Sight-Seeing In San Francisco

Our next travel adventure will be….sight-seeing in San Francisco, California , the City by the bay. This City has many things to offer and I don’t think it can be accomplish in one day. To fully see this City would take three or four days to take it all in, so if you’re lucky enough to have that much time, go for it.

For me going to San Francisco has been a destination that I frequent often. Having family there as a child and now my son has been living 6 years in the city, I can safely say, I’ve been to S.F. hundreds of times, plus only living 2 hours away helps.

I don’t want to make this hub to overwhelming, so I will limit my information and have a Part 1 and Part 2 hub. There is just to much to see and do and packing all that info into one hub would overload everyone’s brain.

Here we go………………..

If you’re a first time visitor below is a list of 10 favorite activities to see in the City….I will however, include other attractions in Part 2.

1. Ride a Cable Car: uniquely San Francisco, the cable cars are often called the City’s moving landmark. They are fun, exciting and can be used as public transportation to get from one destination to the other.

2. Lombard Street: Isn’t the “Crookedest” Street, nor is it the steepest, but it's surely the best-known. It's a one-way street, only a block long, with eight sharp turns. Most people drive down the street but you can get off the cable car at the top and walk down.

3. Chinatown: Just 8 short blocks long , S.F. Chinatown is one of the largest community on the west coast. And believe me, when you are there is feels like your in China. The shops and stores are very traditional and culturally, its remarkable.

4. Golden Gate Park: You could honestly spend all day here and probably not see everything. We often take a picnic lunch with us, a blanket and find a spot and just take in the beautiful grounds. The GGP is larger then Central Park in New York City and is the city’s largest outdoor spot. When your there you can see Dutch windmills, a buffalo heard, museums and beautiful gardens. I would recommend: The Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, California Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers, just to name a few. Just a note: Parking is horrendous, I would recommend taking public transportation for this attraction.

5. Golden Gate Bridge: Who hasn’t seen this sight in movies, travel magazines or television. This bridge is one of the most photographed sights in the world. You certainly can drive over the bridge or better yet walk the bridge. If your afraid of heights this may not be your thing and its windy so dress accordingly. The bridge can be seen from anywhere in the City…Its a magnificent sight. 　

6. The Exploratorium: Is a modern, hands-on-science museum in The Palace of Fine Arts. The outdoor rotunda and its lagoon are some of the most photographed in S.F. This museums is kid friendly with lots of hands-on exhibits that the whole family will love.

7. Sausalito: Take a ferry ride during the day across the Bay to Sausalito where you can browse in the shops and have a bite to eat. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this city. The views of the city from here is one of the best.

8. Alcatraz: This is a must see for everyone. Take the ferry to the island where the prison is built, take a guided tour or one on your own of the cell block, exercise yard and other locations. A fun way to see Alcatraz, is at night. This leaves more time during the day for other activities.

9. Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square: These popular sights are all in the same area and most visitors name this the #1 things to do in S.F. This would probably take a few hours to see. The wharf has wonderful seafood restaurants, Pier 39, is packed with shops galore and eateries, and a wonderful view of the bay. I wouldn’t miss these sights.

10. North Beach : This area is just across from Chinatown and is called “Little Italy.” If your looking for old-fashioned Italian food this is your place. Sit at one of the cafes, people watch, or eat in the park and take in the local shops. Also, in this area across from Washington Square is Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. A beautiful cathedral and something that shouldn’t be missed. Nearby is Coit Tower, that offers a panoramic views of the city and bay, from the top of Telegraph Hill.

If your visiting S.F. for just a day here are a few suggestions for getting around in San Francisco. Parking around the Wharf and Pier 39 is durable. Parking in an all day lot can be found for a reasonable price in this area. Feeding a meter is another way to go but this limits your time plus I don’t think you would enjoy yourself.

Taking Bart into the City and using public transportation eliminates your worries about parking. If your staying in a local hotel/motel…ask them for help. Remember you have cable cars, buses, taxis and your walking shoes at your disposable to see this fantastic City.

More to follow in Part 2.……………