lake.
6. Haight-Ashbury
During the Summer of Love,a wide range of people flocked to the Haight-Ashbury. This included young college students with no intention of dropping out,spiritual groups,and runaways from nearby military bases.
In June 1967,the psychedelic era reached its peak when Haight-area bands were given their first big break by the Monterey Pop Festival. You can still shop for tie-dyed t-shirts and love beads in the neighborhood.
7. Alamo Square Theater
Whether you want to see the real-life Painted Ladies or Keanu Reeves’ favorite juice bar,Alamo Square is a great place to visit. The charming neighborhood is also home to a number of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Do The Bay and SF Parks Alliance host Sundown Cinema,an awesome free outdoor movie series at iconic San Francisco parks. Enjoy local music,food and entertainment prior to the film. The films will celebrate San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
8. Golden Gate Park Zoo
When it comes to San Francisco attractions,the zoo is one of my favourites. It offers great,natural exhibits and a lot of amazing animals that are ambassadors for their species.
9. Haight-Ashbury District
Haight-Ashbury’s heart is located at the intersection between Haight and Ashbury Streets. This is where 1960s flower power blossomed,a counterculture movement that reached its height during the Summer of Love in 1967.
10. Golden Gate Park
From top museums to a botanical garden and herds of bison,Golden Gate Park has plenty for everyone. Grassy meadows,bridle paths,and lakes provide a scenic backdrop to a variety of attractions.